Isle Of Wight Festival Thursday: Must-See Acts As Festival Weekend Gets Underway

The gates are set to open, the tents will soon be popping up and thousands of music fans are about to descend on Seaclose Park as the Isle of Wight Festival 2026 gets underway.

Over the next four days, festival-goers will be treated to a packed programme of music, entertainment and unforgettable moments, with headline performances from Lewis Capaldi, The Cure and Calvin Harris among the highlights.

While the Main Stage doesn't open until tomorrow, Thursday offers plenty of reasons to get down to the arena early.

From unique tribute acts and local favourites to chart-topping DJs and late-night festival fun, here's our pick of the acts you won't want to miss on day one.

Kyliefied – Electro Love (4pm-4.45pm)

If you're looking to start the weekend with a dose of pure pop, Kyliefied should be high on your list.

Fronted by Celena, who has been performing as global pop icon Kylie Minogue since 2004, the show celebrates five decades of hits from one of music's most successful performers.

Expect all the classics, plenty of glamour and a performance designed to transport fans straight into Kylie territory.

Elvana – Big Top (6.10pm-6.55pm)

One of the most talked-about tribute crossovers on the UK festival circuit returns to the Isle of Wight.

Elvana takes the music of Nirvana and performs it as if fronted by Elvis Presley.

It sounds bizarre on paper, but the combination of grunge anthems and Vegas swagger has earned the band a huge following.

Expect singalongs, laughter and one of the most memorable sets of the day.

Born Ina Barn – Cirque de la Quirk (7.40pm-8.40pm)

For something completely different, head over to Cirque de la Quirk for Born Ina Barn.

The underground hip-hop collective was formed by a close-knit group of childhood friends and has built a reputation for energetic live performances, sharp lyricism and a unique sound that blends multiple influences.

A hidden gem for anyone wanting to discover something new.

Hush Silent Disco – Intoxicated Tea Rooms (8.30pm-11pm)

Not every festival highlight takes place on a stage.

The legendary silent disco returns for another year, giving festival-goers the chance to dance the night away through wireless headphones while everyone outside wonders what on earth is going on.

Watching hundreds of people singing and dancing in apparent silence remains one of the great Isle of Wight Festival traditions.

Ska'd For Life – Hipshaker (9.30pm-10.30pm)

Island favourites Ska'd For Life bring their trademark high-energy sound to Thursday night.

Known for getting crowds bouncing wherever they play, the Isle of Wight ska band mixes classic ska, two-tone and party atmosphere into a set that's guaranteed to get the weekend started properly.

Joel Corry – Big Top (10pm-11pm)

Thursday night's biggest draw comes in the shape of dance music superstar Joel Corry.

The DJ and producer has amassed more than four billion global streams and enjoyed a string of huge hits including Head & Heart, BED, Sorry and Out Out.

He has earned multiple BRIT Award nominations and become one of the UK's biggest dance music exports, while also securing major club residencies in Ibiza and Las Vegas.

Brave Rival – Kashmir Cafe (10.05pm-10.55pm)

Describing themselves as a band with "no gimmicks, no frills", Brave Rival have built a growing reputation thanks to their powerful live shows.

Blending huge riffs, soaring vocals and relentless energy, they're exactly the kind of band that thrives in a festival environment. If classic rock is your thing, this could be one of Thursday's standout performances.