Original Isle Of Wight Festival Spirit To Be Revived Over August Bank Holiday

The sights and sounds of the legendary 1970 Isle of Wight Festival will return this August Bank Holiday with a series of special events marking its 55th anniversary.

Ray Foulk, co-promoter of the iconic Afton event that featured Jimi Hendrix, The Doors and The Who, will return to the Island to launch an updated edition of his book The Last Great Event.

The new chapters reflect on the festival’s legacy and its modern revival under John Giddings, with over 50 new photographs from recent years.

The 1970 festival drew an estimated 600,000 people and remains one of the largest music gatherings in history. Its story lives on through recordings, film, and the annual Isle of Wight Festival in Newport, which attracts global attention.

The Bank Holiday weekend programme includes:

• Thursday 21 August – 6pm, Medina Bookshop, CowesOfficial book launch of the expanded The Last Great Event. Ray will share behind-the-scenes stories, sign copies, and meet festival fans. Free entry with a complimentary drink.

• Friday 22 August – 6pm to 8pm, Dimbola, Freshwater BayA presentation by Ray Foulk, moderated by broadcaster Tom Stroud, with live music from the 1970 era and a complimentary Mermaid gin on arrival. Tickets £5 (£4 Friends of Dimbola).

• Saturday 23 August – 4pm to 8pm, Triple A Records, NewportOpening of The Wight Music Experience exhibition, showcasing festival artefacts and Island music history. Includes a film screening, discussion, and live music from 2pm. Free entry.

Ray said:

“The history of the Isle of Wight Festival endures thanks to the amazing run of 23 festivals organised by John Giddings and Solo.

"I’m proud to add a new section about these events to this revised edition. May the festival go from strength to strength.”

Whether you attend one event or all three, the weekend offers a rare chance to relive the spirit of one of the world’s most famous music festivals and celebrate its place in both local and global culture.