Red Funnel Helps Island Talent Shine On National Stage

(L) Jess Burfitt - credit Adam Jervis Photography and (R) Coach Party

From dance competitions in Spain to festival stages across the UK, Isle of Wight performers are making their mark in 2025 – supported by Red Funnel’s Island Ambassadors initiative.

The scheme provides 12-month ferry travel sponsorships to help talented Islanders overcome travel barriers and seize opportunities to perform, compete and showcase their skills on the mainland and beyond.

Now past the halfway point of the year, this year’s ambassadors are already celebrating major successes.

Coach Party Making Waves

Indie rock band Coach Party are enjoying a strong return with their latest single Girls!, which hit number four in the vinyl charts.

The group has also announced their second studio album, Caramel, due for release in September, described as their “most personal and honest record to date.”

Recent highlights include a slot at The Great Escape Festival in Brighton and an exclusive album launch at London’s 100 Club.

The band’s summer schedule has included shows at DocksFest in Cleethorpes, Forest Fest in Ireland.

Dancing to Success

Thirteen-year-old dancer Jess Burfitt from Shanklin represented Team England at the 2025 Dance World Cup in Burgos, Spain, finishing an impressive fifth place in the commercial dance category.

Jess, who trains at MLD Studio in Ryde, has been dancing since the age of two and has built a string of national and regional wins.

She also competed in last year’s Dance World Cup in Prague and continues to progress through 2025, qualifying for the national finals later this year.

She said:

“I was so proud to represent England in the Dance World Cup for the second year in a row.

"I was incredibly grateful for all the support from my dance teacher Michelle Davis, my parents, and the sponsors who made it possible for me.”

Also flying the flag for Island talent, sisters Jasmine and Isabel achieved top-eight finishes at the World Freelance Dance Championship.

Jasmine secured semi-final spots in both Street and Freestyle Disco, while Isabel reached the quarter finals in Street and took silver overall at the World Championship.

A week later, Isabel retained her Champion of Champions title at the Hampshire Championships.

Backing Local Talent

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said:

“The Isle of Wight is home to so much amazing talent and we know just how much hard work goes into preparing for success.

"We’re proud to play a part in showcasing the Island’s stars on the national stage, and by supporting talented Islanders with their ferry travel, we help them focus on what they do best to gain the recognition they truly deserve.”

The Island Ambassadors programme is part of Red Funnel’s Changing Tides ESG strategy, which aims to support Island communities, foster local spirit and aid businesses.

To follow the progress of Red Funnel’s Island Ambassadors, visit: www.redfunnel.co.uk/proud-support.