By Isle of Wight Observer
Final panellists have now been confirmed for next month’s State of the Island Debate 2026 – Travel & Tourism Special, with three more senior figures joining what will undoubtedly be one of the Island’s most important public discussions of the year.
Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, will take her place on the panel to address cross‑Solent travel, reliability, and the pressures facing ferry operators. She will be joined by Simon Moon, the Isle of Wight Council’s strategic director of Community Services, who will speak on highways, road maintenance, and the challenges of keeping the Island moving. Also confirmed is Cllr Jonathan Bacon, who was elected Leader of the Isle of Wight Council on Wednesday evening, giving Islanders the chance to hear directly from the new administration.
They join previously announced panellists Joe Robertson MP (IW East), Richard Quigley MP (IW West) and Visit Isle of Wight CEO, Dominic Wray. The debate will once again be chaired by Marc Morgan‑Huws, chief executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
The event will take place at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, on Friday, June 12. The first half of the evening will be dedicated to pre‑selected questions, submitted by readers of the IW Observer and Island Echo. Islanders are invited to send suggestions to newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk, or call 221050 during office hours. A selection will be put to the panel before the floor is opened up for live questions from the audience.
As in the inaugural event last year, the debate gives Islanders direct access to those in positions of influence, with cross‑Solent travel, roads, tourism, and the wider economy all expected to prompt lively discussion. A voluntary collection will be held on the night for Daisy Ring Bus, the volunteer‑run transport service helping Island cancer patients reach mainland hospitals safely and with kindness.
The debate will once again launch Indie News Week (June 15-21), the national celebration of independent journalism, community reporting, and public accountability.
Carole Dennett, Editor of the IW Observer, said: “This year’s panel brings together people who can genuinely influence the Island’s future. Islanders want answers on ferries, roads and tourism, and this debate gives them a rare chance to put those questions directly to those with influence.”
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, added: “We’ve worked hard to make sure the panel reflects the issues people talk to us about every day. It’s going to be a lively, constructive evening – and we want as many Islanders as possible to be part of it.”
Tickets are free and available on a first‑come, first‑served basis at iw.observer/state-of-the-island, or call 221050 if you do not have internet access.
