By Isle of Wight Observer
Islanders can still reserve free tickets for next Friday’s State of the Island Debate 2026 – Travel and Tourism Special, securing a seat for what is expected to be one of the year’s most significant public meetings.
This year’s panel brings together six senior figures whose decisions shape many aspects of life on the Island: Fran Collins (CEO, Red Funnel), Simon Moon (strategic director of Community Services, IW Council), Cllr Jonathan Bacon (Leader, IW Council), Joe Robertson MP (IW East), Richard Quigley MP (IW West) and Dominic Wray (CEO, Visit Isle of Wight). The debate will be chaired by Marc Morgan‑Huws, chief executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Topics covered will include ferry operations, transport resilience, road management, tourism strategy, and the wider economic outlook. The first half of the evening will focus on pre‑submitted questions from readers of the IW Observer and Island Echo, with the floor then opened up to the audience.
IW Observer editor, Carole Dennett, said: “Our readers talk to us constantly about their views on ferries, roads and tourism. This debate gives them a genuine platform to be heard by those who can make a difference. It will be lively, constructive and hopefully useful for all involved.”
Island Echo editor and publisher, Darren Toogood, added: “Islanders rarely get the chance to put questions directly to the people who make decisions that affect their everyday lives. On Friday six senior figures have kindly agreed to answer points and questions raised by Islanders, and we want as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity.”
A voluntary collection will be held for the Daisy Ring Bus, which supports Island cancer patients travelling to mainland hospitals.
Islanders with questions or views they would like to be part of the debate should send them to newsdesk@iwobserver.co.uk or call 221050 during office hours.
The debate takes place at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, on Friday, June 12. Doors open at 6pm for a 7pm start with refreshments available. Free tickets can be reserved at iw.observer/state-of-the-island or by calling 221050.
