By Mal Butler
The Isle of Wight Festival burst into life last night, and even organiser John Giddings admits he’s as excited as the tens of thousands arriving on site – especially after staff surprised him with a giant inflatable yellow submarine bobbing proudly on the Medina.
The IW Festival gets in full swing later this afternoon (Friday) with the expectations of the tens of thousands of music fans who will attend sky high – but they’re not the only ones getting excited!
Organiser John Giddings said this week: “I woke up a week ago and I just felt so excited by what was going to happen at the festival! It seems a long, long time ago when I was back in London in the middle of a cold, wet November’s day and this day looked so far away. Now it’s happening and it’s just a great feeling.”
The festival was sold out weeks ago with headliners like Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure, but John said it had nothing to do with the lack of the Glastonbury Festival this summer.
He added: “It’s nothing to do with Glastonbury, most of the people who go there just want to be seen, they don’t tend to come over here.
“Since I’ve arrived on the Island people have been coming up to me and telling me how much they are looking forward to going. Judging by their reaction it’s going to be a weekend they will really enjoy.
“It’s a great line-up and there is something for everyone. This year we have included the ‘Last Chance Saloon’ a stage dedicated to Country music. Country is exploding around the world and it’s another huge bit of fun.
“We have some great acts performing, the headliners speak for themselves, but there is Wet Leg, Luvcat and The Last River Party among so many others. And on the River Stage we have Girl in the Year Above, who are my tip for the top.”
John takes great pride in the stars of the future who appear at the festival and he said: “I spend a lot of time and energy looking at up-and-coming talent. We received an award last Christmas for helping young talent.
“This year we have the Platform One winners, we have also take part in the Hot Vox competition giving two talented new artists the chance to perform here and we even have given a slot to the winner of a competition with the Harrodian School in London.”
Other areas of the Festival where you can look out for local talent include the Kashmir Cafe and Kidzone site. This has had a makeover this year with lots of new stages including the Bull Stage, which plays host to the Island’s future stars.
Site staff have also joined in the sense of fun this year, presenting John with the present of a giant inflatable ‘yellow submarine’ which was moored in the harbour and adds to the festivities.
John said: “I couldn’t believe it when they called me over and presented it to me.”
The Isle of Wight Festival is full of surprises – even for the man who pulls it all together!
Isle of Wight Observer