By Chris Cornford
Crowds flooded to Robin Hill last weekend for a three‑day celebration of music and entertainment, beginning on Friday night with the Ibiza Orchestra. The 20‑piece ensemble, joined by two vocalists, delivered a high‑energy set of upbeat favourites that went down well with an appreciative audience.
Saturday saw the return of the Sausage & Cider Festival, where visitors enjoyed a huge selection of craft ciders, alongside the usual range of beverages. Sausages were certainly in no short supply, with a menu catering for most tastes. A rodeo, silent disco, and children’s entertainment added to the fun, while two stages hosted tribute acts including Kings of Lyon, Foo Fighterz, Kasabian’t, Young Elton along with Mathew Horne (of Gavin and Stacey fame), and Pat Sharp, well‑known radio and TV presenter.
Sunday shifted into full Country and Western mode with Summer in Nashville. DJs, Diamond Dolly, the Robbie McMinn Band, Chris Stapleton, Country Bound, and a finale from Luke Combs UK all took to the main stage. Line‑dancing lessons, stilt walkers, and themed entertainment kept the crowds smiling, with many festival-goers embracing the country theme in cowboy hats and Western‑style outfits. The rodeo proved especially popular throughout the day, as did the acts performing on the second stage.
Now in its second year at Robin Hill, the weekend has quickly become a highlight of the summer calendar – and festival-goers are already talking about how much they’re looking forward to next year’s event.
Isle of Wight Observer