By Isle of Wight Observer
The IW Observer and Island Echo are teaming up once again to host a major community event – the ‘State of the Island Debate’ – bringing together influential voices to discuss the most pressing issues facing our Island.
The free-to-attend event will take place on Friday, June 13, from 6pm to 8pm, at the Riverside Centre in Newport, with doors opening from 5.30pm.
Chaired by Marc Morgan-Huws, CEO of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, the evening will feature a panel of key local figures debating topics such as the Island’s struggling tourism industry, rising ferry costs, education challenges and NHS services.
Confirmed panellists include Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East), Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West), Steven Holbrook (CEO of the Isle of Wight Chamber of Commerce) and Sir Paul Kenny, who is exploring cross-Solent ferries as part of the Islanders’ Charter. More panelists will be confirmed over the coming days.
Audience capacity is limited to 200, and although entry is free, pre-registration is required with tickets available from next Friday. The Riverside Centre’s bar will be open throughout.
Editor of the IW Observer, Carole Dennett explained: “The State of the Island Debate is a vital platform for Islanders to hear directly from key decision-makers and hold them to account on issues that affect our daily lives. The Island faces complex challenges which include concerns about our economy, transport, education and healthcare, so fostering open dialogue is more important than ever.
“We are very different organisations, but this collaboration between the IW Observer and Island Echo reflects our shared commitment to independent journalism that puts the needs of the Island at its heart.”
Earlier in the day, as part of Indie News Week 2025, Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer will also be inviting readers to meet the editors and the wider teams. This informal afternoon session, also being held at the Riverside Centre, will be an opportunity for the public to ask questions, raise concerns and share ideas for future investigations. Join us for a chat over a cup of tea and learn more about how the Island’s independent media operates.
Editor and Publisher of Island Echo, Darren Toogood said: “This is the first time that both publications have been available for questioning by the readers in this way, so it is a not-to-be missed event.
“As locally owned, independent publications, we are truly at the heart of the Isle of Wight community and we are committed to listening to our readers, and sharing in a transparent way how we deliver the news to thousands of Islanders each and every day”.
More details about Indie News Week and how to register to attend will be released in due course.
Limited parking is available on site at the Riverside Centre for both events, with additional council parking available at Newport Quay and Sea Street.
This is the second major joint event organised by the Echo and IW Observer, and follows the success of the two General Election hustings held in Ryde and Newport last year.
