The Isle of Wight Festival is probably one of the first UK rock festivals to ever take place way back in 1968! Yes thats right back in the hippie days the small isle of wight played host to some of the greatest artist that shook the world of rock and roll. Originally a one day festival with artist's like Mark Bolan playing of the back of a truck it grew to have stars like Bob Dylan, The who, and probably the greatest of all Jimi Hendrix to play out over a magnificent country setting.
Today the festival runs for three days and still seems to clean up with the amazing bands of this era all fighting to play such an historic event. Its become a more fun party atmosphere with a reputation of fancy dress!! There's no doubt that if you want be part of a fun party with great music then this is one to look out for.
How to get to the festival?
If you are camping and bringing your car, just follow the signs to fairlee road where you will be directed to one of the campsite car parks, please don't try and sleep in your car as this could result in you not being allowed into the festival, once in you will be directed to the camping fields. If you are going without a car then there is regular festival buses picking up from the ferry ports, you can check out all the bus times at www.islandbuses.info.
Stocking up?
If you couldn't be bothered to carry all your food and booze then its not a problem as the main town of Newport is only a 15-20 minute walk away, alternatively you can catch the local buses in and the is many different supermarkets and cafe's to use.
Camping?
Once in and all set up there is easy access to the main arena, just simply follow the pathways which take you straight into strawberry fields and the main arena. Always take valuables with you, there is security patrolling the site but its not worth taking the risk. For those with families or you lot who like to get some sleep of a night look out for the sleepy hollow camp site, its much more relaxed and keeps you away from all the noise at night. Unfortunately there a strict no camp fire rule for safety reasons.
Alcohol?
No alcohol is to be taken into the arena, so find a good hiding place to sneak it in, but be warned they will confiscate it if found. You can buy it in there and for those of you under age maybe start thinking about a fake id because the over 18 rule still applies.
There are plenty of bars in the arena and in strawberry fields, so there's no excuse to stay sober!!
Final thought!!
All in all its the same at every festival, be careful, look out for each other, enjoy the music and have fun. Be part of history make isle of wight festival on your top ten list of things to do.
Published on 06 February 2011 by Wayne Feltham
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