One of the UK’s longest-running and renowned events, The Isle of Wight Festival, has just released their headline acts for their 2026 show. The announcement showcased a diverse and far-reaching line-up, with the likes of The Cure, Calvin Harris, and Lewis Capaldi set to appear on stage next June. The festival will return once again to Seaclose Park from the 18th to the 21st of June, marking a prominent summer event for the UK’s 2026 music calendar.

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For many hopeful attendees, the announcement of The Cure stands as the main event amongst the headliner list. The return of one of Britain’s most famous bands to the UK concert scene brings a great sense of historic weight to the festival’s weekend program.

Since forming in Crawley in the late 1970s, frontman Robert Smith and his band quickly gained traction as one of Britain’s most distinctive and popular musical groups. The band found their footing in the gothic rock whilst balancing popular melodies with a post-punk atmosphere. The band’s influences span across multiple generations of musicians and fans. Their discography spans from early staples like ‘A Forest’ and ‘Boys Don’t Cry’ to crowd favourites like ‘Just Like Heaven’ and ‘Friday I’m in Love’, drawing one of the most enduring UK fanbases across almost 50 years.

Alongside The Cure, acts like Calvin Harris and Lewis Capaldi, both of whom represent the two differing ends of the contemporary music scene, will perform on the same stage. Harris, one of the world’s most popular modern DJs and producers, will feel at home performing in front of large-scale festival crowds, having played consistently in front of worldwide arenas and dominating many streaming platforms. This festival will mark a return to performing for Lewis Capaldi after a brief career hiatus, with many fans eager to see the singer-songwriter back on stage following a series of health-related incidents. His set promises both an emotional and celebratory tone as he hopes to reaffirm his status as one of the UK’s most recognisable voices in mainstream music.

The rest of the lineup makes space for a mixture of established names and promising new artists. Local band Wet Leg will return to play on home soil after the recent release of their second album, ‘Moisturizer’,  while The Kooks, Tom Grennan, Teddy Swims, and KT Tunstall are also set to play over the course of the weekend. A nod back to nostalgic musicians like Rick Astley, David Gray, and Shed Seven, alongside the re-formed Sex Pistols (with new vocalist Frank Carter), constitutes the heritage element of the line-up.

Tickets are set to go on sale at 8am BST on October 1, 2025. This will include a variety of tiered ticket options, including day passes, weekend camping tickets, and discounted “Islander” packages for local residents.

Despite faltering in audience numbers in 2024, the Isle of Wight Festival continues to report robust financial performance, generating around £3.4 million in profit last year. The 2026 line-up, relying on a mixture of legacy acts, global stars, and homegrown talent, promises to substantiate the festival’s prior position as one of the country’s leading summer festivals.

Horan took to social media to announce the song titles, which are as follows:

1. Heaven

2. If You Leave Me

3. Meltdown

4. Never Grow Up

5. The Show

6. You Could Start A Cult

7. Save My Life

8. On A Night Like Tonight

9. Science

10. Must Be Love

THE SHOW. JUNE 9. https://t.co/CONzy9aj5i pic.twitter.com/kYj3fZLALs

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 26, 2023

Fans were also treated to small snippets of each track in a video that Horan shared on TikTok.

Which song are ya most excited for ? #THESHOW https://t.co/Lp21lVphQn — Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 27, 2023

The Show is the star’s third album, with Horan taking to social media to say, “This album is a piece of work I’m so proud of and now it’s time to pass it over to you to go and make it your own. Thank you so much for being there for me all this time and I can’t wait to share the next couple of years of this new era with you. I’ve missed you all so much. It’s good to be back.”

Horan released the first single, “Heaven,” from the album back in February.

Talking to Rolling Stone about the track, he said, “One thing I’ve learned over the years is that society loves to pressure us into reaching certain milestones by a certain age. Whether that’s getting married or anything else that really should be based on our own instincts. As I’ve gotten older I’ve tried to let go of those expectations and just follow my heart.”

He continues, “The chorus of this song is saying that what I have in my life currently is amazing. So it would be crazy to ruin that by giving into outside pressures.”

The new album will be just another thing for Horan to take in his stride after an already packed year. Earlier this month, Horan was invited to perform at The White House as part of President Joe Biden’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Taking to Twitter, Horan said “it’s an honour to be invited and represent my country.“

It’s an honour to be invited and represent my country. Looking forward to performing and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at the White House tomorrow https://t.co/iGODUCH4f2

— Niall Horan (@NiallOfficial) March 16, 2023

Horan also recently announced a number of festival appearances that he’ll be making in 2023, hinting at a tour to follow his album release.

See Niall Horan perform here:

18/06/2023 – Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight

07/07/2023 – TRNSMT Festival – Glasgow

Stream “Heaven” here.

This marks the first time in nearly 9 years that Blondie last performed at Glastonbury, the first time ever was back in 1999. The band discussed with Foxy Radio their plans on the side of the road, as reported by Metro. They said, “We’re also doing Isle Of Wight Festival and some other festivals… I guess the full list of artists to be playing Glastonbury hasn’t really been announced yet… but we are going to be playing Glastonbury, so maybe you’ve got an exclusive there.” 

Blondie are also due to perform at The London Palladium for the Lytham Festival 2023 including a special guest slot at Crystal Palace Park, alongside Iggy Pop on Saturday 1 July. As well as Blondie’s appearance at Glastonbury 2023, other legendary US bands are also scheduled to perform as well. Guns N’ Roses bassist, Duff McKagan, accidentally revealed on Sirius XM that the band are headed towards the festival this year. He said, “Glastonbury is going to be iconic for us. We’re going to be announcing some shows, you guys, at some point, we’ll be announcing a bunch of stuff.” An interview about McKagan talking about Guns N’ Roses’ collaboration with Iggy Pop was shared in an audio waveform on Reddit, in which McKagan says “maybe some of those Iggy shows we’re going to do.”

pic.twitter.com/6QVcyKh4AZ

— Emily Eavis (@emilyeavis) December 2, 2022

Sir Elton John has confirmed that he will be the final act to perform on the last night of the festival. He expresses his gratitude by saying that he “couldn’t be more excited“ to be playing the set, after 52 years on the road, which will mark the last gig of his farewell tour.  Emily Eavis, the organiser of the world-famous event with her father Michael has promised that it will be “the mother of all send-offs.”

Blondie UK and Ireland Tour Dates:

06/15/2023 –  Isle Of Wight Festival –  Newport, Great Britain (from June 15-18)

06/16 –  Cardiff Castle –  Cardiff, Great Britain

06/16 –  Cardiff Castle –  Cardiff, Great Britain (Official Ticket and Hotel Packages)

06/18 –  Isle Of Wight Festival –  Newport, Great Britain (Sunday Ticket)

06/22 – Scarborough Open Air Theatre –  Scarborough, Great Britain

06/22 –  Scarborough Open Air Theatre –  Scarborough, Great Britain (Official Ticket and Hotel Packages)

06/28 – 07/01 – Lytham Green –  Lancashire, Great Britain (4-day Pass)

06/28 – 07/02 – Lytham Green –  Lancashire, Great Britain (5-day Pass)

Ireland Tour dates:

o6/28/2023 – Malahide Castle And Gardens – Dublin, Ireland  (Alongside Sting)

You can purchase your ticket for both UK and Ireland tours here.

‘’ANNOUNCEMENT playing Saturday in the Big Top at #iow2023 we have @brits Rising Star & @bbcradio1 Sound of 2023 winners @flolikethis Grab your tickets now!”

The Isle of Wight 2023 headliners were announced as Pulp, George Ezra, The Chemical Brothers and Robbie Williams. FLO has since joined the line-up with other announced performers, NDubz, Example, Anne Marie, Sam Ryder, Blondie, Niall Horan, James Bay, One Republic, Sugababes, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Ella Henderson, Scouting For Girls and many more. The festival is scheduled to take place 15-18 June at Seaclose Park in Newport, Isle of Wight.

The British girl group from London, who were formed in 2019, consists of Renée Downer, Jorja Douglas and Stella Quaresma. Their debut single ‘’Cardboard Box’’ was released 24 March 2022, after they signed with record label, Island Records. Throughout their career so far, they have worked closely with UK chart topper, Mnek, with him producing their debut EP, except from the track ‘’Another Guy’’ . The trio released their debut EP, The Lead, in July 2022. The ‘Happi remix’ of their debut single ‘’Cardboard Box’’ become the number one used sound on Tik Tok UK, when a creators dance routine went viral. The song on Tik Tok now has 1.2 million videos using the sound. The group made their television debut performing their single ‘’Cardboard Box’’ on US late night talk show, Jimmy Kimmel Live and later performed the song the following month on UK show, Later…with Jools Holland.

At the end of January, FLO announced their 2023 North American Tour. Before heading to the states, FLO will perform in London at the Here at the Outernet venue and at Manchester’s New Century Hall. The North American tour will kick off in Atlanta, Georgia in April. They announced the news to their social media, with the caption

‘’Cats out the bloodclart bag!
We’re heading out on our first NORTH AMERICAN HEADLINE TOUR and we couldn’t be more excited to share it with you!
Sign up for pre-sale access to our tickets across the states! We can’t wait to see you’’

FLO recently won the Rising Star award at the Brits 2023. Nia Archives and Cat Burns were also short listed for this years award. The previous winners of the award have gone on to form incredible careers, such as Adele (2008), Emeli Sandé (2012), Florence and the Machine (2009), Ellie Goulding (2010), Sam Smith (2014), Jessie J (2011) and Tom Odell (2013).

In a statement to the Brits, the girl group reflected on their big win: “From growing up watching the BRITs, to finding each other and forming FLO, releasing our first body of work in 2022 and winning a BRIT award in the same year!! We are so shocked and grateful. We are the first group to win the BRITs Rising Star! We’ve just made history and couldn’t have done it without our wonderful fans and supportive families. It’s truly a dream come true. We feel so empowered creating the music we love and we hope others feel that too.”

To access tickets for the Isle of Wight festival, click here.

The event is set return to Seaclose Park in Newport between June 16-19 with headline performances from Muse, Kasabian and Lewis Capaldi. Back in September, organisers also confirmed the likes of Blossoms, Sigrid, The Vaccines and The Coral.

Yesterday on December 3 it has now been revealed that The Kooks will close IOW ’22 with a performance in the Big Top tent on Sunday, June 19.

As well as the Kooks fan favourites and indie music icons The Fratellis and The Charlatans will also perform in Seaclose Park. There will also be the double platinum singer songwriter Freya Ridings. She will bring her live show to the Festival, performing hits like “Castles” and “Lost Without You”

Elsewhere on the line-up we get new additions of Wet Leg, Griff, The Amazons, The Snuts, Joel Correy, Toyah, Del Amitri, Mimi Webb, Heather Small, Mark Owen and even more.

You can check out the announcement post below, and find ticket information here.

More acts announced for @cinchuk presents the Isle of Wight Festival 2022 @thekooksmusic will close the festival in the Big Top on Sunday night & catch @TheAmazons@FreyaRidings@wiffygriffy@TheFratellis + more incredible acts at #IOW2022.

Tickets: https://t.co/Hq3qBqGhzCpic.twitter.com/dnHKKburxN

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) December 3, 2021

The previous Isle Of Wight festival was headlined by Snow Patrol, David Guetta, Duran Duran and Liam Gallagher, the latter of whom injured himself by falling out of a helicopter while leaving the festival site.

This year’s event was postponed until September due to the coronavirus restrictions, with the pandemic also forcing the 2020 version of the festival to be canceled.

Mark Sheehan (Lead guitarist) speaking of the new single states, the single “Delivers all the ingredients everyone knows and loves”. The single comes alongside the announcement of the group’s sixth album Tales From The Script: Greatest Hits set for release on October 1st.

The group also released details of their Greatest Hits UK and European Tour to accompany their Greatest Hits album. The tour kicks off with intimate European concerts in February leading to UK arena performances from May 2022.

The tour will include the group performing at the O2 Arena in London and Dublin’s 3 Arena for two homecoming concerts. The singer Ella Henderson will be joining the group for their UK and Ireland tour dates.

The Script was formed in 2007, with band lineup Danny O’Donaghue (Lead vocalist and keyboardist), Mark Sheehan (Lead guitarist) and Glen Power (Drummer). The group’s debut album The Script was released on August 8th 2008.

The album reached number 1 in the UK Official Album Charts and chart success continued with singles “For The First Time”, “Hall of Fame”, “Nothing”, “The Man Who Can’t Be Moved”, “Breakeven” and “Superheroes”.

The group have achieved five UK number 1 albums, six billion streams and over two million ticket sales. Frontman O’Donaghue in speaking about the Covid 19 Pandemic, expressed that if not for the Pandemic the band may have split. O’Donaghue further said, “This might have been a greatest hits with a full stop”

The tour will be the group’s first in two years, O’Donaghue in his excitement to be performing after such a long time stated “I know I’m gonna lose it on stage, night after night.” Power added, “We’re taking all the best songs and playing them all together in one place”.

O’Donaghue expressed that the group are excited to be going back on the road again. The group look set to be busy with their new single release, new album and Greatest Hits Tour.

The group will be performing two dates before their tour at the Isle of Wight Festival next month.

See the free streaming service for The Script’s new album Tales From The Script: Greatest Hits here and see the tracklist below

Breakeven
The Man Who Can’t Be Moved
For The First Time
Nothing
Hall of Fame
If You Could See Me Now
Superheroes
Six Degrees of Separation
Rain
Arms Open
The Last Time
Run Through Walls
Before the Worst
We Cry
Science & Faith
No Good In Goodbye
Never Seen Anything “Quite Like You”
I Want It All

See The Script’s Tour Dates below. Tickets are available here

16/09/21 Isle of Wight Festival- Newport
19/09 Isle of Wight Festival- Newport

15/05/22 SSE Arena- Belfast,
19/05 M&S Bank Arena- Liverpool,
20/05 First Direct Arena- Leeds
21/05 AO Arena- Manchester
23/05 Motorpoint Arena- Cardiff
24/05 Motorpoint Arena- Nottingham
26/05 P&J Live- Aberdeen
27/05 The SSE Hydro- Glasgow
28/05 Utilita Arena- Newcastle
30/05 Brighton, Centre- Brighton
31/05 International Centre- Bournemouth
02/06 Arena- Sheffield
03/06 Utilita Arena- Birmingham
04/06 The O2- London
14/06 3Arena- Ireland, Dublin
15/06 3Arena- Ireland, Dublin

UK & Ireland! Pre-order our #TalesFromTheScript Greatest Hits album before 3pm on Tue Aug 31st to gain access to the exclusive tour pre-sale at 9:30am on Wed Sep 1st. https://t.co/DKQj6lzwp4. General sale 9:30am Fri Sep 3rd.

Europe! General sale opens 9:30am on Fri Sep 3rd. pic.twitter.com/ATd5pGeNL6

— the script (@thescript) August 27, 2021

As the organisers put it in their statement, “there’s a host of 2020 names joining next year’s bill as well as new additions.” Acts include Brit Award winner Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol, Sam Fender, Jess Glynne, Joy Crookes, Maisie Peters, and so many more.

Our huge #IOW2021 line-up is here
There’s a host of 2020 names joining next year’s bill as well new additions @thescript, @JessGlynne, @carlyraejepsen, @mavisstaples and more! Tickets go on-sale at 9am Monday 15th June. pic.twitter.com/Hh0TsaDXqa

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) June 12, 2020

After Glynne was banned from the festival in 2019 for pulling out of her performance just before she was supposed to take the stage, it is a surprise that she will now be playing one of Friday’s sets. The ‘Hold My hand’ singer’s management spoke about her invite, saying “The Isle of Wight Festival and Jess Glynne have unfinished business and both are delighted that she will be returning next year. Jess is coming back for her fans and will have a show for you that will not disappoint, so get ready!”

Tickets will go on sale on Monday 15th June at 9am, with various packages available, and current ticket-holders can retain their tickets for use in 2021. The festival will take place over three days (17-20th June) in Newport’s Seaclose Park.

While festival-goers are having to stay at home to stay safe from the coronavirus pandemic, the festival’s social media pages have been used to keep spirits up. Recently, they have reminisced on past performances, sharing videos and even holding a challenge in which fans dress up as their favourite Isle of Wight performer.

Starting today, 12th June, is the Isle of Wight Festival At Home, boasting a weekend on live music from Sky Arts and Absolute Radio all while staying at home. Viewers are encouraged to camp, dress up, stock the fridge, and gather their household to join in.

Since we can’t see you IRL this year we’re bringing some festival magic home instead. Presenting @SkyArts & @absoluteradio are bringing you 3 nights of live music Check the lineups below & look out for more info on how you can get involved from home pic.twitter.com/SQZ0gJMfQz

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) June 9, 2020

The Isle of Wight Festival has been running for over 50 years, with some incredible names taking part. To name a few, Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Rolling Stones, Paul McCartney, and Joni Mitchell have all celebrated remarkable shows at the festival.

In a statement released on the festival’s website, the Isle of Wight team said: ” The Isle of Wight Festival will no longer be taking place this year. This decision hasn’t been taken lightly and we have tried our hardest to make it work, but it was unavoidable given the current status. The whole team was excited to welcome everyone to the island for another fantastic festival and we extend our sincere apologies to everyone who was looking forward to it as much as we were.

Isle of Wight Festival 2020 Statement pic.twitter.com/sn8lTj5NHp

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) March 26, 2020

“The safety of our audience, artists, crew and the Isle of Wight community is paramount and we appreciate your patience whilst we’ve been working through this unprecedented situation. We’ll be back stronger than ever on the 17th-21st June 2021 and we hope to see you all again.”

The statement concluded, “We are working closely with our ticketing partners at the moment and they will be in touch very soon to process your refund, or, if you prefer, you can retain your ticket and carry it over to next year. Look out for an email from them very soon and please only contact them if you have not been contacted after 5 days as they are very busy at this time. We hope everyone stays safe and we’ll see you in 2021.”

Something to look forward to Isle of Wight Festival 2021 – 17-20 June. Save the date! pic.twitter.com/BJdy6XXUjH

— Isle of Wight Fest (@IsleOfWightFest) March 30, 2020

The news comes after it was announced last week that this year’s Isle of Wight Festival was cancelled due to the ongoing and growing coronavirus pandemic.  As of now, no details have been released on the line-up for next year’s event or whether the same acts will headline in 2021.

This year’s festival was due to feature a stellar line-up including headline performances from the likes of Lionel Richie, Lewis Capaldi, Snow Patrol,The Chemical Brothers, and Duran Duran. This year’s festival was due to celebrate its 50th, as was Glastonbury, which was also cancelled earlier this month. The news follows the cancellation of SXSW and postponement of Coachella as the coronavirus crisis continues to wreak havoc across the globe.

We are delighted to be headlining the Isle of Wight Festival again. ‘Tis a beauty. Hail Satan!! Tickets on sale Friday 25th January at 9am via https://t.co/4URihUw3Hbpic.twitter.com/8dbTHDa6BQ

— Biffy Clyro (@BiffyClyro) January 23, 2019

 

Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds will headline the main stage on the Friday night. Since their formation in 2011 the former Oasis frontman has released three number one albums with his High Flying Birds. The latest of these, 2017’s ‘Who Built The Moon’ made Noel a record breaker as he became the first artist to have ten consecutive number one charting albums. Friday’s other artists include Lilly Allen, The DMA’s and indie legends James and The Courteeners.

Noel Gallagher, Gerry cinnamon, DMA’S, Courteeners, Richard Ashcroft and Miles Kane all at Isle of Wight Festival, lovely drop

— Lightfoot (@LightfootGeorge) January 23, 2019

Following the success of his second album ‘Staying at Tamara’s’ 25 year old singer songwriter George Ezra has been announced as Saturday nights headliner. ‘Staying at Tamara’s’ was the best selling album of 2018, and Shotgun was the soundtrack of last summer. In a press release Ezra said “It’s going to be brilliant to return to the beautiful Isle and play those new songs to an audience that has now heard the record. I’m extremely flattered to have been asked to headline and can’t wait to get up and play. See you soon!”. Joining Ezra on the Saturday Night is Big-Beat legend and DJ royalty, Fatboy Slim, with Bastille and cult legend Rick Astley also appearing on the main stage throughout the day.

George Ezra playing the Isle of Wight festival. Brilliant! — Bbbbbbb (@beanslovesfries) January 23, 2019

Closing the festival on Sunday are Scottish rock Giants, Biffy Clyro. They are headlining the festival for a second time, after appearing alongside Calvin Harris in 2014. In a press release a spokesman for the festival said “The band’s live show is truly stunning and fans will be in for a treat as the sun goes down on The Isle Of Wight Festival 2019″. Before Biffy Clyro the main stage will see former Verve frontman Richard Ashcroft, BBC Sound of 2018 winner Sigrid, and Ska legends Madness.

Biffy Clyro are going to perform at The Isle of Wight Festival I hope they bring Nick Knowles on stage and he does a performance with them that would be great.#IsleofWightFestival #IOW2019 #BiffyClyro #NickKnowles

— Alex Dowling (@WellSpokenBloke) January 23, 2019

The festival has however attracted controversy for a lack of diversity in the line up. Writing in the independent Rosin O’Connor states “Out of 29 acts confirmed so far, only seven are women and just one is non-white”. Several tweeters have also noticed this, and have criticised the festival, saying they need to do more to promote diversity at music festivals.

The headline is great. festival line up full of white men in music industry shock. Where are your women? Where are your BAME LGBT* ppl? DO BETTER!! Isle of Wight Men: https://t.co/BM3Oe8DioF — tone turnip (@hello_antonia) January 23, 2019

 Tickets for the festival go on sale at 9am this Friday (25/01/2019), with Barclaycard customers having presale access from Wednesday. Full pricing options are listed below:

Weekend Tickets

• Weekend with / without Camping: £175
• Islander: £145
• Student: £160
• Teen (13-17): £155
• Child Under 12: Free

Day tickets

• Friday: £60
• Saturday / Sunday: £70