The Isle of Wight offers a myriad of diverse festival entertainment, from stellar events like the Isle of Wight Festival to quirkier gatherings such as Ventnor Fringe Festival, and everything else in-between. And as summer 2019 approaches, now is the time to book a trip to the Island and get involved. Easily reached with Wightlink, passengers can arrive on the Island in just 22 minutes from Portsmouth - which leaves plenty of time to dance the weekend away. 

This summer, Wightlink's top recommendations for festival fun include: 

Music

• Isle of Wight Festival 2019 (13 – 16 June): The iconic festival is a must-go event on any music lover's calendar and, as always, there's a bumper line up in store including Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds, George Ezra, Biffy Clyro and Fatboy Slim. Wightlink passengers can enjoy £10 day returns when travelling by foot and £50 car ferry returns, with festival day passes starting at just £60. Visitors can find more information here.
• Rhythmtree Festival (12 – 14 July): Rhytmtree, a fun and family-friendly music festival, is known for its diverse and eclectic mix of musical acts and entertainers. Held in the beautiful Three Gates Farm, Calbourne, and with free camping and parking included in the weekend ticket price, it's a more relaxed festival vibe that suits all budgets. Day tickets start from just £35 and visitors can also enjoy 20% off ferry travel with Wightlink. To find out more, visit the Wightlink site.
• Jack Up The Summer (10 – 11 August): A blast from the past is the focus of Jack Up The Summer, which used to be known as Jack Up The 80s. Visitors can dig out the hairspray and roller-boots to enjoy a retro weekend spanning a number of decades. Day tickets start from £42.90 and, once again, Wightlink customers can benefit from 20% off. Visitors can find more information here. 

Family Fun

• Isle of Wight Mardi Gras (29 June): For something a little different, families can head over to the Island for the free annual Isle of Wight Mardi Gras celebration which showcases samba bands and carnival groups. Around 800 of the Island's children will come together in fabulous costumes to celebrate this year's eco-theme, 'Biosphere Island'. And, as a respite from all the excitement, guests can also sample the shops and eateries of Ryde as well as its glorious beaches. More information can be found here.
• Dick and Dom present the Great Wonderfest (1 – 4 August): TV legends Dick and Dom are heading to the Island for a brand new, family friendly festival this summer, featuring live music from top bands like Busted as well as comedy shows and fun games. Family day tickets start from just £75 and visitors can find out more information here and Wightlink customers can get 20% off ferry travel here.
• Ventnor Fringe Festival (23 – 28 July): A six day extravaganza, made up of pop up bars, boutique venues and around 300 artists from across the world, is set to take the Island by storm in July. The Ventnor Fringe Festival is getting a name for itself as one of the UK's most unique multidisciplinary arts festivals, with everything from a puppet show to a midnight cellist concert in an 11th century chapel, and even a late night party in a network of abandoned tunnels. The festival is free to enter although visitors should note that some acts charge. Find out more here. 

Fun for Foodies

• Isle of Wight Garlic Festival (17 – 18 August): The Island is famed for its garlic and now is the perfect time to sample it. Situated in beautiful countryside, the festival is dedicated to all things garlic as well as live music, great entertainment, arts and craft stalls and cookery demonstrations from the best Island chefs. Visitors can find out more here. 

• Sweetcorn Fayre (28 – 29 September): Taking place in Newport in September, the 13th annual Sweetcorn Fayre at Arreton Barns will feature live music, children's entertainment, a Beer Festival, snail racing, sweetcorn eating and plenty more. It's a day packed with family fun and a great way to see out the summer. 

With all of this and more, there's something to pique everyone's interest on the Isle of Wight this summer. And with Wightlink, travellers can speed down to the Isle of Wight in just 22 minutes from Portsmouth Harbour, leaving plenty of time to sample the culinary delights, rock out to great music or perhaps even learn something completely different at the Ventnor Fringe Festival. Whatever they do, visitors can be sure of a fantastic time as well as an easy sailing with Wightlink. 

ENDS 

Wightlink 

Wightlink is the leading cross-Solent ferry operator carrying almost 4.5 million holidaymakers and Islanders across the Solent to the Isle of Wight every year. Eight ferries on three routes complete over 45,000 sailings a year, giving Islanders an easy and frequent service to mainland Hampshire, and tourists an accessible way to enjoy a taste of Island life. 

With seamless train connections to Portsmouth Harbour and Lymington directly to the Wightlink terminals, getting to the Isle of Wight could not be easier. Passengers can step off the train from London, hop on a Wightlink catamaran and be on the Island from just 22 minutes, while the car ferries take around 40 minutes from Portsmouth and Lymington. On board, passengers and drivers alike can relax in the lounges and enjoy some refreshments before arriving on the Island to enjoy the range of attractions, events and experiences that make the Isle of Wight a leading destination for tourists.

More Routes, More Ferries, More Often 

Drive Less See More – www.wightlink.co.uk/dlsm

For more information about Wightlink Ferries, please contact:

Belinda Hallworth          020 7680 7114              belinda.hallworth@flagshipconsulting.co.uk 

Radhika Sharma           020 7680 7118              radhika.sharma@flagshipconsulting.co.uk 

Claire Nelson                020 7680 7116              claire.nelson@flagshipconsulting.co.uk 

Jo Kenworthy                020 7680 7125              jo.kenworthy@flagshipconsulting.co.uk