On Thursday the early arrivals were entertained in the evening by four acts including Maximo Park and Joel Corry. Sky Arts interviewed a number of performers over the weekend with Edith Bowman and Shaun Keaveny handling the microphones. Some artistes also gave exclusive performances for viewers in the Sky marquee.
Ben Jones from Virgin Radio was at large in the Guest Village to undertake interviews with the likes of K.T. Tunstall. She revealed that playing festivals did not feel like work but it was a bit more difficult when you have to rise early to catch a ferry. She added that she loved it when the crowd sings along, “I know it ‘s a real festival song.”
Painter and sculptor Guy Portelli creates artworks inspired by musicians, history and botanical themes He first came to public prominence when he appeared on Dragons Den in 2008, when he secured funding from 3 Dragons for his Pop Icon Project. At Seaclose he displayed his latest piece in Kiln cast glass. His Blooming Fragile mosaic features depictions of endangered plants from around the World. Guy has connections to Dimbola at Freshwater Bay as his Wight Spirit sculpture is based on the 1968, 1969 and 1970 IW Festivals. On Saturday the organiser of those original festivals, Ray Foulk met with Guy.
John Giddings the Festival promoter, is another supporter of Dimbola and prior to this year’s Festival getting underway he was presented with a cut-out of Jimi Hendrix by members of the Dimbola team.
Gibson Guitars were founded in 1894 by Orville Gibson in the USA. Slash from Guns N Roses is a brand ambassador and other users include Jimmy Page Tommy Iommi and Brian May. At Seaclose a range of guitars were available to play. Gibson recently opened a London store near Oxford Street. Gibson’s had a stand in the Guest Village open for anyone wanting to strum.
A selection of Isle of Wight companies were showcasing the Best of Island produce in the Guest Village. Godshill Orchards had a range of cherries plus a wide range of preserves, alongside Isle of Wight Tomatoes, which recently linked up with M and S Food Halls .
Briddlesford which recently hosted Paul Merton had a range of their cheeses and Calbourne Classics showcased their cake range plus the world famous Minghella Ice Creams.
Richmonds have undergone a rebrand at their Newport site including moving their kitchen from Cowes to above the restaurant. Liquid refreshment was catered for thanks to Mermaid Spirits and Goddards Beer along with the non alcoholic Elixir range.
Following his performance with Level 42, Mark King visited the Guest Village.
On site catering for some 1000 support workers was courtesy of Eat To The Beat, which was established in 1984 and is based in Aylesbury. They will also provide catering at Hyde Park Summertime concerts plus the British Grand Prix. It was good to learn that Eat To The Beat use Wight Crystal water with meat and fish and other catering provided through Medina Foodservice. Breakfast is served from 7 AM with the last dinner at 9 PM although it does not end there as the whole operation is 24/7 with a night shift responsible for cleaning up and then prepping for the next day.
A number of Island charities were at the Festival, with thanks to Solo. Mountbatten volunteers were out in force with their sunflowers and sunbrellas. Over the weekend the charity raise over £80K.
There was really something for everyone over the weekend.
Sunday headliners The Cure brought proceedings to a close with their set lasting 2 hours 15 minutes and their greatest hits played late on with “Boys Don’t Cry” as the climax. Former band member Perry Bamonte died in December and he was replaced in the band by Simon Gallup’s son Eden on guitar.
