Isle of Wight What's On Guide: 2024 Events OnTheWight

Current and Upcoming Festivals

Creative Ryde

Sun 28 Apr 2024 - Tue 31 Dec 2024

Creative Ryde is a cultural hub, facilitated by Creative Island, the Island's Cultural Development Agency who is committed to convening a series of local conversations with the cultural community of each town on the Isle of Wight.

Creative Island's ambition is to speak about and listen to the particular challenges and opportunities that we all face, to explore collaborative opportunities, share information and network with others.

Painting of Ryde by Nick Martin
© Nick Martin

The first of many
The first of these creative events was held in Ryde in October 2023. It involved creative practitioners, cultural leaders, town councillors and influencers in Ryde. Meetings are held every quarter to discuss challenges, achievements and more.

This section of the site encompasses all arts events taking place in Ryde.

Find out more
Visit the Creative Island website to find out more the Isle of Wight Cultural Development Agency

The People's Palace of Possibility

Fri 3 May 2024 - Sat 25 May 2024

After a challenging period for many, The People’s Palace of Possibility is an outdoor installation which asks how we find energy for change, despite our fear and anger about the future. It is rooted in utopias. The mystery of the utopias which have gone before, become misplaced, or gone wrong. And in the impulse for escape; for doing something radically different from life as we know it.

The Palace is nomadic and always growing. Right now it has a radio station, a kitchen, a pantry, and an escape hatch. The Palace is added to and animated by people wherever it goes. So far it has been to London, Rotherham, the Scottish Highlands and now the Isle of Wight.

Join us this Spring at our brand new space Ingrams Yard for a unique outdoor experience… As we begin to imagine how we can transform our new building into something the whole community can benefit from, what better time to start looking to the future?

The Palace is open from 11-4pm

Fairest Isle Festival

Fri 10 May 2024 - Sun 12 May 2024

Embark on a musical journey through time at the Fairest Isle Festival on the captivating Isle of Wight. Delight in the harmonious early music tunes of the 16th-18th century, brought to life by a stellar lineup of world-class artists on an island steeped in rich history, that sets the stage for an unforgettable celebration of music and culture.

Ryde Gypsy Jazz Festival

Mon 13 May 2024 - Sat 18 May 2024

The sounds of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli are coming to the Isle of Wight with UK's leading Gypsy Jazz musicians at the Island's first Ryde Gypsy Jazz Festival organised by Monkton Arts at various venues around Ryde.

Cowes Fringe Festival 2024

Fri 24 May 2024 - Sun 26 May 2024

Isle of Wight Festival 2024

Thu 20 Jun 2024 - Sun 23 Jun 2024

Experience the legendary Isle of Wight Festival 2024, returning with a bang from June 20-23. Celebrating its rich legacy, the festival showcases a stellar lineup, including headliners The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys, and Green Day, among other top-tier acts. As one of the UK's most anticipated music events, Isle of Wight Festival combines the charm of its historic roots with a modern flair that caters to fans across the musical spectrum. Tickets are now available for those looking to capture the essence of live music at one of the year's most vibrant gatherings. Don't miss out on the chance to be part of the Isle of Wight Festival's 2024 edition – a cornerstone of the summer festival season!

Biosphere Festival 2024

Sat 29 Jun 2024 - Sun 30 Jun 2024

Open Studios 2024

Fri 23 Aug 2024 - Sun 8 Sep 2024

The Isle of Wight’s artistic tapestry is set to be showcased once more, as the IW Open Studios makes a triumphant return in 2024.

This event, steeped in a rich history of fostering community and creativity, opens doors — quite literally — to the vibrant studios of local artists, inviting both residents and visitors to embark on a journey of artistic discovery.

Spanning nearly two decades, the IW Open Studios has been a cornerstone of cultural exploration on the Island, allowing the public a rare glimpse into the creative processes of artists.


Past Festivals