Isle of Wight Festival licence renewed until 2033

The festival, held each year since 2002, has had a "major economic benefit to the Island"

The future of the Isle of Wight Festival (IOWF) has been secured until 2033 after the renewal of its licence.

County Hall's environment and community protection committee (ECPC) agreed terms on a seven-year extension to the land licence of the event at Seaclose Park on Thursday.

The extension will cover the period 2026 to 2033 and will include a "further three-year option" for an extension up to and including 2036.

The council officers' report said the festival, which has been held each year since 2002, has had a "major economic benefit to the Island".

It added: "The event is estimated to be worth over £15m a year to the island economy and introduces a new demographic of visitors to the Island many of whom will then continue to return both as festival goers but also long-term visitors with their family's friends and relatives.

"A new long-term relationship will ensure that these plans will continue to be delivered and refreshed where necessary to ensure it continues to be a great event which benefits us all."

The licence between the festival and County Hall was cabinet-approved in 2023, according to the Local Democracy Reporting Service.

It includes environmental obligations to protect the festival area and "promote sustainable practices", the council officers' report added.

The festival is not allowed to cause damage to trees inside the festival area and is required to manage the total removal of litter, waste and "any equipment or materials" brought into the space, to be completed before the festival period finishes.

There is also a compulsory restoration process after each festival, with joint inspections involving IOWF and the council before and following the festival period to evaluate ground conditions.

Alex Minns, service director for regeneration, economy and the community at the Isle of Wight Council, told the committee they are now "seeking to return to a ten-year agreement once again…the purpose of that is to try to provide additional security for both us the council and the festival organiser".

The extended licence will have several minor alterations, including bringing together under the same umbrella the festival's use of the tennis courts at Seaclose and land at Newport Quay.

Their usage has previously been permitted under separate agreements.