Queen, cheap student tickets and 23 more reasons to go to IOW
Sam Meaghan

13:53 7th April 2016

The Isle of Wight Festival is already embedded in English music history. It's hosted huge names going as far back as Jimi Hendrix in 1970 right up to Fleetwood Mac only last year. The festival has already announced some big names such as Iggy Pop, Queen and Stereophonics, but Isle of Wight is about more than just the music. 

Isle of Wight festival celebrates family values, enhancing a community a long the south coast and bringing some of the largest bands in the world to a small island just off the coast of England. Here are 32 reasons why you should get a ticket, get on the ferry, and headover to the festival that kicks of the rest of festival season. 

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  • Adam Ant: The glam-rocker turned icon will be taking to Isle of Wight festival this year, so be sure to have your pirate hats on the ready.

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  • Free for kids: Isle of Wight is renowned for its great family feel. And in respect of that, they've kept the kids tickets free. So no need to worry about getting a baby sitter for the weekend.

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  • Cirque De La Quirk: This spectacle was only available for one night last year, but after a great attendance to the show, it is now open for three nights. It's a weird, wonderful and mesmerising show that will stick with you for a long long time.

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  • Stereophonics: 'Dakota' is a banger, but their insane catalogue of classics will always surprise you - especially their huge No.1 latest album, Keep The Village Alive. A close to a perfect headliner as you could hope for.

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  • The Campsite: Not only is it huge and got loads of free space to use, it's actually pretty close to the entrance. But if that journey seems just too long for you, Isle of Wight have the Jolly Green Sherpas on hand to help you to your desired destination.

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  • Queen (with Adam Lambert): Freddie Mercury may have sadly passed away, but his music has lived on - through one hell of an artist with an immaculate voice. 'Bohemian Rhapsody' will be a magic moment.

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  • A first festival for some: Whilst this is the case for a lot of festivals. The age range of Isle of Wight festival is astonishing. Often, the 16-18 year olds are going to their first festival at IOW.

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  • Ocean Colour Scene: 'The Riverboat Song' legends will be heading to Isle of Wight to let you feast upon their Britpop sound.

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  • The Who: Fresh from their epic closing show at Glastonbury, The Who will surely deliver. Prepare to be in the presence of Glastonbury - they are IOW veterans after all. Expect nothing less than something historic.

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  • Bulmer's Colourena: The Bulmer's Colourena constantly plays chart-topping bangers whilst covering everybody in paint. Probably the funniest thing you'll ever see.

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  • The Cribs: The Cribs are sure to bring their infamous adrenaline pumping show to IOW. Lose your mind to 'Hey Scenesters'. Yorkshire can be anywhere you want it to be.

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  • Reverand and The Makers: The Rev may still be reeling from his spat with Matty Healy, but no doubt that won't affect the band's performance.

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  • A cult festival: There is a constant influx of new, excitable young people at the festival, yet there is no ignoring the people who have been going for years.

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  • Status Quo: The rock icons promise to give a great show. It would be silly to miss this opportunity - especially as it's the last time they'll be touring as an electric outfit.

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  • Iggy Pop: Fresh from his incredible new album Post Pop Depression, Iggy Pop looks to storm this summer. He has shows at almost every festival, but will no doubt be a treat at this one. Fingers crossed he brings Josh Homme and Matt Helders across on the ferry too.

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  • Faithless: If you're lucky enough to get a ticket, you won't be able to get much sleep with all the excitement that will overcome you.

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  • Feeder: The Welsh Post-Britpop three piece are probably going to be the best thing you see all year. Is there a better festival anthem than 'Buck Rogers' or 'Just A Day'? Nope.

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  • Hot Tubs: Hot Tubs, at a festival - arguably the best idea in a long while. Make sure you get down early, though. It sells out every year...

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  • The Kills: The Anglo-American duo are going to blow your head off with their garage rock. Their new material from Ashes & Ice sounds like the best yet - sultry, slick and unmissable.

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  • The Hipshaker Stage: Well, this stage features a vast array of new bands and blues rock 'n' roll. So you can go from shaking your hips, to seeing your new favourite band.

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  • When Nature Calls toilets: Sick of the dreaded smelly toilets at festivals? Look no further, Isle of Wight festival has some toilets that are cleaned by staff after use.

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  • Twin Atlantic: Alongside there Download Festival slots, the Scot-rockers will be stopping by to give you some riffs to feast on.

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  • The Festival is easy to get around: It's a bizarre one, this. But the festival is one of the easiest ones to actually get around. After a day on the booze you'll be lucky enough to simply walk back to your tent without the fear of getting caught.

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  • Busted: After selling out their first tour back since their infamous split, Busted are going to be a big feature at the Isle of Wight Festival. If you were unfortunate enough to not get a ticket to their tour, now is the chance.

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  • Student Discount: The tickets are cheaper for students, so what's their excuse?

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Photo: WENN/Press