The Big Two: Isle of Wight Festival 2010

Seaclose Park, Newport 11-13 June

Neil Outram - 04 June 2010

What is it?
A three-day festival of new and established mainstream acts, covering everything from classic rock to hip hop. Music is the focus with acts performing on one main stage, a big top, a silent disco, a lounge with live music and a retro club.

Where and when?
It takes place in Newport on the Isle of Wight from Friday 11 June to Sunday 13 with events starting from late morning until late into the night. Early campers can enjoy some Big Top musical action on the Thursday (10 June).

Five to watch
Paul McCartney – Sunday (Main Stage) – Classic rock 'n' roll from one of the most legendary figures in musical history.

Jay-Z – Friday (Main Stage) – Following his success at Glastonbury, the New York rap legend is sure to entertain with his collection of hits including ‘Empire State of Mind’ from his highly-rated latest album, ‘The Blueprint 3’.

Florence and The Machine – Friday (Main Stage) – Indie pop from one of Britain's most critically acclaimed emerging talents.

Noah and the Whale – Saturday (Big Top) – The British folk band will make you jump and sway with their mix of chirpy and melancholic tunes.

Pink – Sunday (Main Stage) – The pop superstar is renowned for her energetic live performances.

One to miss
James – Sunday (Big Top) – Still milking the repeated success of ‘Sit Down’, this Mancunian band are an apt act to snooze to on a lazy Sunday evening.

Playing a rare UK festival date
Suzi Quatro – Friday (Big Top) – This will be the rock icon's only scheduled performance in the UK this year.

Inside tip
The Big Pink – Sunday (Big Top) – The London electro-rock duo are tipped for big things following the critical success of their début album ‘A Brief History of Time’ last year.

Worst clash
Blondie vs. La Roux – both Saturday (Main Stage and Big Top) – It is a case of legend versus breakthrough on Saturday night. Will festival-goers choose history or relevance?

Be at the Isle Of Wight Festival if you like…
A diverse range of pop acts, as little walking around as possible, a laid-back atmosphere.

Avoid if…
You hate ferries, you expect to mosh all weekend and slum it – it’s a little more relaxed than that.

Festival tactics
Start the fun early at the Hipshaker Lounge or SilentArena before heading over to the main stages to check out some of the lesser known early acts. The minnows today could be huge tomorrow.

The only festival that...
...boasts the last ever performance by Jimi Hendrix.

Fashionista or folky?
Definitely fashionista with its array of mainstream talent but there is also the odd folksy act, like Noah and the Whale.

Alcohol of choice
Cider. What else on a sunny summer weekend?

Take your mum score - 8/10
The site is well-organised with plenty of toilets so queues are kept to a minimum, plus there is quite a few acts she would know even if she had not turned on a radio in twenty years.

Can I still get tickets?
Tickets are sold out but some are still available on viagogo from £120 for the weekend.

Click here to buy Isle Of Wight Festival tickets.

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