The long-term future of the iconic Isle of Wight Festival at Seaclose Park is set to be considered by the Isle of Wight council’s Cabinet, with a new five-year deal proposed.
Following negotiations, the proposed terms of a new land hire agreement between the Isle of Wight council and Isle of Wight Festival Ltd are due to go before senior councillors on 9th February.
New deal
The proposal includes
- a new five-year land hire agreement to stage the festival at Seaclose Park up to and including 2027;
- a fee of £86,700 (with yearly increases linked to inflation) for the use of council land;
- the cost, paid by the organisers, of traffic management arrangements at Halberry Lane, as well as the management of the west bank of the river Medina and the river estuary — saving the council almost £30,000;
- an agreement with Medina leisure centre.
Festival organisers have also agreed to work with the council to start a new community, tariff-based ‘green fund’ to support local projects and activities linked to carbon reduction.
Jones-Evans: Considered to have had a major economic benefit to the Island
Cllr Julie Jones-Evans, Cabinet member for Levelling Up, regeneration, business development and tourism, said,
“The Isle of Wight Festival aims to become one of the world’s most sustainable music events, which absolutely fits into our Mission Zero Climate and Environment Strategy.
“The festival is considered to have had a major economic benefit to the Island, providing us with a worldwide profile as both a tourist destination and a place to invest which, if lost, would be difficult to replicate.
“A new five-year agreement would provide confidence in the festival continuing to be staged in the longer term to the benefit of the local economy.”
Subject to Cabinet approval, the director of regeneration in liaison with the Cabinet member will conclude the details of the agreement.
Use of school land
Medina College and festival organisers have negotiated a separate agreement for the use of the school’s land.
The Cabinet paper is available via the council Website.
News shared by Isle of Wight council press office, in their own words. Ed
Image: © Callum Baker
