The countdown is on to the 2026 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards, with more than 51,000 public votes cast across 203 entries and a new generation of Island tourism businesses set to make their mark.
Awards evening at Northwood House
The winners of the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards 2026 will be revealed during a colourful awards evening at Northwood House in Cowes on Thursday 12th November, as finalists from across the Island come together to celebrate the people, businesses and experiences that have made an impact this year.
First-time entrants make their mark
The 2026 awards have seen 38 first-time entrants put themselves forward for an accolade, with 15 of these newcomers securing a top three place in their respective category.
Meaning there are plenty of fresh faces alongside established visitor favourites.
Sustainability, community and heritage
This year’s entries also highlighted the many ways tourism businesses contribute to Island life, from building experiences around and celebrating the Island’s coastline, natural landscape, geology and wildlife, to championing sustainability and environmental stewardship through conservation, wildlife initiatives and the protection of rural landscapes.
Community support was another strong theme, with businesses championing local suppliers and charity work that benefits Isle of Wight communities, while a number drew on their rich heritage to demonstrate their contribution to Island life and their role in keeping Island traditions alive for future generations.
New names in the line-up
Also making their debut at this year’s Isle of Wight Awards are The Point Bembridge, Brighstone Christmas Tree Festival, Puckaster Cove Hideaway, Isle of Wight Gin and Lagom Coffee, to name but a few.
Nineteen awards up for grabs
The Isle of Wight awards celebrate the people and places that help make the Isle of Wight a popular place to visit, with 19 awards up for grabs across categories spanning Places to Eat, Places to Stay, Things to Do and an ‘Isle of Woof’ category recognising dog-friendly businesses.
Food categories prove most competitive
Food related categories were some of the most competitive areas of this year’s awards, securing over 22,000 votes and 84 applications. Best Pub and Best Roast are two of the categories attracting the most entries, alongside the ever-popular Best Café or Tea Room award.
Red Funnel chief executive on the awards
On the upcoming awards, Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, said,
“With just one month to go, the excitement is really building. More than 51,000 votes is an incredible show of support for the businesses and people who make the Isle of Wight such a brilliant place to visit, and it’s absolutely wonderful to see so many new businesses making their mark alongside some of the Island’s well-known favourites.
“The strength and variety of this year’s entries reflects the passion, creativity and hard work that sits behind the Island’s visitor economy. The awards are all about celebrating the people who go above and beyond to give fantastic experiences to visitors and Islanders alike, and we can’t wait to celebrate with our finalists in November and reveal our 2026 winners.”
Island Tourism Hero
A standalone award for Island Tourism Hero will also be announced on the night, celebrating someone who has made an exceptional contribution to creating outstanding visitor experiences.
Celebrating the visitor economy
With more than three million visitors travelling to the Isle of Wight each year, with Red Funnel, the awards are an opportunity to recognise and thank the businesses and people at the heart of the Island’s visitor economy.
Now, after another hotly contested year, there is only one question left: who will take home the trophies in 2026?
News shared by Sophie on behalf of Red Funnel. Ed
