It was all hands on deck at Wightlink Ferries as many thousands of music lovers boarded ferries to cross the Solent and enjoy three days of live music at the Isle of Wight Festival.
The much-loved annual event was cancelled in 2020 because of the Covid-19 pandemic and then postponed from its usual June date this year until September.
Wightlink laid on extra sailings on its three routes, car ferries between Portsmouth – Fishbourne and Lymington – Yarmouth and foot passenger FastCats linking Portsmouth Harbour and Ryde Pier Head.
Across all its services, Wightlink carried more than 14,000 revellers to and from the Island.
“Throughout the Festival, all our ferries were busy carrying people to the iconic event and the atmosphere was brilliant,” says Wightlink Chief Executive Keith Greenfield. “We always get involved at an early stage by shipping essential infrastructure such as lights and fencing to the Island. In addition, Wightlink is delighted to host some of the stars. This year we welcomed Sir Tom Jones, All Saints, Fleur East and Martin Kemp, Maisie Peters, DJ Example and the Tuba Libres, among many others.”
Work will begin soon to make preparations for the next Isle of Wight Festival with Lewis Capaldi already confirmed to perform. The 2022 event is likely to take place in June.