This is everything you need to know about the Isle of Wight Festival 2021 line-up - and how to get tickets

The ongoing coronavirus pandemic led to the cancellation of many large-scale gatherings, from sporting events to music festivals

The 2020 run of the Isle of Wight Festival was cancelled, with organisers saying that the move was “unavoidable given the current status”.

However, organisers have said it will be back “stronger than ever in 2021”.

As tickets for next year's event go on sale today (15 June), this is everything you need to know about the Isle of Wight Festival 2021, including the full line-up and how to purchase tickets.

What is the Isle of Wight Festival?

The Isle of Wight Festival began with a series of festivals between 1968 and 1970 and is widely considered to be Europe’s equivalent of Woodstock.

In 1970, a line-up over five days included massive names in music, such as Jimi Hendrix, The Who, The Doors, Joni Michell, Leonard Cohen and more.

There was no Isle of Wight festival between 1970 and 2002, until John Giddings, an established music promoter, decided to re-launch it. Giddings still curates every part of the festival to this day.

Since 2002, the festival has continued to provide a venue for some of the biggest musical acts in the world, including The Rolling Stones, Muse, Foo Fighters, Amy Winehouse, The Sex Pistols, Fleetwood Mac, Blondie, Biffy Clyro and more.

Due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic, the 2020 Isle of Wight Festival was cancelled, leaving many music and festival goers heartbroken.

But the good news is it plans to be bigger and better than ever in 2021. Here’s what you need to know.

When does the festival take place?

The next Isle of Wight festival will take place from Thursday 17 June to Sunday 20 June 2021.

The festival is held at Seaclose Park, Newport.

Who is in the line-up?

The headliners for 2021 were revealed as the 2020 date for the festival came and went.

Organiser John Giddings said: “We should be watching some fantastic performances in a field together this weekend, but sadly it was not to be.

“We’re thrilled that we will welcome most of the artists booked for 2020, plus a few special additions, to next year’s festival. We’re excited to get planning and will work within advised guidelines to ensure the safety of the audience, artists and staff on site - come on down!”

Lionel Richie, one of the big names performing at the 2021 event, said: “I was really excited to be playing at The Isle of Wight Festival this summer and like so many of us I was very sad that so many things have had to be delayed. Obviously everyone’s health and safety comes first.

“I’m now looking forward to it even more and know we’ll all have such an incredible night of partying together.”

The schedule of performances goes as follows:

Thursday 17 June:

• Happy Mondays
• Foor
• Natasha Bedingfield
• Are You Experienced?

Friday 18 June Main Stage:

• Lionel Richie
• Lewis Capaldi
• Jess Glynne
• Becky Hill
• You Me At Six
• Lona

Friday 18 June Big Top:

• Primal Scream
• Shed Seven
• Sigma (DJ Set)
• Joy Crookes
• The Snuts