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Posted on January 21, 2025
Creative Island, the Cultural Development Agency for the Isle of Wight, has announced that the island has been awarded the prestigious EFFE Seal from the European Festivals Association, for its commitment to cultural festivals. Edinburgh is currently the only other UK city or region to have this.
The Isle of Wight Festival, awarded Best Large Festival at the 2024 UK Festival Awards, is taking place over 19th - 22nd June 2025. Headlined by Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake, the festival is a landmark event for the island, whether it's the original festivals in 1968 - 1970 or the festival in its current form, which was revived in 2002.
Speaking on the recent achievement, Isle of Wight Festival Director Caroline Giddings said:
“It's brilliant to see Isle of Wight events and festivals being recognised by the EFA and we are proud of the part our festival has played in gaining this. The Isle of Wight is full of creativity and it's amazing to see these events continuing to flourish, so it’s no surprise to me that we’re one of very few areas in the UK to be awarded with this prestigious status.”
The EFFE Seal, a hallmark of quality for Europe’s most distinguished festivals, recognises creativity, cultural diversity, and meaningful community impact. This recognition highlights the extraordinary cultural richness and community spirit of the Isle of Wight’s festival sector. With events spanning a wide range of themes and sizes, the Island’s festivals have long been at the heart of its identity. Creative Island proudly applied for this distinction on behalf of the entire sector.
The Isle of Wight’s festivals not only offer a wide array of artistic and cultural experiences but also highlight the Island’s unique status as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. This achievement underscores the Island’s dedication to sustainability, heritage, and fostering meaningful connections through culture.
Creative Island is honoured to represent the Isle of Wight in this global network and looks forward to building on this success to promote the Island as a beacon for cultural innovation and collaboration.
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