Isle of Wight 2017: Yahoo Celebrity's highlights

Yahoo Celeb hit up the first major festival of the summer and sent an Isle of Wight first timer to see what it was all about. As someone who had never covered a massive music event before we wanted first impressions, highlights, lowlights and some goss. Here’s what they had to say:

‘What immediately struck me was the sheer scale of the festival. I was greeted by massive, Glastonbury-esque camping villages and the illumination of numerous fairground attractions.

‘The festival programme, which showcased an incredible range of musical talent – from hip hop originators Run DMC to Brighton pop rock band The Kooks, there was something for everyone.’

RUN DMC

‘You could tell by the vast quantity of Run DMC T-shirts floating around that their 9pm performance on the main stage was going to be a special one.

‘Needless to say, trying to force your way through the crowd that had amassed to see the hip hop pioneers was no easy task.

‘Their high energy performance had the crowd going mad and the the huge stage and dazzling light display set a really impressive scene for such timeless classics as ‘It’s Tricky’ and ‘Walk this Way’.

‘Midway through the show, there was a touching tribute to the late Jason “Jam Master Jay” Mizell (the original DJ of Run DMC), and his two sons proved that the apple doesn’t fall far from the tree by demonstrating their own Dj’ing skills. By the end of their performance, it was easy to understand how Run DMC have sold over 230 million records worldwide.’

Kaiser Chiefs

‘When the Kaiser Chiefs entered the main stage they immediately demanded the full attention of the audience.

‘Ricky Wilson, who was wearing bright pink, whipped the crowd into a frenzy during tune ‘Na na na na naa’ (for those unfamiliar with the Kaiser Chiefs, yes, that is a real song name). Electrifying!

‘The performance was enough to silence anyone who might question whether or not their music will stand the test of time. The lyrics of ‘Modern Way’ (with its references to the artificiality of modern life) seemed to have become even more relevant than when the song was originally released.’

The Kooks

‘The Kooks played a nostalgia-fuelled set of old classics, to the delight of the crowd (including myself) The youthful energy and boy-next-door charm that propelled them to stardom was as present as ever. But of course, there’s so much more to them than that.

‘Their infectious melodies resonated as ever, and I quickly found that I remembered every lyric, word for word.

‘Some might say unknown volumes of Kooks’ lyrics aren’t the most pragmatic use of brain space, but hey, what do they know? The sweet spot came when the opening chords of ‘Seaside’ (a fairly relatable motif given the festival’s location) reverberated across the main stage as the last of the evening sun drenched the audience.

‘Couples smooched (slightly cheesy, sure), friends swayed arm in arm, dads ruffled the hair of embarrassed kids – it is moments like these that make a festival.’

Grub n stuff

‘For those who have never been to Isle of Wight, the simple layout means that it is hard to get lost, reassuring for those who might be stumbling around somewhat inebriated.

‘As you make your way into the festival, you come across the most amazing array of gimmicky food stalls and bars.

First prize would probably have to go to the Old Mout Cider Kiwi Camp, which featured a large slide that allowed you to queue jump to the front of their bar. There was a vast selection of food on offer, ranging from corporate behemoths such as Domino’s (strategically placed near the campsite, cashing in on the never ending footfall of hungry, returning campsite-goers) to quirky, independent stalls catering to all desires.

‘The open-top bus/cafe was a personal favourite as you could enjoy a Full English whilst taking in the awesome view of the festivities.

‘If you want a break from the music there’s plenty of other stuff to do as well including loads of trippy fairground rides and hidden nooks and crannies to misbehave in as well as a special scented spa and sauna area.

Snoozing

‘There were also a number of options in terms of camping: from pod pads (small structures resembling doll houses, in a good way!) to bell tents to pre-pitched tents to yurts to camper vans.

‘We were lucky enough to be staying in a bell tent – provided by podpad.com – a welcome slice of refuge. More like an Air Bnb than a tent, it made for an excellent nights sleep after a long day at the festival! It also meant we had our own showers and nicer loos.

‘Overall, the Isle of Wight festival proved to be an incredible weekend. It was with great regret that I stepped onto my return ferry, but I know that I shall 100 per cent be returning next year.

The 50th anniversary event will be held from June 21 to 24 2018 at Seaclose Park, Newport. Tickets on sale soon.