Set sail this summer: what's on across the Isle of Wight with Red Funnel

Planning a trip to the Isle of Wight? Discover the biggest summer events, festivals and ferry offers with Red Funnel to help you make the most of your island escape.

The Isle of Wight has always been one of the south coast's easiest escapes, and this summer there's more reason than ever to hop across the Solent. With Red Funnel sailing from Southampton, getting there couldn't be easier. The Red Jet hi-speed service carries foot passengers across to West Cowes in well under half an hour, while the vehicle ferries take cars to East Cowes if you'd rather bring your own wheels and explore at your own pace. And with the Island's events calendar packed from July right through the summer, there's plenty waiting on the other side.

Music lovers are spoilt this July. Classic Isle brings two evenings with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra to Newport, a Proms night on the 11th and a film-music celebration the following evening, both made for a picnic under the stars. For something livelier, Summer in Nashville turns Newport into a country-music party on 5 July, while the two-day Wytwoods Festival mid-month leans into dance music and wellness in equal measure. Down in the Island's southernmost town, the ten-day Ventnor Fringe (17 to 26 July) takes over streets, gardens and unlikely corners with music, comedy and theatre, making it the Island's largest arts festival.

There's plenty beyond the stage, too. The traffic-free Red Squirrel Ride on 5 July sends cyclists along the Island's old railway paths, Isle of Wight Pride returns to Ryde on 18 July, and foodies can get stuck into the Sausage and Cider Festival at Robin Hill on 4 July. Sailing fans have the iconic Round the Island Race on 11 July, one of the biggest events of its kind in the world, with well over a thousand boats rounding the coast in a single day.
Come August, the Island hits full sail with Cowes Week, the world's oldest sailing regatta, followed by the much-loved Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, a celebration of the Island's most famous export that's far more delicious than it sounds.

There are some genuinely brilliant savings to be had as well. Red Funnel currently offers 25% off ferry travel when you book Isle of Wight accommodation through Red Funnel Holidays, and up to 25% off attraction tickets with a further 15% off your crossing when you buy them together. Foot passengers can grab Red Jet short-stay returns from £27.40, or group day returns from £18.10 per person, and anyone travelling in an electric car can save 25% on the crossing through to the end of 2026.

However you travel and whatever you're heading over for, the Isle of Wight is at its best in summer, and it's closer than you think.

You can plan your crossing and browse the latest offers at redfunnel.co.uk.