‘Dad rockers’ provide extra bite at slimmed-down island festival

John Giddings, who has put together 11 line-ups since he resurrected the event in 2002, said he believed the festival had become a mainstay on the summer calendar.

This year’s line-up ranges from the “American trilogy” of rock headliners, as Giddings called it, to younger acts including Example, Katy B, Jessie J, Tinie Tempah and newcomers Zulu Winter.

As well as the smattering of up-and-coming acts, the three stages are peppered with well-established names including Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Feeder, Madness, The Charlatans, The Stranglers, Primal Scream and Elbow.

Mr Giddings said: “You could say that the headliners are dad rockers, I call it the American trilogy, but if you look elsewhere on the line-up you will see a wide range of acts, there’s something for everyone.”

He added: “The Isle of Wight is for people who like good music and like going to a relaxed atmosphere at a holiday destination and know they are going to have fun.

“Our audiences like to have a good time. Look at Kate Moss, who has been several times – she definitely likes to enjoy herself.”

Mr Giddings said he had reduced the capacity by 5,000 to 55,000 this year because he felt it had become too crowded last year and he has also rejigged the site to create a greater sense of space.

He has also included a big screen to allow football fans to enjoy the Euro 2012 matches and has expanded the artificial beach on the river which flows next to the site to create a place for the revellers to relax.

The Isle of Wight Festival takes place at Seaclose Park, Newport, from June 21 to 24.