The Isle of Wight Festival 2009 was the eighth revived Isle of Wight Festival to be held at Seaclose Park in Newport on the Isle of Wight. The event took place from 12 to 14 June. Headline acts were confirmed for Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights as The Prodigy, Stereophonics, Simple Minds and Neil Young respectively.
On 8 June 2009 it was reported that tickets for the festival had sold out, however in an attempt to combat ticket touts, a limited number were held on the door.[1]
New features
In February 2009 The Charlatans were announced as headline acts for The Big Top Arena, which has continued from 2008. However lead singer Tim Burgess was given the extra role of curating Sunday's activity by choosing his favourite bands to perform there.
Highlights
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adding to it. (June 2009)
- A return aerial display by the Red Arrows on Saturday afternoon.[2]
- Paolo Nutini doing a surprise performance on the acoustic stage.
- Neil Young closing his headline set by tearing apart his electric guitar in tribute to Jimi Hendrix.[3]
- Neil Young performing a cover of the Beatles 'A Day in the Life'.[3]
- Cheeky banter featuring throughout Goldie Lookin' Chain's set.[3]
Rumours
In October 2008 it was rumoured that Oasis would be headlining the festival on the Saturday night, according to the Virtual Festivals website.[15] It claimed that the band would be starting their European tour with the Isle of Wight Festival. This was denied on 11 February by the festival's organiser.[16]
U2 have also been rumoured to headline on Sunday.[17]
Other festival rumours have included:[18]
BBC comedy stars Gavin & Stacey could be on the bill and it was reported in the News of the World that Horne and Corden would perform as a band at the festival.[19]
Awards
So far, the Isle of Wight Festival has been shortlisted for the "Best Live Event" category of the 2009 NME Awards.[20]
