Police have warned they will take a robust approach to anyone engaging in criminal activity during this year’s sold-out Isle of Wight Festival.
With just days to go until thousands of music fans descend on Seaclose Park, Isle of Wight Area Commander Superintendent Marcus Cator has reassured residents and visitors that extensive safety plans are in place for the popular event.
The senior officer said the festival has consistently proved to be a safe occasion thanks to the responsible behaviour of the majority of attendees, combined with the work of police, partner agencies and organisers.
Superintendent Marcus Cator has said:
“We want everyone attending to have a good time and enjoy this landmark festival. Our officers will be out on foot in the areas surrounding Seaclose Park to engage with attendees, to support you and to reassure you.
“We all have a duty to act responsibly when enjoying a festival, and it’s important to remember that this extends to the morning after when travelling home – do so safely, and ensure you are fit enough to drive, otherwise seek alternative transport options.”
The Isle of Wight Festival has sold out for 2026, with thousands of visitors expected to travel to the Island over the coming days. Police say additional crime prevention and safety messages will be shared throughout the week ahead of the event.
Superintendent Cator added:
“We will be robust when it comes to dealing with anyone who engages in criminal activity before, during or after the event.
“Stay safe, look after one another, and have fun!”
More two tier policing then Hampshire police?
I for one would like to see more traffic police on the island
increase council taxes etc if need be to employ extra police
required.
Better still install speed camera’s.
Once again you have got it arse about face EIE Instead of increasing council taxes to pay for more police, how about reducing waste and bad practices to pay for more police.
? Like, for one very simple example, wasting millions on taxis for getting kids to school, and buy, erm, a school bus?
A school bus? They all go to different schools, all have to be there by 9 (ish)…how will one bus cope with that, even if there were only 70 kids with special needs (there’s 212 at St Georges alone, another 138 at Medina House without all the ones pushed into mainstream)? And a bus costs between £4-500,000. Can buses get down the residential roads to pick the kids up?
Had you suggested though a nationalised, car based lift service run by local councils for kids, elderly, people with needs etc in order to save money in the long term I’d agree. Although the upfront costs would ALSO have to be paid for and no government to date has promised to borrow for investment and so we’ll keep on paying anyway via council tax and STILL not get all of the services needed.
I do love the festival,it reminds me im going away from Thursday to monday,cant stand it!
Hampshire police quote; I don’t think so mate.