There is still time to reserve your free tickets for next Friday’s State of the Island Debate 2026 – Travel and Tourism Special, an event expected to be one of the year’s most significant public meetings.
This year’s panel brings together 6 senior figures whose decisions shape daily life on the Island: Fran Collins (CEO, Red Funnel), Simon Moon (Strategic Director of Community Services, Isle of Wight Council), Councillor Jonathan Bacon (Leader, Isle of Wight Council), Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East), Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West) and Dominic Wray (CEO, Visit Isle of Wight).
The debate will be chaired by Marc Morgan‑Huws, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.
Topics covered will include ferry operations, transport resilience, road management, tourism strategy and the wider economic outlook. The first half of the evening will focus on pre‑submitted questions from readers of Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer, with the floor then opened up to the audience.
Darren Toogood, Editor and Publisher Island Echo, says:
“Islanders rarely get the chance to put questions directly to the people who make decisions that affect their everyday lives. On Friday, 6 senior figures have kindly agreed to answer points and questions raised by Islanders, and we want as many people as possible to take advantage of this opportunity”.
Carole Dennett, Editor of the IW Observer, adds:
“Our readers talk to us constantly about their views on ferries, roads and tourism. This debate gives them a genuine platform to be heard by those who can make a difference. It will be lively, constructive and hopefully useful for all involved.”
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A voluntary collection will be held for the Daisy Ring Bus, which supports Island cancer patients travelling to mainland hospitals.
Islanders with questions or views they would like to be part of the debate should send them to [email protected] or call 01983 221050 during office hours.
The debate takes place at All Saints’ Church, Ryde, on Friday 12th June. Doors open at 18:00 for a 19:00 start, with refreshments available.
Free tickets can be reserved at https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iwobserver/2228084 or by calling 01983 221050.
Will it reduce extortionate ferry fares and stop numpties
speeding
SOME HOW I DON’T THINK SO, JUST A GROUP OF PEOPLE
WHO WILL TALK THE TALK BUT WON’T WALK THE WALK!
I doubt if they will explain why there is NO armed forces day this year.NO armed forces day is a insult to the islands veterans
Who in 2026 would fight for this country!
The 6th of June was the 82nd anniversary of D Day,
the Royals were at Epsom watching the Derby.
Says a lot in my world, also went by Helicopter
what about caring for the climate like they keep
telling us.
It’s a funny old game.
Will this event be streamed on Youtube?
Hi Paul,
Unfortunately the event will not be streamed on YouTube; however, it will be live-streamed on Facebook from about 19:00.
Hope this helps!
Sadly no it doesn’t. Will it be available after that to view?
thanks.
Will there be any coverage of this panel at all? So far nothing has been written.
thanks