Tickets to next month’s State of the Island debate, jointly hosted by Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer, are now available.
A strong panel of influential voices will come together in just 3 weeks’ time – on Friday 13th June – to discuss the most pressing issues facing our Island, such as the struggling economy, rising ferry costs, education challenges and NHS services.
Confirmed panellists include Joe Robertson MP (Isle of Wight East), Richard Quigley MP (Isle of Wight West), Councillor Phil Jordan (Leader, Isle of Wight Council), Steven Holbrook (CEO, IW Chamber of Commerce) and Sir Paul Kenny, who is exploring cross-Solent ferries as part of the Islanders’ Charter – with other panelists to be announced.
The evening will be chaired by Marc Morgan-Huws, Chief Executive of IW Steam Railway.
The free-to-attend event will take place between 18:00-20:00 on Friday 13th June at the Riverside Centre in Newport. Doors open from 17:30.
Audience capacity is limited to 200, and although entry is free, pre-registration is required. To book your place on a first-come, first-served basis, head over to https://www.tickettailor.com/events/iwobserver/1712088.
The event coincides with Indie News Week 2025 – which highlights the importance of independently owned media. As part of the week’s celebrations, Island Echo and IW Observer are jointly hosting an informal afternoon session, prior to the debate, giving readers the opportunity to network with the editorial teams, ask questions and raise concerns about matters affecting the local community.
Further information and tickets for this event will be available next week.
Darren Toogood, Editor/Publisher of Island Echo, says:
“The debate is set to ignite passionate conversations around the biggest issues facing our Island. To get so many top local figures together in one room, in front of a live audience, is quite rare so it’s an opportunity not to be missed!”
Carole Dennett, Editor of IW Observer, says:
“The State of the Island Debate is a vital platform for Islanders to hear directly from key decision-makers and hold them to account on issues that affect our daily lives. The Island faces complex challenges which include concerns about our economy, transport, education and healthcare, so fostering open dialogue is more important than ever.
“We are very different organisations, but this collaboration between the IW Observer and Island Echo reflects our shared commitment to independent journalism that puts the needs of the Island at its heart”.
Limited parking is available on site at the Riverside Centre for both events, with additional council parking available at Newport Quay and Sea Street.
This marks the second major joint event organised by the Echo and the Observer, following the success of the General Election hustings held in both Ryde and Newport last year.
Should be an interesting debate, looking forward to it.
one word..shit.