VOTING NOW OPEN FOR 6TH ANNUAL RED FUNNEL ISLE OF WIGHT AWARDS

Public voting has officially opened for the 6th annual Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards.

These much-loved awards shine a spotlight on the businesses that make the Island a unique and unforgettable destination to visit.

From cosy places to stay to mouth-watering local eats and unforgettable experiences, 57 awards are up for grabs across 19 awards categories, each of which fall under 1 of 3 main sectors: Places to Stay, Food & Drink, and Things to Do.

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The awards will also see the return of the ever-popular Isle of Woof award, shining a spotlight on the Island’s top dog-friendly businesses, welcoming four-legged visitors with open arms – and maybe a treat or two.

From this week, and continuing until 31st August 2025, Island residents and visitors alike are invited to cast their votes and show their support their favourite tourism businesses.

Once the voting window is closed, a panel of impartial judges will review the top 3 contenders within each category, declaring the Gold, Silver and Bronze winners for each award.

In addition to the 19 awards now open for public vote, Red Funnel has also announced the return of the Island Tourism Hero Award. First introduced in 2024, the inaugural title was awarded to Paddy McHugh and the Newport Carnival and Community Events Association in its first year, recognising their tireless volunteer efforts, vibrant carnival events, and much-loved family celebration, Riverfest.

Fran Collins, CEO of Red Funnel, says:

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“Independent businesses are the lifeblood of the Isle of Wight’s tourism economy and a huge part of what makes the Island so wonderfully different. From unique places to stay and eat to unforgettable experiences, these businesses shape the character of the Island and help it thrive. We’re incredibly proud to run the Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards each year – it’s a real highlight for us. The awards are our way of celebrating the passion, creativity and hard work of the people behind these businesses, and of giving back to a community that makes the Island such a special place to live and visit.”

Winners will be announced at an official awards ceremony on the Isle of Wight, scheduled to take place in November.

To cast your vote before 31st August, visit the website, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/awards. To nominate your 2025 Island Tourism Hero, visit www.redfunnel.co.uk/tourismhero.

The full list of categories for the 2025 Red Funnel Isle of Wight Awards is:

Food & Drink