The Ultimate Guide to Food & Drink at IoW Festival
- Gary Boyd
- Jan 29
- 5 min read
The Isle of Wight Festival is not just about the music; it’s a paradise for food lovers too. From gourmet street food to classic festival snacks, there’s something to satisfy every craving. Whether you're indulging in a mouthwatering burger, sampling global cuisines, or grabbing a quick bite between acts, the festival offers an incredible variety of food and drink options to keep you fuelled throughout the weekend.
A Feast for Every Taste
Street Food Delights
Food trucks and stalls at the Isle of Wight Festival cater to a wide range of palates, offering everything from artisan pizzas to sizzling BBQ ribs. Expect to find:
Gourmet Burgers & Hot Dogs – Handmade patties, locally sourced ingredients, and unique toppings make for an unbeatable meal.
Festival Banter Top Tip:
Use a small local vendor, do some research, find the options who are not part of a larger chain of festival catering companies. The quality can be inconsistent with some of the larger vendors!
Wood-Fired Pizzas – Cooked fresh to order with an array of toppings, these crispy delights are a festival favourite.
Festival Banter Top Tip:
Until recently I only ate pizza as a stomach settler after a few beers, don't remember much about the taste of any of them. IoW festival has loads of amazing, authentic pizza vendors, try one when sober! i promise you will love it.
Mexican Fiesta – Think loaded nachos, spicy tacos, and irresistible burritos. At IoW Festival you will not be disappointed, some of the most flavoursome food available at the whole festival is Mexican.
Festival Banter Top Tip: Go off piste! try something you have never heard of before, guaranteed satisfaction, if not, come find me and ill buy you some dirty fries!
Asian Fusion – Who doesn't like a fresh dumpling, fragrant curries, and noodle boxes packed with flavour. I'm drooling just writing this section. IoW Festival organisers have been critisised in the past for not including enough Asian influenced food, this is not a problem anymore.
Festival Banter Top Tip:
I literally haven't had a single bad experience at the festival with Asian food. Just dive in... see you on the other side! Oh, just stay away from the sushi but for obvious reasons I'm sure you already know that.
Vegan & Vegetarian Options – What do you call 10 vegans at the bottom of the ocean? 'a good start' ok so I'm a carnivore but if you have an affliction to eating meat for whatever reason there are lots of options from falafel wraps to jackfruit burgers, there are plenty of plant-based delights to choose from.
Festival Banter Top Tip: Try a bacon sandwich, just kidding. Remember to ask the vendor if they cook their vegan options separately, you wouldn't want to destroy all your good work by eating a burger infested falafel!
Sweet Treats & Snacks
For those with a sweet tooth, festival stalls offer freshly baked goods, crepes, waffles, and doughnuts. Ice cream stands and fruit smoothies provide a refreshing break from the summer heat.
Festival Banter Top Tip: For someone who for medical reasons has to be carful with sugar, I can safely say that you can eat your own body weight in frozen yogurt at the festival and not feel quite as guilty.
Boooooooze
Whether you’re in need of a caffeine fix, a refreshing soft drink, or a pint of something stronger, the festival bars and drink vendors have got you covered:
Craft Beers & Ciders – Local breweries often showcase their finest ales and ciders at the festival BUT as we know too well, often the vendors are tied into sponsorship contracts and this can limit the choice. In 2024, Bru Dog were one of the main vendors and as much as i personally like Punk IPA this is not for everyone and the rest of their beer portfolio is quite frankly a little freaky!
Cocktail Bars – Enjoy a mojito or a refreshing spritz as you soak in the festival vibes. One of the main sponsors for 2025 is Nordic Spirit who provide organic, origional and very tasty cocktails at various points throughout the main arena. Actually, my view is - if your going to spend upward of 12 quid on one drink, you might as well make it a good one. just dont come to me when your mortgage is due.
Gin – Perfect for an early morning pick-me-up, its my go to drink for pre drinks drinks. At the festival you will probably drink to much for too long and possibly need rehab on Monday so... As the demand dictates, Gin will be available in a variety of flavours in the main arena.
Festival Banter Tip Tip: Let us guid you to the best vendors when the info becomes available, we have an ear to the ground on everything booze related, not that we're obsessed :-) just interested! Look out for more updates as we get closer to the festival.
Top Budget-Friendly Food & Drink Tips
When you don't have enough money to pay for the bus home, you know youve had a great festival. Attending a Isle of Wight Festival can get pricey, but you don’t have to break the bank to enjoy good food and drink. Here are some money-saving tips:
Bring Your Own Snacks – Pack cereal bars, fruit, and non-perishable snacks to keep you going. Not just for the camp site but also the main arena.
Festival Banter Tip Tip: Yes, I know your not allowed food in the main arena.... rules are there for braking (adjusting) If your not up for security guard subterfuge try emailing the event admin (address on the official site) in advance explaining you have a medical condition which prevents you from eating festival food, they will send you a letter which you can show security on the day allowing you to bring in pretty much whatever you wish! (your welcome)
Reusable Water Bottle – An absolute essential at the festival. Stay hydrated, especially if your on the sauce! There are free water refill stations around the festival, so stay you dont have to spend a fiver on a bottle of liquid death.
Meal Sharing – Festival portions can be generous; split meals with friends to save cash and try more food.
Seek Out Budget Stalls – Some vendors offer meal deals or discounted prices towards the end of the day. We will highlight offers as they become available.
Supermarket Stops – If camping, stock up on essentials from a onsite
Co-op supermarket before entering the festival.
REMEMBER: Festival Banter will be highlighting the best food and drink vendors as they become available, so keep your eyes peeled for future updates and newsletters
Did you know? The original Isle of Wight Festival in 1970 attracted a record-breaking 600,000 people, making it one of the largest music events in history, surpassing even Woodstock!
Whether you're a foodie or just looking for budget-friendly bites, the Isle of Wight Festival has something for everyone. Enjoy the music, savor the flavors, and make unforgettable memories!
Written by Festival Banter, no AI was involved and you are most welcome to plagiarise any part of this blog and share with your friends. :-)
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