The Isle of Wight Festival’s third day delivered another spectacular day of live music, culminating in a euphoric headline set from superstar DJ Calvin Harris.
Topping the main stage on Saturday, Calvin Harris delivered a hit-packed set featuring anthems including “We Found Love”, “Sweet Nothing” and “How Deep Is Your Love”.
The Scottish DJ showcased his star-studded catalogue of collaborations with Ellie Goulding, Rihanna, Florence Welch and Sam Smith, highlighting a career that has seamlessly bridged the worlds of dance, electronic and pop music.
Festival goers were treated to a stellar show by genre-blending singer-songwriter Teddy Swims, who ripped through a powerhouse set featuring tracks “Bad Dreams” and ‘The Door”, before bringing the house down with his smash hit “Lose Control”.
On stage, he said: “Thank you so much for having us all the way out here, that means the world. We appreciate you. My name is Ted, by the way, and these are my best pals, the best damn band on the whole planet”. He continued “I’d just like to say Happy Pride Month”, before launching into a stunning live rendition of “Are You Even Real”.
Rita Ora also dazzled on the main stage, basking in the sunshine while addressing ecstatic fans, saying “The sun has come out for us! I saw it was a bit cloudy earlier. I said come on, music God’s, you’ve got this! And they listen!”.
Rick Astley turned the clock back to the 80’s with legendary hits “Never Gonna Give You Up” and “Together Forever”, before bringing the audience firmly back to the present with a high energy cover of Raye’s “Where Is My Husband?”.
90’s icons Five burst onto the stage to a huge cheer from the audience. Taking a moment to address the crowd, they said: “Thank you for the welcome you’ve given us so far. Thank you for accepting us into your day of celebration. And hopefully, we’re gonna be the ones that send it up to where it’s gonna go for the rest of the weekend”, before storming into “When The Lights Go Out2.
Away from the main stage, punk legends The Sex Pistols, featuring Frank Carter, smashed it in The Big Top tent, blasting through their seminal 1977 album and celebrating 50 years of punk. The revamped incarnation of the legendary punk band was founded two years ago.
Acknowledging bandmates Steve Jones, Paul Cook and Glen Matlock, Frank Carter told the crowd: “If you couldn’t tell from my face, I’m having the time of my life. What a gift it is to play with these three gentlemen every night.”
Setting the stage for the evening ahead, Circa Waves warmed up the tent, celebrating their return to the festival circuit with a colossal performance. They told the packed tent: “This is our first proper festival in months, so thank you so much for coming to see us!”
Stars including Anastasia, Nathan Evans, Starsailor and The K’s also performed throughout the day, while KT Tunstall was joined by Jack Savoretti to perform their recent single “Tempting Fate”.
The festival, sponsored by Sky, will come to a close tonight (Sunday) with a headline performance from British music royalty, The Cure, as well as sets from The Kooks, The Last Dinner Party, David Gray, Shed Seven, Rose Gray, The Molotovs, Luvcat and much more.
- Sunday’s coverage coming soon. Check out Thursday’s and Friday’s review and pix in our “Live Zone”.
PHOTO CREDITS:
Sara Lincoln: Five,Calvin Harris (Blue shot), Anastacia, Nathan Evans and the Saint Phnx Band, Rita Ora (On pit barrier shot – top of page).
Callum Baker: Calvin Harris, T Tunstall and Jack Savoretti, Crowd shots,
Rutherford: Circa Waves, Freddie Halkon. Noel Fitzpatrick Band.
Sarah Louise Bennett: Five (tongue shot).
Chloe Hashemi: Rita Ora, Rick Astley.
Dylan Roberts: Aerial shot from fairground ride.
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