One of the Island’s most cherished community events, Ticket to Ryde, is back for its 12th year — and entry is completely free. Organised by Jack Up Events in conjunction with Ryde Town Council, the festival takes place at Eastern Gardens opposite Ryde Harbour across the Late May Bank Holiday weekend of Saturday 23rd and Sunday 24th May, running from 10am to 7pm each day.
Situated along the seafront just a stone’s throw from Ryde’s golden sand beaches, the festival has become a beloved Bank Holiday fixture — welcoming Island residents and visitors alike with a laid-back, family-friendly atmosphere and a packed programme of entertainment.
Live Music from Local Artists
The stage comes alive at 11:30am each day, showcasing the very best of Isle of Wight musical talent. This year’s line-up features an exciting mix of the Island’s finest bands and solo singers alongside fresh upcoming local talent, including:
- Taboo
- Wight Hot Pipes
- Greg Barnes Music
- Emellia
- The Amy Jolliffe Band
- Pistol Knights
- Side Hustle
- Double Take
- It’s Not A Phase Mom – The Pop Punk Experience
- Steve Love’s Island Songs
- …and more
All on your doorstep and completely free to enjoy — the music runs right through until 6:30pm on both days, making it the perfect soundtrack to a Bank Holiday weekend by the sea.
Food, Drink & Market Stalls
Trade stalls are open from 10am daily. Visitors can look forward to a handpicked selection of Island food vendors serving freshly cooked food throughout the weekend, including loaded fries, burgers, Whitby Scampi, Italian pizza and mac ‘n’ cheese — all made with locally sourced ingredients. There will also be hot drinks, cakes and bakes, crepes and candy floss, all served with a smile.
Drinks are served from a real ale bar courtesy of Island Ales, and a range of traditional market stalls will be on hand to browse — including hand-drawn caricatures, a vast selection of Anime-based novelty items, a dog bakery and beautifully sculpted henna tattoos.
Family Fun for All Ages
Ticket to Ryde has something for everyone. Younger visitors can get creative with a range of children’s activities, including making their own badges, keyrings, fridge magnets and stickers — while the adults relax, explore the stalls and soak up the music. No advance tickets are needed — simply turn up with friends and family and enjoy.
Supporting Island Charities
This year, the nominated charity partner is Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight. Their cafés provide a friendly and welcoming environment for anyone affected by memory loss or dementia — including individuals before and after receiving a diagnosis, families, carers and healthcare professionals.
Parklands Dementia Resource Centre in Cowes is a place where information can be found and shared, a space for living and laughing, and somewhere everyone can feel safe and find respite, five days a week. Both Parklands Community Café and all Alzheimer cafés offer a warm, inclusive environment where people can chat, share stories, make friends and relax — knowing everyone there truly understands.
A Community Event at the Heart of the Island
Now in its 12th year, Ticket to Ryde was created to give Island residents access to great live entertainment at no cost, and to celebrate the talent, community and culture of the Isle of Wight. Organised by Jack Up Events in partnership with Ryde Town Council, it continues to be one of the highlights of the Island’s annual events calendar.
For more information about the event and the schedule of performances, see https://jackupevents.co.uk/whats-on/ or follow Ticket to Ryde on social media.
“With a lovely atmosphere and laid-back, family-friendly vibe, it’s the perfect way to enjoy a lazy bank holiday weekend.” — Jack Up Events
| Event Details | |
| Event | Ticket to Ryde — Late May Bank Holiday |
| Dates | Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th May 2026 |
| Location | Eastern Gardens, Ryde Harbour, The Esplanade, Ryde, Isle of Wight, PO33 2EL |
| Times | 10:00am – 7:00pm (live music from 11:30am each day) |
| Admission | Free — no advance tickets required |
| Charity partner | Alzheimer Cafe Isle of Wight |