Jack Up the Summer

Music Festival · August/September

Jack Up the Summer is a nostalgia-themed music festival celebrating the sounds of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s, held on the Isle of Wight over the August Bank Holiday weekend. The festival features tribute bands, original artists from the era, DJs, and themed entertainment across multiple venues and stages.

The event taps into the strong nostalgia market, with acts covering everything from disco and punk to new wave, Britpop and rave culture. The audience skews older than the main Isle of Wight Festival, attracting the 40-plus demographic who grew up with the music being celebrated. Fancy dress is encouraged, and the atmosphere is relaxed and celebratory.

The festival uses a multi-venue format, with events spread across the island rather than concentrated in a single field. This means festival-goers visit different pubs, clubs and outdoor spaces across the weekend, experiencing more of the island than a traditional festival allows. The August Bank Holiday timing coincides with the scooter rally, creating a busy and energetic weekend on the island.

The event is ticketed, with weekend passes and individual event tickets available. Accommodation across the island fills up quickly for the Bank Holiday weekend, so early booking is advisable.