Sunday 22nd June – “I’ve got one clean sock, half a pint of warm cider, and no regrets. Let’s go!”
It’s the final day of one of the UK’s most legendary festivals, and Isle of Wight 2025 ain’t going out quietly. With pop royalty, indie icons, tribute brilliance, and a sprinkle of Sunday weirdness, it’s the perfect storm of glitter, grooves and “I’m not emotionally ready for this to be over.”
🎸 MAIN STAGE – Pop Gold & Headliner Heaven
12:05pm – Björn Again
What’s a Sunday without a cheeky bit of ABBA? This tribute act kicks things off with more sequins than your nan’s curtains and enough pop joy to slap a smile on the most hungover face. Mamma Mia magic, baby!
1:25pm – Ella Eyre
Banger merchant and vocal powerhouse. She’ll belt tunes while you belt out that bacon roll you’ve been clutching since 9am. Expect energy, sass, and soul.
2:50pm – Alison Moyet
A goddess of voice. Alison brings proper 80s cool and rich, emotional depth to the Sunday slot. “All Cried Out” will hit you harder than losing your tent pegs.
4:20pm – Olly Murs
Mr. Cheeky Chappy himself. Part pop performer, part stand-up comic. Catchy choruses, flashy footwork, and charm for days. C’mon butt, it’s impossible not to dance.
5:50pm – Texas
Sharleen Spiteri and co. bring the smooth. From “Say What You Want” to “Black Eyed Boy”, they’re Sunday balm for your buzzing brain. Close your eyes and sway.
7:30pm – Jess Glynne
She’s got the hits, the pipes, and the glow-up energy to carry you into golden hour. “Hold My Hand”? Nah, hold my pint and watch me sing along at full volume.
9:15pm – JUSTIN TIMBERLAKE (HEADLINER)
THE pop prince. THE finale. THE reason your feet will give up but your soul will keep dancing. Cry Me a River, Rock Your Body, Can’t Stop the Feeling—he’ll serve ‘em all with slick moves and Vegas-level stage show vibes. JT is the glittery cherry on this festival cake. Tidy!
🎪 BIG TOP – Indie Comfort & Cult Heroes
12:45pm – The Lilacs
Lovely start to your Sunday sesh. Indie folk warmth and heartfelt melodies. Like a musical blanket with a craft beer in hand.
2:10pm – Remember Monday
Britain’s 2025 Eurovision hopefuls (yes, we said it). Big harmonies, massive choruses, and hopeful pop vibes. They’ll go off.
3:40pm – Midge Ure
Actual legend alert. Ultravox frontman, Band Aid brain, synthpop saint. Close your eyes and let “Vienna” swallow you whole.
5:10pm – Nieve Ella
One to watch. Dreamy alt-pop with heart, soul, and indie girl magic. Stick around—she’s gonna be massive.
6:40pm – Alessi Rose
Acoustic sweetness and a chilled presence perfect for your cider-fuelled introspection moment. Breathe in. Breathe out.
8:15pm – Lightning Seeds
“Three Lions” might not be on the setlist, but it’s in your bones anyway. Infectious 90s hooks that’ll make your heart smile.
10:10pm – JAMES (HEADLINERS)
Sometimes, a band comes along that makes you feel everything at once. That’s James. Anthem after anthem, passion by the pint-load, and a final singalong to crown your weekend. “Sit Down”? More like stand up and roar.
🌊 RIVER STAGE – Sunday Discoveries & Tribute Mayhem
1:00pm – Esquire
Local lads with a jangly sound and youthful energy. Like The Kooks on energy drinks. A lush way to start the day.
2:00pm – Fantasy
Pop-rock newcomers with spark and swagger. They might be called Fantasy, but their set’s gonna feel real good.
3:15pm – Bull Harding
Raw vocals, bold lyrics, and more intensity than your group chat post-festival. Keep an eye on ‘em.
4:15pm – A Basic Fault
They may be called Basic, but they’re anything but. Alt-pop with experimental edges and a live set that’s magnetic.
5:15pm – Olivia Lunny
Slick, polished pop with a sprinkle of melancholy. Future chart-topper in the making.
6:15pm – The Kut
All-female rock trio kicking down the doors with punk energy and grunge fury. Support this noise—The Kut are loud and lush.
7:15pm – Tom A. Smith
Emotive singer-songwriter with festival-ready hooks. Sunday sunset, sorted.
8:25pm – Foo Fighterz (Tribute)
Yes, we’re ending the River Stage with a Foo Fighters tribute band, and yes, you will lose your mind during “Everlong”. Air guitars out, crowd-surfing optional (but encouraged).
🔥 SUNDAY HIGHLIGHTS (aka “YESS MUN!” Moments)
- 🎤 Justin Timberlake: The closing spectacle. Fireworks guaranteed.
- 🎹 Midge Ure: Synth-pop gold and pure class.
- 🪩 Jess Glynne & Olly Murs: The ultimate double-header of feel-good singalongs.
- 🎸 James: A life-affirming, emotion-drenched finale.
- 🎯 The Kut & Foo Fighterz: One-two punch of girl power and grunge tribute chaos.
🧭 Sunday Survival Guide
✅ Don’t skip breakfast – you’ll need those carbs for JT’s dance-off.
✅ Hydrate – cider doesn’t count, sadly.
✅ Powerbank your phone – Sunday = peak selfie time.
✅ Embrace the feels – every act hits a little harder on the final day.
✅ Stay for the end – because once it’s over, you’ll wish you could rewind.
💬 Final Thoughts
Sunday at Isle of Wight 2025 is a pop-fuelled rollercoaster with emotional pit stops and surprise moments round every corner. From ABBA tributes to indie legends, chart-toppers to rock warriors, it’s a glorious mess of sound and colour to close your weekend with a sweaty, sparkly bang.
So, lace up your boots, shake off the hangover, and give the festival gods one last “YESS MUN!” 🎉🎤🍺
Michael is the founder, editor, and chief riff wrangler behind The Riff Report, an independent Welsh rock and metal publication built by fans, for fans. With a lifelong passion for loud guitars, unforgettable live shows, and the incredible community that surrounds rock and metal, he created The Riff Report to celebrate everything that makes the scene special—from legendary headline acts and grassroots venues to rising bands that deserve to be heard.
A familiar face at festivals across the UK, Michael spends much of the year covering events including Download Festival, Bloodstock Open Air, Steelhouse Festival, Firevolt, Plumpton Revival, and many more. Whether he’s battling the Welsh weather on a mountainside, surviving a weekend in a muddy campsite, or squeezed against the front barrier with thousands of fellow fans, he’s always searching for the next great story to share.
As editor of The Riff Report, Michael writes festival guides, breaking news, album reviews, gig reviews, interviews, opinion pieces, nostalgia features, and behind-the-scenes stories from across the rock and metal world. His writing combines honest opinions, humour, and a genuine love for live music, bringing readers closer to the bands, festivals, venues, and people that keep the scene alive.
Michael is particularly passionate about supporting independent artists, local venues, charities, and the wider UK rock and metal community. He believes every band deserves a chance to be discovered and every festival has a story worth telling. Through The Riff Report, he aims to shine a spotlight on both the biggest names in rock and the future stars waiting to break through.
When he’s not writing or interviewing artists, you’ll probably find him exploring festival campsites, photographing live shows, chatting with fellow fans over a pint, or planning the next road trip in search of more riffs, bigger crowds, and unforgettable moments.
Above all, Michael believes rock and metal are about more than music—they’re about community, friendship, and creating memories that last a lifetime. That’s exactly what The Riff Report exists to celebrate.
Proudly Welsh. Proudly Loud. Always chasing the next great riff. 🤘
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