Digital TV News

Sky to broadcast Isle of Wight Festival coverage in 3D

Friday 10 February, 2012

By Anthony Hill

Live performances will be shown on Sky 3D and Sky Arts.

Sky has announced it is returning as broadcast partner for the Isle of Wight Festival, delivering hours of live music coverage for a second year running. In 2012, Sky is increasing its commitment to the June event, streaming live for six hours each day, on both Sky Arts and Sky 3D.

This year's Isle of Wight line-up features some of the biggest names in music, from Welsh rockers Feeder to 80s legends Madness. Sky's coverage will take in all the best performances from the Main Stage, Big Top and Garden Stage, along with live acts and backstage gossip.

James Hunt, channel director of Sky Arts, said: "The Isle of Wight Festival is the most dynamic and exciting festival in the UK. We knew that with this year's line-up, Sky Arts coverage had to be bigger, better and bolder than ever before.

"Broadcasting the festival live for six hours a day not only confirms Sky Arts as the destination for great music coverage, with 3D it also brings viewers closer to the real-life festival experience."

Festival promoter John Giddings, of the Solo music group, added: "We'll be bringing the festival right to people’s living rooms, allowing them to feel like they're part of such a great weekend. I can’t wait ... bring it on!"

Other acts performing at the Isle of Wight Festival 2012 include The Vaccines, Bruce Springsteen and Joan Armatrading. There will also be appearances from Elbow, Jessie J and Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds. More than 75,000 people are expected to attend.

In recent years, Sky Arts has increased its coverage of the UK's festival scene. Last summer, the satellite channel broadcast live coverage from the Isle of Wight, Latitude and Bestival events, as well as 12 highlight programmes from other big events.