So here it is, the first major music festival of the summer, and with a killer line-up it’s set to be one of the best to hit Seaclose Park. Isle of Wight festival never fails to bring in the big guns, and 2013 will be no different with headline acts The Stone Roses, The Killers and Bon Jovi taking the Main Stage by storm. Running from 13th to 16th June, this year’s programme is seriously eclectic with legendary acts joined by some of the best new artists in every genre.

The IOW Main Stage has seen so many epic performances over the years with the likes of Foo Fighters, Paul McCartney, Jay Z, The Rolling Stones, Muse, The Who, David Bowie and Jimi Hendrix rocking the island. This year’s revellers will see indie kings The Maccabees, Bastille and Everything Everything joined by Brit award winners Emeli Sande and Ben Howard. The Boomtown Rats are even reforming for the festival to play their first show since 1986, and there’ll also be appearances from rising stars Jake Bugg, Laura Mvula and Palma Violets.

The Stone Roses will make their only UK festival appearance this year when they headline the Main Stage on Friday night, following Paul Weller who’s returning to IOW after a decade. The Killers will be blowing up the stage on Saturday after the incredible Bloc Party. Sunday will see festival favourite Paloma Faith grace the stage and no doubt The Script will woo the crowd before headliners Bon Jovi initiate a massive Living on a Prayer singalong.

Ellie Goulding will be owning the Big Top on Friday with the help of Rizzle Kicks, Fun. and Delilah, while there’s a dance takeover on Saturday with Sub Focus, Modestep, Zane Lowe, Andy C, Friction and Monsta bringing in the earth-shattering basslines. Sunday is old meets new with Blondie headlining after 90s indie rockers Republica, Imperial Teen and I am Kloot; while Imagine Dragons, Kids in Glass Houses and Young Guns unleash the 21st century rock.

Over at the Dance Tent, Friday headliners Example + DJ Wire will be getting the crowd bouncing with their dance anthems, after Madeon drops his electro house beats and Benga + Youngman inject a hearty dose of dubstep. Thursday campers will also be able to choose between A-trak and Jaguar Skills at the Dance Tent opening night party, or iconic Manchester alt rockers Happy Mondays in the Big Top.

As usual there’ll be plenty to do when the banging tunes are all too much. New this year is the Cabaret Club showcasing comedy, dance and burlesque; The Intoxicated Tearooms with cakes, retro tunes and cocktails served in vintage crockery; and The Bohemian Woods – the perfect place to kick back in a hammock away from the hustle and bustle.

For those seeking the party atmosphere, there’s Life’s a Beach with real sand and pumping beats all day long for the ultimate beach party. The Kashmir Cafe serves the award-winning Isle of Wight brewed real ale and the Hipshaker Lounge celebrates the sound of the 60s. For glampers with some extra cash to splash there’s the Zebra Bar & Champagne Garden or the new Bathing Under the Sky with wood-fired hot tubs and a sauna.

At £185 Isle of Wight is at the cheaper end of the big UK fests and a day ticket’s only £75. If you live on the mainland, make sure you save some money for the ferry and book early.

Nostalgia packed with some great new music to look forward to – let’s just hope there won’t be a repeat of last year with the onslaught of heavy rain causing an absolute mud fest. Even if it is, the good old British it’s-us-against-the-elements mentality is sure to shine through.

– Published at This Festival Feeling