EIGHTY EIGHT MILES: HEADLINING THIS FEELING’S ISLE OF WIGHT STAGE IN A HUGE YEAR FOR THE BAND

The Isle of Wight Festival has long been a staple of the UK’s live music scene, known for bringing together legendary acts, rising talent, and fans who live for great performances. One of its most exciting stages, This Feeling, has spent the past decade championing new artists, building a strong community, and providing crucial opportunities for bands making their mark on the industry.

As This Feeling celebrates 10 years at Isle of Wight, it continues to be the place where emerging artists thrive, and this time, one of the biggest performances comes from Eighty Eight Miles. After building momentum over the last few years, they’re not only returning to the festival—they’re headlining the stage. Northern Exposure caught up with them to talk about their journey, their biggest influences, and what’s next for them after an unforgettable summer.

How does it feel to be playing on the This Feeling stage, especially during such a milestone year for the festival?

It feels incredible to be part of the 10th anniversary of This Feeling at Isle of Wight, and headlining the stage makes it even more special. We can’t wait, this is going to be an unforgettable weekend.

How has This Feeling influenced your journey as a band?

Through This Feeling, we’ve met some amazing people over the last three years and had unreal opportunities that helped us get to where we are now. Their support is unmatched.

Can you describe your band’s journey, who you are, where you come from, and what you stand for?

We come from all over the Midlands, but we formed in 2020 at BIMM University in Birmingham. We’re an indie pop/rock five-piece, blending influences from artists like Blossoms, Declan McKenna, and Red Rum Club, while pulling from classics like Fleetwood Mac, The Beach Boys, and The Mamas & The Papas.

Have you been to the Isle of Wight Festival before? What memories stand out?

We played Isle of Wight for the first time in 2024, and we couldn’t believe how massive the festival was. The atmosphere was unbeatable, everyone was up for a great time. Watching S Club, Jessie J, Blossoms, and Keane all back-to-back was definitely a highlight.

What does playing This Feeling mean for your music and your connection with audiences?

This Feeling is like one big community, and being part of it feels special. There’s a genuine level of support between everyone, and that’s what makes it so great.

Which bands or artists are you most excited to see at the festival this year?

Really excited to see Good Health Good Wealth, we shared the stage with them at Viva Sounds Sweden, and their energy is unreal. Also buzzing to see Fitzroy Holt, The Clause, and Lottery Winners again after supporting them earlier this year.

How does preparing for a festival set differ from getting ready for a regular gig?

Festival sets are usually shorter, and most of the crowd won’t know you yet, so it’s all about picking songs that pack a punch and keep people engaged from the start.

What’s coming up next for you after the festival, new music, tours, or any major plans?

We’ve never headlined a festival before, and suddenly we’re headlining Isle of Wight, Truck Festival, and Sonic Boom Festival this year, it’s mad. We feel incredibly lucky to be playing all over the country this summer, and we’ve got big plans for new music later in the year.

Finally, which other band are you most looking forward to watching and why?

We’re split on this one, but our top picks have to be Sting, The Script, The Lathums, Yard Act, and Stereophonics.

Eighty Eight Miles headline Thursday night, all timings below…