State of the Island Debate - 2026

State of the Island Debate – Travel & Tourism Special - Friday 12th June – All Saints Church, Ryde

Island Echo and the Isle of Wight Observer will once again host State of the Island, following the success of last year’s inaugural event.

This year’s debate will focus on cross‑Solent travel, the condition of Island roads, tourism, and the wider economy. Panellists include Joe Robertson MP (East Wight), Richard Quigley MP (West Wight), Dominic Wray (CEO - Visit Isle of Wight), Jonathan Bacon (Leader - IW Council), Simon Moon (Strategic Director of Community Services - IW Council) and Fran Collins (CEO - Red Funnel).

The debate will be chaired by Marc Morgan‑Huws, Chief Executive of the Isle of Wight Steam Railway.

Attendees will have the chance to put questions directly to the panel, with more time allocated for audience questions following feedback from last year.

The 2025 event prompted significant discussion and contributed to real‑world change, including increased scrutiny of the Isle of Wight Coroner’s Service.

Capacity has been increased to 500, but tickets remain first‑come, first‑served.

On the night, voluntary donations will be invited for Daisy Ring Bus, which supports Island cancer patients travelling to mainland hospitals.

Doors open: 18:00 Debate: 19:00–21:00 Venue: All Saints Church, Queens Road, Ryde (PO33 3BG)

Limited disabled parking is available at the church. Additional parking is available on surrounding streets and in nearby IW Council car parks.