John Giddings Named ‘Festival Promoter Of The Year’ At FestForums Awards

John Giddings, founder of Solo Agency, the man who ressurected the Isle of Wight Festival in 2002 and has been promoting it ever since, was named Festival Promoter of the Year at the FestForums awards in Santa Barbara, CA, Feb. 13.

Giddings was presented with the honour by Arthur Fogel, president of Live Nation’s global touring division.

The award comes shortly after the Isle of Wight Festival was named “Best Large Festival” at the UK Music Festival Awards in December last year.

Giddings is also the international touring consultant with Live Nation, which acquired a majority stake in Isle of Wight Festival in 2017. In this role, he’s worked on tours for artists like David Bowie, U2, The Rolling Stones, Lady Gaga, Madonna, NERD, and many others.

Impact International Honors 2022: John Giddings

FestForums recognized Giddings as “a pivotal figure in the industry,” according to the press announcement. Since he revived Isle of Wight Festival in 2002, Giddings has transformed the event into a cornerstone of the global music scene, securing iconic performances from some of the world’s most prominent artists including Fleetwood Mac, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, and Amy Winehouse.

The festival recently announced part of its 2025 lineup, which includes headline performances by Sting, Stereophonics, and Justin Timberlake.

Outside of the Isle of Wight Festival, this year will also see Giddings set up ten sold-out shows at The O2, London, by R&B superstar Usher on behalf of Live Nation.

Speaking about the award, John Giddings said, :To have this presented by Arthur – someone I have immense respect for – makes it all the more meaningful.

“When we brought the Isle of Wight Festival back in 2002, it was about reviving a legacy started by Ray Foulk, honoring the past while creating something new. This recognition isn’t just for me – it’s for the Isle of Wight itself, the entire team, the artists, and, most importantly, the festival-goers who make it all possible.”

2024 saw the launch of the “Experience 25” exhibition at The O2 in London celebrating a total of 25 years of festival history written by Ray Foulk, the festival’s original promoter, and Giddings.

Now in its ninth year, FestForums returned to the Mar Monte Hotel in Santa Barbara, CA, Feb. 12-14, for its 2025 edition, bringing together top industry leaders, innovators, and creatives.

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