EXCITEMENT is mounting with only a week to go until The Isle Of Wight Festival 2015 opens its gates to the public on June 11.

And it is promising to be an exceptional year with a line-up that includes Fleetwood Mac, Blur, The Prodigy, The Black Keys, Pharrell Williams, Paolo Nutini, Jessie Ware and James Bay.

Now festival bosses have announced that this year’s event will be a celebration of the 45th anniversary since Jimi Hendrix made his last ever UK performance at the festival in 1970.

And to commence the celebrations, the festival confirm that they will christen the main stage ‘The Electric Church’ in honour of his now legendary performance on the island 45 years ago.

Hendrix referred to his music as ‘Electric Church’, believing music was his religion; a principle also shared by the festival.

The inimitable spirit and attitude of Jimi Hendrix and his music has influenced and inspired The Isle of Wight Festival since the event was re-launched in 2002 by music promoter John Giddings, who was in the crowd for Jimi Hendrix’s set at the 1970 festival: John Giddings said: “Jimi’s contribution to both the island and the festival has been immense.

By naming our main stage ‘The Electric Church’ we hope to build on his legacy at the festival as well as paying tribute to his unique contribution to music which will always be remembered by the festival and the artists we have on our stage.”

In 2006, Giddings commissioned the creation and installation of a life-sized statue of Hendrix on the island, for a more permanent reminder of his cultural significance on the Isle of Wight.

Those attending this year’s festival are encouraged to take part in the celebrations on site by dressing up as Jimi Hendrix or coming up with their own ways of marking the occasion.

The Isle of Wight Festival is one of the crown jewels of the British summer calendar, with a unique festival experience for music fans of all ages to enjoy.

The festival offers 12 stages of live music over the weekend - including Main Stage headliners, acoustic sets, DJ performances and up-andcoming talent - alongside a huge variety of additional entertainment and activities.

A full range of ticket, travel and camping/accommodation options are available from isleofwightfestival.com.