Wightlink support Isle of Wight Students for Dance Live! 2026
Friday, 6 February 2026
Hundreds of Isle of Wight schoolchildren are gearing up for this year’s Dance Live! heats in Portsmouth, taking place throughout February.
Thanks to transport sponsorship from Wightlink, eight primary and secondary schools from across the Island will travel to Portsmouth Guildhall to showcase their performances, each group hoping to secure a coveted place in April’s finals.
Dance Live! blends dance, digital technology, and creative design, giving students the opportunity to develop both performance and technical production skills in a professional theatre setting.
The Island schools competing this year are: Christ The King College, Ryde School with Upper Chine, Lanesend Primary School, Medina House School, Queensgate Foundation Primary School, The Bay CE Primary School, The Bay CE Secondary School and Ryde Academy.
In total, more than 560 students from these schools will take to the stage. The event’s impact reaches even further, with many more pupils contributing behind the scenes—supporting fundraising, costume making, soundtrack development and digital LED screen design.
Kirstie Higgins-Day, Wightlink head of business development, said: “Wightlink is always proud to support cultural events like Dance Live! helping Island children access opportunities on the mainland. We wish all the schools the very best with their performances.”
Cherry Lambert, Dance Live! senior producer, said: “Wightlink’s continued support is vital to the success of Dance Live! events.
“Their generous discounts for school groups, along with reduced fares for cars and foot passengers for our events, make it easier for friends, family, and the wider school community to attend and cheer on the performers.
“This support ensures schools and talented young people from the Isle of Wight can take part without barriers.
“The island plays a huge role in the vibrancy and diversity of our programme, and thanks to Wightlink, these performers can showcase their creativity on stage. Together, we’re creating unforgettable experiences that connect communities across the Solent.”