SOUTHAMPTON’S The Costellos are returning to Isle of Wight to open one of the festival’s most exciting new music stages and, incredibly, for one of the line-up it will be his first ever gig with the band.

New bassist Kieran Wilson will join singer-guitarist George Dummett, guitarist Declan Byrne and drummer Tomi Lewis to play in front of thousands on Thursday evening and it couldn’t be more different to last year for the newcomer.

“While the others and my predecessor on bass, Harry Stevenson, were gigging at the festival last year, I was sat home eating Bombay Bad Boy pot noodle!” joked Kieran.

“I used to watch the others at gigs all the time and already knew the songs, so, as a former fan, this is a dream come true.”

“This year is slightly scary, but exciting” said frontman George. “We’re especially buzzing to be first on the popular Jack Rocks This Feeling stage, which once again has so much of the best new music”

“Kicking off the festival on the first evening is special too. We were there last year watching the fantastic Sherlocks and the tent was absolutely rammed. At that time everyone is still fresh-headed and up for it. Our advice is get down early!”

The Costellos, who hail from Millbrook, Romsey and Redbridge, are proud to be part of one of the biggest Southampton band stampedes to the festival for some years.

The Novatones will open the huge Big Top stage on Sunday while The Jack Rocks This Feeling tent also boasts The Rising on Saturday and Bel Esprit on Sunday alongside national rising stars like Fronteers, Amazons, Hidden Charms, The Spitfires plus headliners Little Comets and Yak.

“Promoter Mikey Jonns has put together another terrific line-up” said Tomi.

“He’s always spot-on with what makes a good show and has done a huge amount for bands like us in Southampton with the This Feeling club nights at The Joiners.”

“It’s also brilliant to be on the same bill as our good friends The Spitfires who we’ve toured with many times. We wouldn’t be where we are without them” added Declan

The lads were high spirited and on top form when The Daily Echo caught up with them at Southampton’s Planet Sounds studio. All the last minute plans for music and travel were safely in hand.

“While it’s a challenge to try and fit everything into a festival set, we’re definitely hoping to play one new tune” said George.

“We’re also heading over on Thursday, but to save money we’re taking the 5:45am car ferry. The site doesn’t open until 12pm so we’ll probably have a few hours on the beach first!”

“Once our show’s done between us we’ll be making sure we catch Faithless, Cast, Blossoms and of course The Who” said Declan.

“We’re also big fans of Friday main stage openers Reverend of the Makers, who we’ve seen do some epic shows before” added George.

Isle of Wight is just part of what will be a busy summer for George, Declan, Tomi and Kieran as they also have their first headline show outside of Southampton at the Prince Albert in Brighton on Saturday, July 23.

The Saints supporting four-piece - Declan’s dad is also head steward in the Itchen stand at St Mary’s - also plan to get back in the studio, record some new tunes and get out on their first headline tour around the country.

But first The Costellos play The Jack Rocks This Feeling Stage at 6pm on Thursday 9 June at The Isle of Wight Festival that takes place June 9-12. Tickets at isleofwightfestival.com. More on the Costellos’ Facebook page.

Words: Richard Derbyshire

Pictures: Leon Gateley