This year, all of our evening entertainment will take place at the elegant Royal Esplande Hotel.
Built in 1867, this Grade II listed Victorian building and makes a very fitting venue indeed for the Isle of Wight Steampunk Festival.
The function room is a spacious and characterful setting, featuring exposed wooden ceiling beams and sparkling crystal chandeliers that create a striking Victorian atmosphere. A dance floor sits directly in front of the live band, with some seating available on Friday for a more relaxed experience, while Saturday transforms into a standing-room-only event for a livelier, high-energy crowd. At the rear of the room, a door leads to an outdoor deck space accessed via steps, offering contemporary seating and atmospheric fairy lighting—an inviting retreat if the weather is kind.
Adjacent to the function room is the coffee lounge, a traditional and inviting space with deep red carpeting, Chesterfield sofas, leather tub chairs, elegant Kentia palms, and a grand stone fireplace as its centrepiece. Offering a more relaxed setting for those who wish to take a break while staying part of the atmosphere, it allows guests to sit and unwind without missing the entertainment, with double doors connecting it directly to the function room so the music can still be enjoyed throughout.
Stairs lead down from the main function room to this basement bar. It's a cosy space with a small amount of seating, but a wide selection of drinks. You'll find ales and lagers on tap and in bottles, a selection of wines, spirits and mixers and non-alcoholic drinks.
If you want to take a break from the music, Harry’s Bar is located across the entrance lobby and through the dining room. The décor is classically styled – reminiscent of the golden age of Bogarde and Casablanca – complete with Kensian Palms. The lounge offers a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere to sit and enjoy a tipple from the well-stocked bar featuring real ales, fine wines, spirits, beers, and classic cocktails.
The bar also has a separate 'snug' with sofas and table.
With the evening entertainment taking place within the hotel, it makes sense to stay the weekend too.
The Royal Esplanade Hotel has 70 charming bedrooms. Located at the foot of Ryde’s iconic Victorian pier it is perfectly positioned for guests arriving by hovercraft, catamaran, train, or bus and moments from the vibrant town centre full of cafés and eateries.
The hotel has tailored a package for steampunk guests with B&B Classic Rooms for just £85 per night and packages available to include your ferry crossing.
