Inspirational Islanders: Mike Christie, Wight Proms

Singer and composer Mike began his professional career at the age of 8 as a chorister before appearing in the movie Four Weddings and a Funeral. In 2004, he auditioned as a member of vocal group G4 on the X Factor. The band celebrate their 20th anniversary in 2024 with a new studio album out on 12 April, followed by an extensive UK tour – which includes the 5 June at Medina Theatre. In 2018 Mike launched Wight Proms, the annual outdoor proms festival in Cowes which celebrates comedy, musical theatre, opera and classical music, and includes free arts workshops.

“What I love about the Island is that I feel like I’m on holiday all the time, no matter how much work I’ve got on, and Cowes where I live is the most sociable place I have ever lived.

It might sound odd, but the tennis courts at Northwood House are my favourite place to be. We are so fortunate to have such an incredible facility, and these courts kept me sane when I lost all of my work due to COVID.

The Isle of Wight has some beautiful beaches, but Scratchell’s Bay is the best in my opinion. Super secluded, with access only by boat, you feel like you’re escaping to your own private beach!

Tennyson Down above is a great place for a walk. Simply stunning being so high up with the Solent on either side. You get a real sense of the shape of the Island from there.

Of course, I have to say the Wight Proms Festival is my favourite event! It’s hard to believe we’re celebrating our sixth year and I’m proud of how it’s grown. We’ve got our series of Wight Proms Wednesdays returning too, where you can catch a performance and enjoy lunch afterwards. New this year, we will be taking the concerts to The Garlic Farm in the evenings, with tapas beforehand.

I also love Ventnor Fringe and can’t wait to perform there on 21 July with Thomas as our singing duo ‘Cameron & Christie’.

If I only had an hour to spend on the Island, I would go to Mountbatten Hospice to sing to the residents; something that means a lot to me. They do fantastic work supporting patients as well as their loved ones at the most difficult times.”

Wight Proms takes place on 9–18 August at Northwood House, Cowes.