The Isle of Wight Festival artwork, which John Giddings said had been rejected by the Isle of Wight Council. Picture courtesy of the Isle of Wight Festival.
ARTWORK promoting the Isle of Wight Festival will not be allowed on the back of taxis because the Isle of Wight Council thinks it is too rude, according to the man behind the event.
The art deco inspired image of a girl draped in a cloth has been used on promotional material by the iconic festival for the last five years.
Isle of Wight taxi firm, Alpha Cars, approached organisers to ask if they could put the design on their taxis this year.
Promoters created a special version of the image, but when the taxi company sought permission from the Isle of Wight Council, which licenses cab firms, they were told the design was inappropriate because the girl was partially nude.
Festival boss John Giddings revealed the decision on Twitter to thousands of followers and festival fans.
He tweeted: "Just had our @IsleofWightFest taxi design rejected by the council for the mermaid being 'naked' Hilarious."
He added: "Even worse, just found out it's the art deco 20s lady...save me..."
He went on to tweet a copy of the picture and ask fans what they thought, with many responding in disbelief over the decision.
Promoters then created a special, covered-up version, showing the same woman wearing a cardigan and a bobble hat.
Festival boss John Giddings said: "Some jobsworth has told us it's unsuitable, even though we have literally been using for the last five years, it's nothing new.
"It's beyond funny."
He added: "Someone reminded me it is actually on the wall of Dimbola Lodge for all to see, it's huge.
"I am really proud of our artwork, it's beautiful, hippy-dippy and in the 70s style. I think we'll put it all over buses just for fun now.
"People are genuinely stunned, they want the Isle of Wight to come into the 21st century, but it's just being held back."
Roger Coombes, owner of Alpha Cars, said: "They did not like certain bits. To be fair the council did say that it did not offend them, but it might offend someone because she is partially naked — but she isn't, all you can see is her arm.
"She is not showing anything, it is a very arty picture. I was surprised that they came back saying certain parts of it did not comply with their rules. We are just waiting for the council to explain why they don't want it."
The amended Isle of Wight Festival artwork. Picture courtesy of the Isle of Wight Festival.
Reporter: sarab@iwcpmail.co.uk