Maidstone
There is nothing like the unique atmosphere of a music festival, and a growing number of festival goers are heading to the South East to experience their favourite bands and artists at some of the top music festivals in the UK. From the international-renowned Reading Festival with top artist including Billie Eilish and Sam Fender, to the Isle of Wight Festival featuring George Ezra and the Chemical Brothers. Whether you're camping for the weekend or just going for the day, you will be spoilt for choice with a huge range of rock, dance and pop music on offer throughout the year.
Take a look at the event highlights below as we will guide you through the best music festivals 2023 in South East England.
Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (25 - 27 August 2023). Taking place on August Bank holiday weekend, the three-day music event traditionally attracts some of the best rock bands in the world despite having more dance acts in recent years. Headliners for this year include The Killers and Billie Eilish.
Isle of Wight Festival, (15 - 18 June 2023) returns in June in 2023. The event offers boutique camping, refreshing retreats with luxury toilets and loos, for those looking for a more upmarket festival experience. Headliners this year include Robbie Williams and George Ezra.
If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the start of August (3 - 6 August 2023) at Cornbury Park . Spread across four days the festival is ideal for nature lovers and not only does it have fantastic live music but offers contemporary arts, an array of theatre and craftsmanship.
Guildford's Weyfest (18 - 20 August 2023) is a premium boutique-style festival which has been held in the Surrey grounds at the Rural Life Centre since 2017. At the you will experience fine foods, wines, ales, ciders and lagers, cocktails and champagne bars - all at reasonable prices. There are plenty of frequently cleaned toilets that are topped up with supplies all weekend, a beautiful campsite with wonderful hot showers and great sound quality from four stages. Headliners to be confirmed.
If you’re looking for something a bit more quirky then look no further than Boomtown Fair (9 - 13 August 2023), located near Winchester. This is the festival with a difference, mixing music with actors and characters that flood the streets, huge parades and pop-up sound systems on every street corner.
Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (25 - 27 August 2023) certainly wins the prize for best value for money with tickets from just £55 and for 2023 payment plan options are available making it easier to budget to attend. The summer festival offers off site camping with a free shuttle bus to and from the site. The Farlington campsite has different zooms including a family friendly area, with ties it the festivals large Kids arena - shortlist in the UK Festival Awards for Best Family Festival in 2015, 2016 & 2018.
If sleeping conditions are not for you then don’t worry as there are several festivals offering ‘Glamping’ which is a more comfortable way of experiencing a festival or if you're looking to stay nearby, check out our accommodation listings.
Many of the mainstream festivals are well known and a must do, for any regular festival goer. However, there are a whole host of other smaller UK music festivals, concerts and events celebrating different styles and genre that are ideal for the general music lovers. Here are some of our top pics from across the destination showcasing a mix of UK music including alternative rock, jazz, folk and classical. You can find others on the events pages which you can explore by county.
Number of results: 35
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Music
Bexhill on Sea
The Bexhill Festival of Music presents a programme full of events celebrating internationally renowned performers, live music and local talent. Country & Western, Jazz, Choral, Folk, Rock & Roll, Classical, pupils from local schools – a full and…
Festival
Lewes
A one day music festival in the heart of Lewes for the whole family. Live music, bars, food, stalls, children's activities, fun fair and a Rugby 7's tournament . Plus an opportunity for the minis and juniors to try taster sessions throughout the…
Festival
Worthing
Worthing’s multi arts festival – comprising music, theatre, dance, art, heritage, comedy, spoken word, workshops, film, outdoor and family events taking place in venues across Worthing.
Festivals
Woodstock
Nocturne Live turns The Great Court at Blenheim Palace into a grand arena, as befits the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill. We invite world-class acts, building a stage and putting out 7,000 seats to bring live music back to the palace after a…
Music
Tenterden
Come and enjoy a summer evening with an orchestra of around 40 local musicians playing classics from the 'March of Bacchus', to well known show tunes and culminating in some favourites from Last Night of the Proms.
Tickets includes a glass of…
Music
Lewes
The Love Supreme Jazz Festival is a 3 day greenfield jazz festival held in the first weekend of July in the stunning surroundings of Glynde Place in the beautiful South Downs in East Sussex.
It is the first full weekend camping jazz festival in the…
Music
Brighton
We are delighted to host a weekend of live music at our favourite little venue - The Pipeline.
There will be 24 multi-genre bands spread over two and a half days, with an earlier finish on the Sunday evening which includes an after party.
TICKET…
Concert
Bexhill On Sea
Bexfest returns to the De La Warr Pavilion.
Festival
Bexhill On Sea
After the hugely successful festival in 2022, Bexfest 2023 is set to BIG!
Outdoor Event / Activities
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles
Summer Festival
We're very pleased to be hosting Bucks Music Trust's Summer Festival at the Museum again. Around 600 young musicians, aged between 4 – 18 years ranging from beginners to advanced, will be performing on two stages in the open air,…
Concert
Petworth
Immerse yourself in culture at the prestigious Petworth Festival which hosts first-class artists from around the world every July.
Performances include Tenebrae, Jess Gillam, Clive Anderson, The Manfreds, Shakatak, The Jive Aces and Amaan and Ayaan…
General event
Brighton
Pub in the Park Brighton 2023 tour dates have landed!! The UK's biggest touring food & music festival curated by Michelin-starred chef, Tom Kerridge, is coming to Preston Park for the first time ever with an epic festival weekend on 14-16 July!…
Food
Winchester
Join us at North Walls Recreation Ground for Winchester Foodies Festival 2023 – our biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music.
Festivals
Reading
Readipop Festival features performances from international artists and local acts, sharing our stages with the community bands we support and some of young people who make music through our AAA youth programme.
Concert
Bexhill On Sea
Jo Whiley brings special guests to the De La Warr for 90s fun!
Festival
Battle
BATTLE FESTIVAL is a firm fixture on South East England's cultural calendar, winning public and critical acclaim. The festival stages performances in iconic settings and attracts world-class performances and audiences to 1066 Country.
Festival
Eastbourne
Beachlife Music and Street Food Festival, the south coast's coolest, funkiest weekend is back and guaranteed to keep you entertained all weekend long!
Festival
Maidenhead
The 2023 two-day Maidenhead Festival will take place over the weekend of 22nd & 23rd July.
Festival
Fareham
The outskirts of historic Wickham village provide a picturesque setting for one of the safest and most relaxed festivals of the summer. Enjoy some great live music. Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly…
Festival
Cornbury Park, Charlbury
Wilderness is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts and an array of theatre, craftsmanship and dining experiences. It's a rich tapestry of musicians, chefs, thinkers, actors, outdoor experts and teachers.