Credit Visit Isle of Wight
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. 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 2025 in South East England.
Isle of Wight Festival, (18th - 21st June 26) returns in June 2026. The award-winning Isle of Wight Festival is steeped in history and famed for mixing iconic legendary artists with the hottest up and coming acts - this year welcoming Lewis Capaldi, Calvin Harris and The Cure as headlomers,
If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the end of July (30th July - 2nd August 2026) 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. Headlining in 2026 is Scissor Sisters, Carl Cox and more!
Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (28th - 30th August 2026) 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. Head along this year to see artists such as Richard Ashcroft and Kasabian.
Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (27th - 30th August 2026). 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. This year artists include Chase & Status, Dave, Charli XCX and many more!
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 picks 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.
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General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, complete with musical accompaniment, and seeing the departing cruise ships – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’!
Enjoy an evening in the company of The Dinner Set, two…
Theatre
Haywards Heath
Open-air opera returns to Borde Hill the summer as leading touring companyWild Artspresents Mozart's comic masterpiece,The Marriage of Figaro– a sparkling tale of secret lovers, clever disguises and theatrical mischief.
Taking place on the South…
Music
Banbury
Music at the Crossroads is an annual 3-day music festival which raises money for national and local charities, including Blood Cancer UK and the Firefighters Charity.
Music
Hailsham
Experience an enchanting evening of music, storytelling, and intrigue at Herstmonceux Castle Estate with The Savoy Hotel: An Evening of Music and Scandal.
This captivating performance brings the rich and glamorous history of Savoy Hotel to life…
Festival
Smugglers Festival is a gathering on the last weekend of summer each year, on a beautiful woodland in East-Kent. It’s a small, intimate festival, rooted in community from the outset.
Music
Margate
Margate Soul Weekender the ultimate celebration of world-class music, vibrant performances, and soulful connection.
Set against Margate's stunning seaside backdrop, this will include the biggest and best lineup yet!
Festival
Cowes
Cowes Fringe is a vibrant celebration of music, theatre, and comedy that lights up the town of Cowes on the Isle of Wight annually in May. The festival fills local venues with an electrifying mix of performances, showcasing both local and national…
Festival
Woodstock
Launching this summer, Blenheim Palace Festival 2026 is a brand-new five-day celebration of music and the arts, set against the breathtaking backdrop of Blenheim Palace in Woodstock — one of Britain’s most iconic stately homes.
General event
Southampton
One way trip to Poole, passengers make their own way back (coach transport may be booked – see separate form). Our trip will see us pass the sights and sounds of busy Southampton Water, The Needles, Hengistbury Head and Poole Harbour, passing…
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.
Music
Abingdon
From the laid back Friday night vibes to fun timeless Tribute Nights, find the music you like at the Hilton Garden Inn Abingdon Oxford
Music
Maidenhead
A tribute born of respect.
From the fire of Cream to the soul of the Dominos and the enduring hits of the solo years, Derick Clapton and the Dynamos are the definitive Eric Clapton tribute. A five-piece band delivering a live show steeped in blues,…
Music
Hook Norton, Banbury
Music at the Crossroads is an annual 3 day music festival which raises money for national and local charities, including Blood cancer UK and the Firefighters Charity. 2026 is our 30th year and we're looking forwards to yet another fabulous weekend…
Music
Brighton
Boasting four huge stages of music, the biggest '00s and '90s bands, artists and DJs from around the world, funfair rides, a '90s arcade, Retro Bars, an RnB Roller Disco, Gormet Street Food, Exclusive VIP area and so much more, this is the ultimate…
Music
Broadstairs
For one glorious week in August, Broadstairs is filled with the sound of folk music. A huge event on the Isle's calendar, Broadstairs Folk Week welcomes hundreds of musicians playing in beer gardens, church halls or on stage. With over 400 events…
Festival
Windsor
Each year the world’s finest musicians, writers, artists, and local performers entertain and delight festival audiences, celebrate Windsor's special place as a Royal town, and to inspire the next generation of artistic talent and creativity.
Music
Henley-on-Thames
Get ready for a fantastic weekend of iconic music, great food and drink and a warm, friendly atmosphere with fellow Rewinders. From singalong favourites to unforgettable live performances, we’ve got plenty in store to make this year extra special.
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
Music
Oxford
The Waterperry Opera Festival takes place over 10 days in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Festival
Ipsden
Wood is an award-winning, family-friendly festival of music and nature taking place in the beautiful surrounds of Braziers Park, Oxfordshire.
Wood includes a full programme of grassroots musical performances on two stages, two days of talks and…
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