Music Festivals

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.

Top Music Festivals in the South East

• 20th - 23rd June  2024, Isle of Wight Festival, Seaclose, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2EA
• 23rd - 25th August 2024, Victorious Festival, Southsea Common, Portsmouth, Hampshire, PO5 3AE
• 21st - 25th August  2024, Reading Festival, Richfield Avenue, Reading, Berkshire, RG1 8EQ
• 7th - 11th August , Boomtown 'Revolution of Imagination', Matterley Estate, Near Winchester, 

Take a look at the event highlights below as we will guide you through the best music festivals 2024 in South East England.

All Music Festivals Guide across the South East

Isle of Wight Festival, (20 - 23 June 2024) returns in June 2024.  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 The Prodigy, Pet Shop Boys and Green Day.

If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the start of August  (1 - 4 August 2024) 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.

Portsmouth’s Victorious Festival (23 - 25 August 2024) certainly wins the prize for best value for money with tickets from just £55 and for 2024 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.  Head along this year to see artists such as Fat Boy Slim and Snow Patrol.

Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (21 - 25 August 2024). 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 Liam Gallagher, Catfish and the Bottlemen, Raye and 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.

Music Festivals near me

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.

• 15th - 18th May 2024, The Great Escape Festival, Brighton, East Sussex,
  Showcasing 500 emerging artists from all over the world in 30+ venues across the city and a pop-up festival site on Brighton Beach
• 12th - 16th June 2024, Nocturne Live, Blenheim Palace, Oxfordshire, OX20 1PP
  Nocturne Live turns The Great Court at Blenheim Palace into a grand arena with artists including Sugababes, Chaka Khan & Crowded House.
• 13th - 30th June 2024, Southampton Summer Seasons, Guildhall Square, Southampton, Hampshire, SO14 7DU
  A great lineup for this year's series of music sessions in the cultural quarter of Southampton including Tom Jones, Paloma Faith, Madness and more.
• 13th July 2024, Leeds Castle Concert, Leeds Castle, Leeds Village, Maidstone, Kent, ME17 1PL
  This iconic event is a highlight of the summer season, set in the most spectacular location and natural amphitheatre in front of the beautiful Leeds Castle, said to be the loveliest castle in the world. 
• 13th - 14th July 2024, Beach Life Music Festival, Eastbourne, East Sussex, BN22 7LH 
  Beach Life Music and Street Food Festival, the south coast's funkiest weekend is back and guaranteed to keep you entertained all weekend long!
• 19th - 21st July 2024, Christchurch Music Festival, Christchurch, Dorset,  BH23 1BY
  Over three stages, welcoming over 50+ artist, this family friendly event takes place on Christchurch Quay.
• 20th July 2024, Margate Country Music Festival, Margate, Kent, CT9 2HL
  The first ever country festival comes to Margate with artists including the Smokin Mavericks, Taynee Lord, and First Time Flyers.
• 20th - 21st July 2024, Maidenhead Festival, Miadenhead, Berkshire,  SL6 7ED 
  The family-focused event will feature music, fairground, stalls and side shows
• 19th - 21st July 2024, Maid of Stone Festival, Mote Park, Maidstone, ME15 7SU  
  Maid of Stone is a 3 day hard rocking music festival in Mote Park, Maidstone featuring three stages and 37 of the best internationally reowned bands combined with the best of up and coming British rock artists.
• 1st - 4th August 2024, Wickham Festival, Wickham, Fareham, Hampshire, PO17 5HD
  Set on outskirts of historic Wickham village provide a picturesque setting for one of the safest and most relaxed festivals of the summer.
• 2nd - 4th August 2024, Margate Soul Festival, Margate, Kent,
  Margate's longest running and biggest music festival returns with a stellar line up of international and homegrown headliners.
• 16th - 18th August 2024, Rewind South 24, Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire, RG9 3DB
  Two day music festival on the banks of the river Thames, with multiple venues, silent disco and live sing alongs.
• 30th Aug - 1st September 2024, Gosport Sunset Festival, Walpole Park, Gosport, PO12 IND   
  Free three day music festival with two stages and over 30 acts, well being area, street food and host of tribute acts.
• 29th - 1st September 2024, Smugglers Festival, secret woodland location, Deal 
  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.