Hampshire, credit Visit Portsmouth
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.
Number of results: 50
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Music
Haywards Heath
Experience Jane Austen as you've never seen her: her voice, her music, her world. Featuring actor Nina Wadia OBE, soprano Claire Booth and Andrew Matthews‑Owen on piano, this open‑air performance blends her letters with music by Handel, Mozart,…
Music
Haywards Heath
Inspired by the world of Bridgerton and set in a wild botanical garden, this open-air concert at Kew Wakehurst, reimagines modern music through a classical lens with chart-topping hits transformed into a stunning string performance in the West…
Music
Haywards Heath
Feel the rhythm, soak up the atmosphere, and let the evening unfold at Wakehurst. Enjoy an open‑air picnic concert in a stunning landscape, and take in the chilled sunset lounge vibes with live bossa nova and Latin jazz all in the West Sussex…
Music
Newbury
For two weekends in July and August - Newbury Racecourse - welcomes entertainment both on and off the track.
This year Party in the Paddock welcomes Gipsy Kings, Ronan Keating, Tinie Tempah and Jessie J for two spectacular weekends of music and…
Music
Oxford
The Waterperry Opera Festival takes place over 10 days in the Oxfordshire countryside.
Festival
Newport
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.
Festival
Fareham
Wickham Festival is a 4-day music & arts festival held every August in a stunningly beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.
Music
Haywards Heath
Sunday Afternoons of Live Music in the Garden
Our much-loved Music in the Garden events return on selected Sunday afternoons this summer, bringing the perfect soundtrack to a relaxing family day out.
Settle into the stunning surroundings of our…
Festival
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
General event
Southampton
Steam down Southampton Water to the Solent, passing cruise ships in berth, and on your return see the cruise ships Norwegian Sky and Seven Seas Grandeur depart – always the chance to sound our whistle and play the ‘Shieldhall Organ’! We welcome on…
Family
Southampton
Running for two decades, the Southampton Mela Festival now attracts around 30,000 thousand people per year from along the South coast to enjoy a fusion of music, dance and family activities, all of an international flavour from world-class artists.
Festival
Reading
One of the biggest musical festivals in the world, every year over 90,000 people flock to the Richfield Avenue site to experience the iconic event.
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.
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…
Festival
Portsmouth
Victorious Festival returns for 2026 - bringing some of the biggest bands and artists to Southsea Common.
Music
Waterperry
WATERPERRY GARDENS, Moonrakers annual concert in the fabulous open-air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining).
Music
Haywards Heath
Experience an evening of opera under the twilight sky at Kew Wakehurst. Arrive early to enjoy a picnic of your own or sample food and drink from our on site bar and street food, then settle into your seat in front of the Elizabethan Mansion as…
Music
Deal
Enjoy this year's annual Deal Music and Arts Festival, which takes over the town of Deal in Kent for ten days this July.
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
Reading
Down at the Abbey is an independent music festival in the Reading Abbey Ruins.
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