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, (19 - 22 June 2025) returns in June 2025. 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 Sting, Stereophonics and Justin Timberlake.
If you're looking for something spiritual then Oxfordshire's Wilderness Festival is taking place at the end of July (31 July - 3 August 2025) 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 (22 - 24 August 2025) 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 Queens of the Stone Age and Kings of Leon.
Arguably one of the most popular festivals in the UK is Berkshire's Reading Festival (21 - 24 August 2025). 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 Limp Bizkit, Hozier, Bring Me The Horizon, Travis Scott 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 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: 44
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Festivals
Basingstoke
The fantastically successful award-winning Basingstoke Festival returns this summer. This event is a must for your calendar and is a fantastic opportunity for those living or visiting Hampshire over the summer.
Music
Henley-on-Thames
Rewind South comes to Henley on Thames, Oxfordshire this August, with headliners including Soft Cell, ABC, Holly Johnson and many more!
Music
Banbury
Enjoy 19 hours of live music over 2 stages, beer tent, yummy food & camping at Hook Norton Brewery, Oxfordshire.
Music at the Crossroads is an annual 3-day music festival which raises money for national and local charities, including Blood cancer…
Festivals
Basingstoke
Carfest South will be returning to Laverstoke Park Farm, Hampshire in August as One Big Carfest. The 2,500 acres farm, near Overton, is owned by ex-racing driver and 1979 Formula 1 World Champion Jody Scheckter.
Free Event
Reading
This free annual East Reading Festival returns to Palmer Park on Sunday 22nd June 2025 between 12noon and 6pm.
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!
Music
Cobham
Painshill Live Music Lates return for Summer 2025
Listen to a live band in the beautiful surroundings of The Great Lawn at the top of the historical vineyard.
On these summer evenings Painshill will be open 5.30pm until 9pm (last entry 8pm) so you…
Music
Christchurch
The ultimate summer party comes to Christchurch, Dorset, this July 18th-20th. The X Church Music Festival will be welcoming a host of local talent from across Dorset and beyond, with 50+ acts over the weekend! With 3 stages on 3 days at Christchurch…
Free Event
Southampton
TAPESTRY Music Festival, comes to Southampton this summer.
A brand-new free festival celebrating world-class music and culture takes inspiration from the 250th anniversary of Jane Austen, TAPESTRY reimagines her love of folk music with a modern,…
Festival
Southampton
It's our biggest festival of the year, with three sell out years in a row! Live Music in the garden on the Castle Stage from - RED RUM The Captains Beard Brian Stone & the Masters of None Cutlass Alphalfa.
Festival
Cornbury Park, Charlbury
Wilderness is the multi-award winning 4-day festival combining live music, contemporary arts, and an array of theatre, craftsmanship,p and dining experiences. It's a rich tapestry of musicians, chefs, thinkers, actors, outdoor experts, and teachers.
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.
Free Event
Lee-on-the-Solent
Summer in Lee returns for its 9th year to Lee-on-the-Solent, Gosport this summer. The event will involve Smile Emporium, The Smile Stage, Summer Fun Fair and Summer Pirates all on the Lee-on-Solent promenade over 3 days with different genres of…
Festivals
Sandwhich
Established in 2010, Sandwich Folk and Ale Festival is a multi-arts festival that highlights traditional and contemporary folk-life and folk arts, in a beautiful medieval town of Sandwich in Kent.
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
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…
Free Event
Hungerford
Join us at Cobbs this June for a fantastic summer celebration! Expect a day packed with family fun, a vibrant local market (scroll down to see who's joining us), and live music from talented local artists. Gather in our garden as we welcome the…
Festival
Basingstoke
The UK's biggest food festival dedicated to Caribbean food returns bigger and better for another amazing family day of food, drink, cooking demonstrations, shopping and music.
FREE ENTRY FOR UNDER 14s
This will be an unforgettable outdoor…
Festival
Faversham
Dates: Saturday 23rd & Sunday 24th August 2025
Open: 10am – 5pm
Brogdale Cider Festival: Exciting new layout for 2025! Enjoy local ciders, music and family fun. Free shuttle bus to and from Faversham station.
Savour the summer while you sample…
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