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.
Number of results: 42
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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…
Festival
Southampton
Southampton Summer Sessions 2026 returns to Guildhall Square in June 2026, transforming the city’s Cultural Quarter into a vibrant open-air concert venue. Across several nights from 12–27 June, the series brings together a diverse line-up of…
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
Ovington, Alresford
A world of unity, creativity & freedom, Boomtown Fair is a four day festival set in the Matterley bowl in Hampshire, UK on the second weekend of August. Boomtown fuses a diverse line-up of underground and global music with boundary pushing immersive…
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.
Outdoor Event / Activities
Horsham
1, 2 & 3 May and 22, 23 & 24 May 2026
May Bank Holidays | 18+ event | Starts 18:00 | From £6.65 per person | FREE parking for the event
Leonardslee Lates returns for six spring evenings of live music, street food and Sussex sparkling wine set…
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
Maidstone
Maid of Stone festival is a 3-day rock music event held in Maidstone, Kent
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…
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
Waterperry
WATERPERRY GARDENS, Moonrakers annual concert in the fabulous open-air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining).
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
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
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
Newbury
The Newbury Spring Festival is a long‑running annual arts festival in Newbury, England, known for bringing world‑class music, performance, and cultural events to the region each spring. We host up to 45 events at 18 different venues.
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.
Festival
Henley On Thames
With its wonderful range of entertainment in a breathtaking setting on the banks of the River Thames and with some of the best wining and dining seen at any Festival, Henley Festival makes for a highly glamorous party not to be missed, with stars on
Festival
Winchester
It's going to be a wild weekend this September as Dub Pistols bring their diverse mix of iconic acts to the festival at Vicarage Farm in Winchester. The 2025 line-up features Groove Armada, Fabio & Grooverider, David Rodigan, Alison Limerick, Don…
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…
© Visit South East England 2026. All Rights Reserved
.png){kind=icon}
