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: 50
, currently showing 21 to 40.
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
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
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
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
Lower Beeding, Horsham
We are delighted to announce that Horsham Rock Choir will be returning to perform here at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens with their uplifting music to truly lift us into the spring months.
Music
Winchester
Immerse yourself in the original, psychedelic, full dome Planetarium visualisation of Pink Floyd's iconic album, The Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre.
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
Lower Beeding, Horsham
Join us for for an enchanting evening as Lumos presents a string trio brings the timeless sounds of Hans Zimmer & Ludovico Einaudi to life, all set against the stunning backdrop of Leonardslee House Lawn here at Leonardslee Lakes & Gardens. Sit back…
Music
Margate
The Margate Country Music Festival returns to The Oval, a day filled with live music, dancing, competitions, games and DJ’s.
Festival
Southampton
Music in the City is Southampton’s premier music event celebrating and promoting the wonderful diversity of musical talent within Southampton City for the benefit of all residents and city visitors.
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
Gorelands Lane, Chalfont St. Giles
Chiltern Open Air Museum are pleased to be hosting Buckinghamshire Music Trust's Summer Festival this summer on the 5th July 2026.
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
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…
Food
Birchington
Sausage & Cider Festival returns to Quex Park on Isle of Thanet, Kent for 2026. The line up includes Mumford and Sons, Food Fighters and Kasier Chiefs tribute acts, street food vendors and now up to 30 different ciders available on site!
Music
Winchfield, Hook
Nine days of incredible music, unforgettable performances and pure festive magic. Live tribute acts including: Le Freak (Chic Featuring Nile Rodgers – Funk, Soul & Disco Tribute), Rule The World (The #1 Take That Tribute band, The Night of the…
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
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
Haywards Heath
Set against Wakehurst's iconic Elizabethan Mansion and surrounding gardens, this is an open-air classical experience that brings the feel of a major city concert to a botanical setting in West Sussex.
Music
Waterperry
WATERPERRY GARDENS, Moonrakers annual concert in the fabulous open-air Amphitheatre (or a marquee if raining).
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