Maidstone
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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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…
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…
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
Maidstone
Join us for the must-see summer event in Kent, the Leeds Castle Concert on Saturday 11th July 2026.
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…
Music
Newport
Strings Bar & Venue present Scouting for Girls, The Lilacs, The Covasettes, Goodbye Stereo & Ruby in the intimate setting of Robin Hill Woodlands.
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
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.
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,…
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
Margate
25th year of Margate Soul Weekender - A packed weekend of live music celebrating Margate's relationship with soul music plus funk, disco, reggae and house within venues, on streets and piazzas plus beachside stages.
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
The Old Court St Leonard's Road,, Windsor
Long Walk Live is a brand new, two-day music event that, with kind permission from His Majesty The King, will be held on The Long Walk, near Windsor Castle on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 June 2026.
We invite you to pack up your picnic basket, gather…
Music
Reading
Concerts on The Mount returns to Wasing Estate this summer, bringing artists and audiences together in such a breathtaking natural space always makes for powerful, lasting memories.
Welcoming a host of incredible shows at our one-of-a-kind woodland…
Music
Winchester
Handshake Ltd
The Ultimate Eagles
Handshake Ltd are proud to present the world's premier Eagles show, The Ultimate Eagles.
Having performed to over 1,000,000 people worldwide, The Ultimate Eagles features a cast of internationally acclaimed…
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.
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
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.
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.
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