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Looking to free that inner festival goer? Dance the night away in an open field? Camp-out under the stars or simply enjoy great food and drink? Hampshire’s festivals attract world renowned artists like Madness, Stereophonics, Elbow and Sean Paul. Chris Evans own festival Car Fest South and the colourful and spectacular Southampton Mela Festival.
It’s not all about loud music and partying in the Hampshire festival scene, we can offer you a more relaxed festival environment with fantastic food, ales and acoustic music or for those petrol heads amongst you, a weekends full of motors and the sound of engines.
Whether you’re new to the festival scene or you’re a seasoned festival goer who enjoys the alfresco lifestyle we have festivals suitable for family fun or partying all night with your friends
Alresford Watercress Festival, Sunday 21st May 2017, Alresford near Winchester
This nationally acclaimed foodie festival celebrates the locally grown delicious crop of watercress. Situated in the quaint village of Alresford, this day festival is a must for foodie lovers with Hampshire Famers’ Market in attendance and cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs using watercress.
Common People, 27th and 28th May 2017, Southampton
The same creators of the multi award-winning event Bestival bring you a metropolitan festival in the city of Southampton, with some of the newest and well known acts in the country. This two day quirky festival will see acts such as Sean Paul, Groove Armada (DJ Set), Faithless (DJ Set) and Amy Macdonald. Alongside the extensive programme of music you can enjoy delicious street food, a knitting tent and Bollywood Cocktail Bus.
Hat Fair, 30th June – 2nd July 2017, Winchester
Now the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts and set in the centre of the historic city of Winchester, the Hat Fair offers a jam packed programme of outdoor street performances over three days. There is something for everyone of all ages on offer across the city and best of all its absolutely free!
Hampshire Food Festival, 1st – 30th July 2017, across Hampshire
Originally established as a weekend event, the Festival has grown into a month-long, countywide programme of events celebrating the best of local food and farming. The Festival showcases the abundance of Hampshire’s food and drink through farm, vineyard and brewery tours, tastings, pop-ups, special menus, chef demonstrations, workshops, fairs and shows. It is believed that no other county does a Food Festival on such an ambitious scale as Hampshire with something for everyone from families to foodies!
Blissfields, 6th – 8th July 2017, North of Winchester
If the bigger music festivals aren’t your style but you want to experience the same atmosphere then Blissfields is for you. Located on the outskirts of Winchester this small but lively festival offers top quality music and a great festival atmosphere in a cosy setting. Families are welcome and quieter camping areas are available for those with smaller children. Tickets are now on sale.
Smoked and Uncut, 8th – 9th July (The Pig Brockenhurst) and 22nd – 23rd July (Lime Wood Hotel) 2017, New Forest
Hosted at the shabby chic Pig and the luxury country house, Lime Wood Hotel. These 2 day festivals offer the perfect blend of high quality local food, English sparkling wine, local ale and great live musical entertainment. With a more relaxed feel, the event gives you the opportunity to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the New Forest.
Mela Festival, 15th July 2017, Southampton
The Southampton Mela Festival returns for festival fun at Hoglands Park, Southampton. Attracting over 20,000 people, this free festival is full of an assortment of musical styles including Indian Classical, Bollywood, Folk, World Music, Asian Fusion, Flamenco and Bhangra. Plus, exciting dance acts and family activities celebrating South Asian and world culture.
Wickham Festival, 3rd – 6th August 2017, Wickham
This 4 day family friendly music and arts festival is held in the rural but beautiful location of the village of Wickham. In 2015 the festival won a prestigious award for the best festival (capacity under 15,000) at Live UK Music Business Awards. Stay the whole weekend and camp out or if camping isn’t you’re scene full day and evening tickets are also available.
Boomtown, 10th - 13th August 2017, The Matterley Estate near Winchester
For those after a party atmosphere all weekend Boomtown is a big 4 day festival on the outskirts of Winchester. BoomTown has become one of the UK’s wildest and most inspiring independent festivals. Thousands are invited to embark on an immersive audio-visual joyride, dancing through the labyrinthine streets and plazas on a non-stop weekend journey of discovery! Every kind of musical genre is celebrated at BoomTown, from ska, folk, gypsy, reggae, world, punk, pirate and disco to electro-swing, jazz, blue-grass, bass, jungle and techno, all enjoyed in a spirit of unity and freedom.
CarFest South, 25th – 27th August 2017, Overton
Carfest is a family friendly festival with a unique mix of fast cars, live music and tasty food. Located at Jody Scheckter’s Laverstoke Farm this charity festival supports BBC Children In need alongside the support of BBC Radio 2 D, Chris Evans. Camp the whole weekend or enjoy a day out. Tickets sell out fast, so be quick!
Victorious Festival, 25th - 27th August 2017, Portsmouth
Situated on the stunning Southsea Seafront, this three day festival is set to be bigger and better with an extensive line-up including Madness, Stereophonics, Frank Turner, Elbow and The Charlatans.
Graze Festival, 27th August 2017, Twyford near Winchester
This food themed festival is perfect for those who love their food just as much as good music. Graze Festival, situated on the outskirts of the historic city of Winchester boasts the finest locally sourced food, an exciting music line up, performing arts, and family area. There will even be a pop-up pub with gin and fizz bar and over 50 real ales. Tickets are now available to purchase.
For a full list of festivals happening across Hampshire during 2017 click here.
Already know which Hampshire festivals you’ll be attending? Start looking for accommodation including campsites, glamping and holiday cottages.
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