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Looking for the 2018 must attend festivals in Hampshire? Want to dance the night away in an open field? Camp-out under the stars or simply enjoy great food and drink? This year Hampshire’s music festivals will be attracting some of the world’s most renowned artists, including the likes The Libertines, Craig David and Kaiser Chiefs. Chris Evans’ own festival Car Fest South will be back for another year raising money for Children in Need and the colourful and spectacular Southampton Mela Festival returns.
It’s not all loud music and partying in the Hampshire festival scene, the county can offer you a more relaxed festival environment with fantastic food, ales and acoustic music or for those petrol heads amongst you, a weekend 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, Hampshire has festivals that are ideal for the foodies, the water sports enthusiasts, families looking for a fun day out or those ready to party all night into the early hours with friends.
Click here for our 2019 guide to Hampshire's must attend festivals
Alresford Watercress Festival
Sunday 20th May 2018, 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 food lovers with Hampshire Famers’ Market in attendance and watercress themed cooking demonstrations by celebrity chefs.
Common People
26th and 27th May 2018, 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 a number of well know acts taking to the stage. Alongside the extensive programme of music you can enjoy delicious street food, a knitting tent and Bollywood Cocktail Bus.
Alresford Music Festival
9th June 2018, Alresford near Winchester
Now in its 9th year this unquie festival attracts over 4000 festival goers and is probably one of Hampshire best kept secrets. With five stages there is always something to see and dance to, from up and coming bands to established names. As well as a huge programme of music you'll find a festival village featuring a huge family arena with loads of free activties for all ages.
Smoked and Uncut
16th June (The Pig Brockenhurst) and 14th July (Lime Wood Hotel) 2018, New Forest
Hosted at the The Pig and the luxury country house, Lime Wood Hotel in the New Forest National Park. These 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.
Kitesurfing Armada
22nd – 24th June 2018, Hayling Island
Love kitesurfing, watersports and live music? This is the festival for you! The festival is one of the biggest kitesurfing events in the UK and combines kiting, music and fundraising all into one weekend. The festival is free to attend and is popular with all ages and kitesurfing ability.
Why not make your visit to Hampshire longer? Book accommodation and plan a visit to some of Hampshire’s amazing attractions.
Winchester Hat Fair
30th June – 1st July 2018, Winchester
Now the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts, this weekend festival is set in the centre of the historic city of Winchester. The Hat Fair offers a jam packed programme of outdoor street performances, live music and fun and games over three days. There is something for all ages on offer across the city and best of all its absolutely free!
Hampshire Food Festival
1st – 30th July 2018, across Hampshire
Originally established as a weekend event, this 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 visits, 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!
Mela Festival
14th July 2018, Southampton
The Southampton Mela Festival returns for festival fun at Hoglands Park. 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 world culture.
Wickham Festival
2nd – 5th August 2018, Wickham
This 4 day family friendly music and arts festival is held in the rural but beautiful location of the village of Wickham. In the past the festival has won prestigious awards for the best festival (capacity under 15,000). Stay the whole weekend and camp out or if camping isn’t you’re scene full day and evening tickets are also available.
Camping not your thing? How about Glamping? Glamping in Hampshire offers the experience of traditional camping but with a few added luxuries to make your stay more comfortable. See all glamping sites in Hampshire.
Boomtown
9th - 12th August 2018, The Matterley Estate near Winchester
For those after a party atmosphere all weekend Boomtown is on of Hampshire’s biggest festival. This 4 day festival takes place on the outskirts of the historic city of Winchester. 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.
CarFest South
24th – 26th August 2018, Overton
Carfest is a family friendly festival with a unique mix of fast cars, live music and tasty food. Located at Laverstoke Farm, this charity festival supports BBC Children In Need with the support of BBC Radio 2 DJ, Chris Evans. Camp the whole weekend or enjoy a day out. Tickets sell out fast, so be quick!
Victorious Festival
24th - 26th August 2018, Portsmouth
Situated on the stunning Southsea Seafront in the maritime city of Portsmouth, this three day festival is set to be bigger and better. The 2018 line-up The Libertines and Kaiser Chiefs.
Graze Festival
26th August 2018, 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. You’ll also find a pop-up pub with gin and fizz bar and over 50 real ales.
For a full list of festivals happening across Hampshire during 2018 click here.
Already know which Hampshire festivals you’ll be attending? Start looking for accommodation including campsites, glamping and holiday cottages.
Don't forget to check out our full guide of 2018 events.
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