Stuart RustSouth of England
BBCSummer may still feel a long way off but event planning for the months ahead is already well under way.
From large-scale music festivals to small local favourites, organisers across the south of England have been revealing what is in store for 2026.
Here is a guide to the festivals happening near you in the year ahead.
Oxfordshire
Oxford Literary Festival, 21-29 March
If you are seeking something a touch more intellectual, one of the UK’s biggest literary gatherings returns to venues across central Oxford with talks, debates and readings from top authors and other public figures.
Confirmed highlights include historian Sir Simon Schama and Gruffalo author Julia Donaldson, among others.
Henley Festival, 8-10 July
A riverside celebration of music, performance, food and art on the Thames in Henley.
Visitors can expect a mix of live music, cabaret, theatre, fine dining and parties.
The full 2026 programme is still to be announced but last year’s headliners included Diana Ross, McFly and Rick Astley.
Truck Festival, 23-36 July
Dubbed “the UK’s most warped village fete”, The Maccabees, Two Door Cinema Club, The Wombats, CMAT and The Libertines will top the bill at this year’s festival at Hill Farm in Steventon.
Other acts announced include Kaiser Chiefs, Primal Scream and Rizzle Kicks.
Wilderness Festival, 30 July – 2 August
The festival returns to Cornbury Park, near Charlbury, after boasting Supergrass and Wet Leg as headliners last year.
This year’s line-up has not been revealed yet.
Fairport’s Cropredy Convention, 13-15 August
The event hosted by folk legends Fairport Convention comes towards the end of the festival season.
Traditionally, the band headlines the final night itself and this year is no exception.
Other acts on the bill include Soft Machine and Turin Brakes.
Big Feastival, 27-30 August
Blur bassist Alex James will once again play host to this annual celebration of music, food and drink in Kingham, West Oxfordshire.
This year’s headliners are Basement Jaxx, The Streets and Bastille.
Berkshire
Long Walk Live, 26-27 June
A brand new two–day music festival will debut in Windsor this year.
The inaugural event will be held on the Long Walk, featuring a backdrop of Windsor Castle.
Its first outing will be headlined by Chesney Hawkes and Boyzlife, a duo formed by Keith Duffy from Boyzone and Brian McFadden from Westlife.
Reading Festival, 27-30 August
One of the biggest festivals in the UK, it is no surprise it will return in 2026 with another impressive line-up.
Among the headliners are Charli XCX, Dave, Raye and Florence and the Machine, with countless other big names on the bill.
Wokingham Festival, 29-31 August
Founded as a family-friendly alternative to larger festivals, Wokingham has become a popular fixture at Cantley Park over the past 15 years.
This year’s acts are yet to be announced but 2025 included Selena and the Howlin Dogs, Third Lung and Bottle Kids.
Hampshire
Ben Mitchell/PA WireThe Big Eat Festival, 23-25 May
A free-spirited celebration of street food, family fun and outdoor dining at Royal Victoria Country Park in Netley.
Southampton Summer Sessions, 12-27 June
A sprawling open-air event held each year in Guildhall Square.
This year’s boasts some music icons, including The Beach Boys, Paul Weller, Billy Ocean and Deacon Blue.
Wickham Festival, 30 July – 2 August
A beloved boutique festival that blends folk, rock and world music with comedy, food stalls, real ales and family entertainment across several stages.
The first night’s headliner is yet to be announced but The Saw Doctors, The Proclaimers and Curtis Stigers are confirmed.
Boomtown, 12-16 August
The immersive, theatrical music festival at Matterley Estate, near Winchester, describes itself as a “holiday to a parallel world”.
The event blends live music, performance art and storytelling across themed districts for a unique festival experience.
This year’s acts include Madness, Kneecap and Shaggy.
Victorious Festival, 28-30 August
Held on the Southsea seafront in Portsmouth, this popular annual event offers a diverse array of music, comedy, markets and other activities.
This year’s line-up is headed up by Richard Ashcroft, The Black Keys and Kasabian.
Mucky Weekender, 10-12 September
The event returns for its sixth year at Vicarage Farm, between Basingstoke and Winchester.
The 5,000-capacity gathering is set within 28 acres of private parkland across four stages.
Goldie will top the bill this year.
Isle of Wight
PAIsle of Wight Festival, 18-21 June
One of the UK’s longest-running open-air music festivals returns to Seaclose Park with a star-studded 2026 lineup, with The Cure, Calvin Harris and Lewis Capaldi headlining across the weekend.
There will also be performances from Wet Leg, The Kooks and Teddy Swims.
The Isle of Wight Garlic Festival, 15-16 August
If music isn’t your thing but garlic is, this is most definitely the festival for you.
A flavour-packed celebration of garlic and local produce featuring food stalls, artisan markets, live music and family entertainment.
Dorset
Rachel Juarez-Carr/PA WireDorchester Beerex, 6-7 February
An annual celebration of beer and brass bands in Dorchester, perfect for craft beer enthusiasts and live music fans.
The 37th outing will take place at the Corn Exchange, with music to be confirmed.
Camp Bestival, 30 July – 2 August
A colourful family-friendly festival with big acts, children’s entertainment, comedy and more.
Just the one act has been confirmed for this year’s event – Fat Boy Slim and Friends.
But with last year headed by Sugababes, Basement Jaxx and Sir Tom Jones, there’s sure to be many big announcements to come.
End of the Road Festival, 3-6 September
An indie and alternative festival, set in Larmer Tree Gardens, with an eclectic lineup of artists, workshops, talks and intimate performances.
Pulp, CMAT and Canadian singer-songwriter Mac DeMarco will lead this year’s event.
