Can we come and go from the event?

Let’s Rock Southampton has a strict no re-entry policy. Turnstile re-entry is only permitted by stadium security on a case-by-case basis in emergencies.

Can we bring outside alcohol into the stadium?

No. Due to strict venue licensing conditions, outside alcohol is completely prohibited at the festival.

Can we bring picnic chairs and blankets?

Picnic chairs are not permitted inside St Mary's Stadium. Cushions and blankets are allowed in the seating bowl, but are strictly banned down on the pitch due to safety regulations.

Let’s Rock Southampton 2026

6 June 2026

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After a two-year hiatus, the UK’s ultimate retro music celebration makes a triumphant return as Let’s Rock Southampton 2026 takes over St Mary’s Stadium on Saturday 6 June 2026. Moving to the home of Southampton FC, this massive family-friendly festival promises an unforgettable day of non-stop 80s anthems, legendary chart-toppers, and an unmatched nostalgic atmosphere.

Quick Summary: Let’s Rock Southampton

Let’s Rock Southampton is a premier retro outdoor music festival featuring live performances, premium VIP club areas, and family entertainment hubs. It is a fully ticketed single-day event.

Star-Studded Retro Lineup: Dance along to live sets from icons like Matt Goss, ABC, Kim Wilde, Sister Sledge, Heaven 17, and Jason Donovan, all hosted by Pat Sharp.
Iconic New Venue: Moving into the stadium layout, the event offers extensive street food vendors across the pitch and concourses alongside fully cashless bars.
Massive Day of Music: Gates open at midday for a packed ten-hour celebration of retro pop hits finishing late into the evening.

Event Schedule and Timings

Planning your arrival perfectly ensures you won’t miss any of your favorite 80s icons. Take note of the official stadium timings and artist stage schedule for the big day:

11:00 AM: Early entry opens exclusively for VIP, Dell Bar, Gasworks, Saints Lounge, and Level 1 ticket holders.
12:00 PM (Midday): General Admission gates officially open to the public.
13:00 (1:00 PM): ABC takes the stage.
14:30 (2:30 PM): Altered Images performs live.
15:05 (3:05 PM): T’Pau takes the stage.
15:40 (3:40 PM): Jason Donovan performs live.
16:35 (4:35 PM): Heaven 17 takes the stage.
17:45 (5:45 PM): Kim Wilde performs live.
18:00 (6:00 PM): Last entry window across all stadium turnstiles.
19:15 (7:15 PM): Sister Sledge takes the stage.
20:45 (8:45 PM): Matt Goss: Bros Hits & More delivers the headline performance.
22:30 (10:30 PM): Event programming finishes and the festival closes.

The Let’s Rock Southampton 2026 Lineup

This year’s comeback features a spectacular array of retro royalty performing live on the main stadium stage, with even more artists to be announced.

Matt Goss

The legendary Bros frontman headlines with a high-energy set packed full of the band’s massive chart-busting pop hits and solo favorites, performing “Bros Hits And More”.

ABC

Martin Fry brings the sophisticated, smooth new wave sounds of the 80s to the stadium pitch with their timeless synth-pop anthems.

Kim Wilde

The undisputed first lady of British pop-rock takes the stage to unleash her signature high-octane hits and iconic rock choruses.

Sister Sledge

Get ready to dance as the legendary vocal group brings pure disco energy, massive grooves, and global family anthems to the crowd.

Heaven 17

The synth-pop pioneers deliver an electrifying dose of electronic new wave history, heavy basslines, and classic electronic club hits.

Jason Donovan

The beloved Australian pop star and screen icon returns to the stage for a massive crowd singalong of his defining romantic radio hits.

T’Pau

Carol Decker leads the charge with her powerful vocals, delivering big dramatic power ballads and stadium-sized pop-rock choruses.

Altered Images

The post-punk new wave favorites bring their infectious, upbeat indie-pop energy and bubbly retro hits back to the live stage.

Pat Sharp

The beloved broadcaster, DJ, and ultimate 80s television personality keeps the festival energy moving between the live acts as the official master of ceremonies.

Local Tip: Because this is a stadium bowl layout, there is a strict no re-entry policy in place. Once you scan your ticket through the turnstiles, you will not be allowed to leave and return unless it is a verified medical or family emergency handled by gate security.

Ticket Information

Review the standard ticketing tiers, pricing models, and specialized upgrade bundles available for the 2026 festival return:

General Admission & Under 18s: Standard General Admission (£55.00) and Under 18 tickets (£22.00) are officially sold out. All under 18s must be accompanied by a registered adult.
VIP & Premium Lounges: Remaining options include premium VIP Admission (£88.00) providing express lane entry and front-of-stage access. Specialized Dell Bar (£82.50), Gasworks Bar (£82.50), and VIP Saints Lounge tickets (£110.00) are currently sold out.
Level 1 Concert & Activity Packages: Live tickets for the Level 1 tier are available for £88.00, granting early arena access, two complimentary drinks vouchers, and unlimited free play inside the Ultimate Activity Arena featuring climbing walls, high ropes, and AR darts. Existing ticket holders can secure a Level 1 Upgrade package for £33.00.

Bag & Food Policy

St Mary’s Stadium operates under strict security checkpoints. Review what you are allowed to carry onto the pitch and concourse areas:

Strict Size Restraints: All bags are searched thoroughly on entry. Your bag must be no larger than an A4 sheet of paper (approximately 21×30 cm) to pass security turnstiles. Bags larger than these dimensions will be flatly rejected.
Food & Snacks: Outside food and small snacks are fully permitted inside the ground, provided they fit comfortably inside your approved A4-sized bag.
Hydration & Refills: Outside alcohol, glass bottles, metal cans, and large coolers are strictly banned. However, sealed plastic water bottles and empty reusable water bottles are highly encouraged, with free drinking water refill stations positioned across the stadium layout.
Prohibited Items Policy: Large umbrellas, gazebos, picnic chairs, professional cameras, laser pointers, aerosols, flammables, and legal highs or vape juices are completely prohibited.
Exemptions: Essential medical supplies and childcare items that do not fit standard constraints are fully allowed with a prior declaration made to [email protected].

How to get to St Mary’s Stadium

The stadium is located at Britannia Road, Southampton, SO14 5FP, and can be accessed easily through several public transit networks.

By Official Festival Coach: Direct return coach travel packages are available for regional festivalgoers. The Maidenhead Coach departs from the Frascati Way bus stop (near the Odeon Cinema) for £71.50 including a festival ticket, while the Exeter Coach departs from South Street at 07:45 am for £82.50 including a festival ticket. All return coaches depart the stadium directly at 22:30.
By Train: Southampton Central is the primary railway station. From there, it is a scenic, well-guided 20-minute walk to the gates following the stadium’s blue match-day pedestrian signs.
By Bus: Local Bluestar bus services (specifically routes 3, 4, 16, and 18) stop within a brief 5-minute walk of the stadium grounds.
By Taxi: Local taxi ranks operate directly outside Platforms 1 and 4 at the train station. For private bookings, Radio Taxis can be reached locally at 02380 666 666. Drop-offs are designated outside the immediate closure zones.

Where to Park

There is absolutely no general public parking available on-site at St Mary’s Stadium on the day of the festival, and surrounding roads will experience strict closures.

Ocean Village Car Park: Drivers are highly encouraged to utilize the Ocean Village municipal parking facilities, which offer a flat, easy 10-minute walk straight to the stadium gates.
City Centre Multi-Storeys: Alternatively, festivalgoers can use major city centre public parking options or JustPark community spaces and complete the final leg to the venue on foot.
Accessibility Parking: Dedicated accessibility enquiries, companion requests, and accessible parking updates should be directed ahead of time to [email protected].

Extend Your Summer Music Weekend

Making a full weekend of it? Don’t miss out on the massive pop celebration happening at the stadium the very next day. Explore our guide to McFly Live Southampton 2026 to find stage times, travel info, and ticket availability.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can we come and go from the event?: No, Let’s Rock Southampton operates under a strict no re-entry policy. Exceptions are only permitted by stadium security at the entry turnstiles on a case-by-case basis during genuine emergencies.
Can we bring outside alcohol or picnics inside the ground?: Due to strict licensing conditions, outside alcohol is completely prohibited. While you cannot bring full picnic coolers or baskets, small personal snacks and food items are fully allowed as long as they fit inside an approved A4-sized bag.
Can we bring picnic chairs and blankets to sit on?: Picnic chairs, folding chairs, and gazebos are strictly prohibited inside St Mary’s Stadium for health and safety reasons. Small seating cushions and blankets are fully permitted up in the stadium seating bowl, but are banned down on the pitch standing area.
Are large umbrellas allowed if it rains on the day?: No, large umbrellas are banned because they obstruct the sightlines of other festivalgoers. Small, compact retractable umbrellas are fully allowed inside the stadium footprint.
Is St Mary’s Stadium a cash-friendly venue?: No, St Mary’s Stadium is a completely cashless venue across all retail spaces. All bars, merchandise hubs, and pitch-side street food vendors accept major debit cards, credit cards, and digital mobile payment methods only.