Eastleigh and Southampton rock music fans, get ready for an incredible evening of live entertainment under the stars! On Friday 17 July 2026, the stunning woodlands of Itchen Valley Country Park (SO30 3HQ) will host Queen by Moonlight, a spectacular open-air tribute concert celebrating the greatest hits of the legendary rock band. Fronted by the highly acclaimed Live Queen Experience, this special summer evening brings a unique family-festival atmosphere to the park fields, complete with independent gourmet food trucks and an outdoor garden bar.
Queen by Moonlight Schedule & Opening Times
The event takes place on Friday 17 July 2026. Please note that all timings are subject to change on the night depending on the weather conditions and instructions from the event organisers:
- 6:30 PM: Gates open to the park field, and the food traders and bar open.
- 7:30 PM: The Live Queen Experience concert begins on stage.
- 10:00 PM: (Approximate) Event finishes.
The Live Queen Experience Performance
The highlight of the evening is a live outdoor concert celebrating the legendary music of Queen. The performance is delivered by Operation Moonlight, a highly talented group of professional musicians who recreate the energy and sound of the original band.
The show is fronted by an incredible lead singer who sounds just like the iconic Freddie Mercury. Fans of all ages can look forward to hearing faithful live performances of Queen’s greatest classic rock hits, including:
- Bohemian Rhapsody
- Under Pressure
- Radio Ga Ga
- Killer Queen
Whether you are a lifelong fan of the band or discovering their music for the first time, this performance offers a high-energy, nostalgic rock and roll show in a beautiful woodland park setting.
Food Traders & On-Site Refreshments
A fantastic selection of independent catering trucks and local drink stands will be open throughout the field during the entire evening:
- Tipsy Toastie: Serving premium grilled cheese toasties made using local sourdough bread and unique sweet glazes created from cider, prosecco, or local craft ales.
- Fink Street Food: A social enterprise food truck serving delicious menus while raising awareness and profits to support mental health services for young people.
- Urban Island: An award-winning local brewery serving up high-quality, full-flavoured modern craft beers and innovative experimental styles.
- Whiteleggs Catering: A family-owned business specializing in freshly prepared sweet treats like hot churros, French crepes, and candy floss.
- The Hide (Fizz in the Park): The central on-site bar selling an assortment of alcoholic drinks, soft drinks, and hot beverages. Please note that you cannot bring your own alcohol onto the park site.
Ticket Prices
Please note that this event is now fully sold out, and no tickets will be available to purchase on the gate. For those who secured tickets in advance, the original pricing details and booking policies are below:
- Standard Ticket: £28.50 per person (recommended for ages 16 and over).
- Essential Carer Ticket: FREE. If you need extra assistance to attend the show, your carer can come along for free. Just book your standard ticket first, then email your order number and name to [email protected] so the team can add the free carer ticket to your order.
Please remember to bring your booking confirmation email with you on the night, as this email serves as your entry ticket at the park gates.
How to Get to Itchen Valley Country Park
The concert is held within the woodland grounds of Itchen Valley Country Park, which is easily accessible via road and public transport:
- By Car: Navigate toward Allington Lane, West End, Southampton (use postcode SO30 3HQ). The park sits between West End and Hedge End, easily reached from Junction 5 of the M27 motorway.
- Drop-Off Zone: The event has a dedicated drop-off and collection area near the entrance gates if you are arriving by taxi or getting a lift from a friend.
- By Train: The closest railway station is Hedge End, which is roughly a 30-minute walk or a short taxi ride away from the main park gates.
Parking Information & Accessibility
Arranging your travel and parking is simple, with straightforward provisions made by the park team for the event:
- General Parking: Event parking is fully included in the cost of your concert ticket, meaning you do not have to pay extra at the machines. Organisers strongly encourage car-sharing to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
- Accessible Blue Badge Parking: A dedicated parking area for Blue Badge holders is located directly next to the concert field. Traffic stewards will guide eligible drivers to these spaces on arrival.
- Ground Conditions: Because the concert takes place on an open outdoor park field, the ground features some natural lumps, bumps, and uneven surfaces. Visitors should wear sensible shoes and bring low-backed chairs or picnic rugs to sit comfortably.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- How much are tickets and how do I book?
- Tickets cost £28.50 per person. Everyone attending must purchase a ticket in advance online and bring their confirmation email to show at the gates. This event is recommended for ages 16 and over.
- Can I get a free ticket for a carer?
- Yes. If you require additional help from a carer, they can come along for free. Simply email your main ticket order number and name to [email protected], and the venue team will add a free carer ticket to your booking.
- Can I bring my own food and drink?
- You can buy snacks and dinner from the on-site food traders, and drinks from The Hide bar. While outside snacks are permitted, you are strictly not allowed to bring your own alcohol onto the park site.
- What should I bring to sit on?
- There is no permanent seating on the field. Please bring your own picnic rugs or low-backed garden chairs to make yourself comfortable during the performance.
- Are dogs allowed at the concert?
- No. While Itchen Valley is normally a dog-friendly park, dogs are not permitted to attend this specific evening event.
- What happens if it rains?
- The outdoor performance will go ahead in all but the absolute worst weather conditions, so please check the forecast and dress accordingly. All tickets are non-refundable.