Hampshire and Romsey music lovers, get ready to climb aboard the soul train for a sensational weekend of open-air live music! On Friday 17 July and Saturday 18 July 2026, the world-renowned Sir Harold Hillier Gardens (SO51 0QA) will play host to the highly anticipated Summer Soul Picnic Concert. Part of the popular ‘Music in the Gardens’ summer season, this energetic outdoor show invites families and friends to pack their favorite picnic baskets, pick a spot on the beautiful green lawns, and dance the night away to timeless Motown and classic soul anthems.
Summer Soul Picnic Concert Schedule & Opening Times
The event runs on Friday 17 July and Saturday 18 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:
- 6:15 PM: Gates open to the gardens, allowing guests to find a spot on the grass, set up their picnic blankets, and socialise.
- 7:30 PM: Live music begins on stage with the Madison Heights tribute performance.
- 10:30 PM: The concert finishes and the garden gates close.
Event Highlights & What to Expect
The Summer Soul Picnic Concert offers a high-energy, feel-good night out in one of Hampshire’s most beautiful botanical settings. Here is what you can look forward to during the event:
- Madison Heights Live on Stage: This incredible 10-piece soul band delivers a slick, highly polished live show featuring four spectacular lead vocalists backed by a powerful lineup of professional instrumentalists.
- Timeless Motown Classics: Dance along to live, faithful renditions of legendary hits from iconic artists such as Aretha Franklin, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, James Brown, Tina Turner, The Temptations, Marvin Gaye, and The Jackson 5.
- Open-Air Dining: Bring your own premium picnic spread, snacks, and favourite drinks along to enjoy out on the lawns with family and friends before the music gets underway.
Ticket Prices
Please note that this highly popular summer event is now completely sold out for both nights and out of stock. No tickets will be available to purchase at the gate on arrival. For reference, the original ticketing details were as follows:
- Standard Admission Ticket: £27.00 per person.
- Child Ticket (Ages 2–16): Children are very welcome to attend the event but require a paid admission ticket to enter the grounds.
How to Get to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is situated just outside the historic market town of Romsey, making it easy to access by road from across Hampshire:
- By Car: Head toward Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, near Romsey (use the postcode SO51 0QA for satnav navigation). The gardens are easily reached via the A3090 or the A31, sitting roughly three miles northeast of Romsey town centre.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Romsey, which connects directly to Southampton Central. From the station, the gardens can be reached via a short 10-minute taxi ride.
Where to Park at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
Before you load up your car with picnic baskets and fold-up chairs, please keep these straightforward parking guidelines in mind:
- Free On-Site Parking: Parking is readily available on-site in the main visitor car parks and is completely free of charge for all concert ticket holders.
- Overflow & Accessible Spaces: Dedicated accessible parking spaces are positioned near the visitor pavilion entrance, and traffic stewards will assist with overflow parking if the main areas fill up early.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Summer Soul Picnic Concert sold out?
- Yes, tickets for both the Friday and Saturday night shows are fully sold out and out of stock. No tickets will be sold on the gate.
- Can I bring my own food and alcoholic drinks?
- Yes! This is a traditional picnic concert, so you are warmly encouraged to bring your own picnic hampers, food, and drinks along to enjoy on the lawns.
- Do children need a ticket to attend?
- Yes, children between the ages of 2 and 16 are welcome to attend but require a valid paid event ticket to enter the gardens.
- What should I bring to sit on?
- There is no seating provided on the main lawns. Please bring your own picnic blankets, rugs, or low-backed garden chairs to sit comfortably during the concert.
- What time should I arrive to set up?
- Gates open at approximately 6:15 PM. We recommend arriving early to find a premium spot on the grass, unpack your picnic, and settle in before the music starts at 7:30 PM.
- Is parking free at the gardens for this event?
- Yes, parking is entirely free of charge for all ticket holders in the main on-site visitor car parks.