Southampton and New Forest families, get ready for a fantastic day out packed with live music, children’s entertainment, and community fun! On Saturday 18 July 2026, the Marchwood Music Festival & Fun Day will take over the Lloyd Recreation Ground (SO40 4US) in Marchwood. This highly anticipated community event offers a full day of action, starting with an afternoon dedicated entirely to children’s activities, followed by an evening lineup of incredible live music tribute acts on the main stage, complete with an on-site beer tent and food vendors.
Marchwood Music Festival & Fun Day Schedule & Opening Times
The event takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026. Please note that all timings are subject to change on the day depending on local weather conditions and instructions from the festival organisers:
- 12:00 PM: Gates open for the afternoon Kids’ Festival session. Children’s activities, games, rides, and early food stalls open.
- 4:00 PM: The main evening music stage kicks off, and the Beer Tent officially opens.
- 10:00 PM: Live musical performances conclude and the festival grounds close.
Event Highlights & What to Expect
The festival is split into two distinct parts to ensure there is high-quality entertainment for both children and music fans throughout the day:
- The Afternoon Kids’ Session (12 PM – 4 PM): Perfect for families, this slot features a dedicated performance of Krazy Kev’s Magic Show and dance energy at Debbie D’s Party Fun & Disco. Children can also enjoy an array of games, outdoor rides, a massive trampoline, and refreshing ice cream stands.
- The Main Evening Music Stage (4 PM – 10 PM): Grab your dancing shoes for three spectacular tribute acts. Enjoy the classic hits of Queen performed live by the Queen Rhapsody tribute, a faithful staging of pop anthems by Take That – Rule The World, and an additional rock performance by Phil & Wayne (Thunderbolts & Lightning).
- The Beer Tent & Food Vendors: Relax in the large community Beer Tent or visit the multiple local food and drink vendors trading across the recreation field.
Ticket Prices
Tickets for the event are on sale now, and organizers recommend booking early to avoid missing out on entry. Entry prices and token structures are detailed below:
- Adult Ticket: £12.00 per person.
- Child Ticket (Ages 16 & Under): FREE entry.
- Alcoholic Drink Tokens: £5.00 per drink. Drink tokens are available to purchase in advance alongside admission bookings to beat the queues on the night.
- How to Purchase: Secure your space by calling the box office directly on 02380 860273 or by emailing the parish booking team at [email protected].
How to Get to Lloyd Recreation Ground
Lloyd Recreation Ground is located centrally within Marchwood, making it easily accessible via local transport routes:
- By Car: Head toward Main Road, Marchwood, Southampton (use postcode SO40 4US for satnav directions). The recreation ground sits just off the A326 bypass linking Totton to the Waterside area.
- By Bus: Local Bluestar line buses run frequent daily services directly from Southampton City Centre through to Marchwood village, stopping just a short walking distance from the main field entrance gates.
Where to Park at Lloyd Recreation Ground
Please review these quick logistical parking steps before making your journey down to the festival site:
- On-Site Parking: Limited general parking spaces are available directly on-site at the recreation ground car parks. Attendees are heavily encouraged to walk to the village venue or share cars where possible.
- Accessible Parking: Designated disability parking bays are positioned adjacent to the main recreation pavilions for blue badge holders.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I buy tickets for the Marchwood Music Festival?
- You can book your tickets by calling the festival office at 02380 860273 or by emailing [email protected].
- Do children need a ticket to get in?
- Children aged 16 and under can enter completely free of charge, so no paid ticket is required for them.
- What time does the kids’ entertainment start?
- The children’s activities, including Krazy Kev’s Magic Show and Debbie D’s Party Fun & Disco, run from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM.
- What tribute acts are playing at the festival?
- The evening music lineup features Queen Rhapsody, Take That – Rule The World, and a live performance by Phil & Wayne (Thunderbolts & Lightning).
- How much are drinks at the Beer Tent?
- All alcoholic drinks are priced at a flat rate of £5.00 each, and drink tokens can be bought on-site or in advance.
- Where is the festival being held?
- The entire event takes place outdoors at the Lloyd Recreation Ground on Main Road in Marchwood (SO40 4US).