Back for its 4th huge year, the popular Eastleigh Summer Festival returns on Saturday 29 August 2026 from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM. Held on the last weekend before the children head back to school, this year’s festival moves to an exciting NEW venue: the beautiful Itchen Valley Country Park (SO30 3HQ). Packed with live music, free activities, children’s rides, licensed bars, and delicious local food, it remains a 100% FREE entry community celebration!
Event Schedule & Opening Times
The 4th annual Eastleigh Summer Festival takes place on bank holiday weekend, right before schools return:
- Event Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
- Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
- New Venue Location: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Hampshire (SO30 3HQ)
- Admission Fee: FREE (£0.00)
Attractions & Event Highlights
Packed with free and low-cost family entertainment in the beautiful woodland surround of Itchen Valley Country Park:
- Live Stage & Music: Performances from local bands throughout the day alongside a live DJ.
- Special Princess Visit: Meet-and-greet photo opportunity with a special Princess character visiting for 1 hour during the event.
- Kids Activities & Play: Bouncy castles, soft play centre, children’s fairground rides, face painting, glitter tattoos, and prize-every-time games.
- Animal Encounters: Up-close interactive reptile encounters.
- Stalls & Shopping: Wide selection of local business, craft, and charity stalls.
Food, Drink & Refreshments
Plenty of dining options with relaxed outdoor seating across the park field:
- Licensed Bars: Serving chilled alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
- Hot Food & Ice Cream: Local food vendors and an ice cream van.
- Relaxed Seating: Dedicated hay bale seating areas for families to rest and enjoy the entertainment.
How to Get to Itchen Valley Country Park
Itchen Valley Country Park is located on Allington Lane in West End, easily accessible from Eastleigh, Southampton, and the M27:
- By Car: Take Junction 7 or Junction 5 off the M27, following signs towards West End / Fair Oak along Allington Lane (SO30 3HQ).
- By Bus: Local bus routes connect nearby West End and Hedge End, with walking access into the park main entrance on Allington Lane.
- By Train: Hedge End and Eastleigh railway stations are the nearest train hubs, both roughly 10 minutes away by taxi or local bus connection.
Parking Information
Parking is available on-site at Itchen Valley Country Park:
- On-Site Country Park Car Park: Pay-and-display parking spaces are available directly within Itchen Valley Country Park (ANPR contactless payment terminals in operation).
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
- When is the Eastleigh Summer Festival taking place?
- The Eastleigh Summer Festival takes place on Saturday 29 August 2026, running from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM.
- Where is the festival held this year?
- The festival has moved to a brand new venue for 2026: Itchen Valley Country Park, Allington Lane, West End, Hampshire (SO30 3HQ).
- How much does entry cost?
- The event is completely FREE to enter for all attendees!
- What activities are available for children?
- Kids can enjoy bouncy castles, a soft play centre, fairground rides, reptile encounters, face painting, glitter tattoos, prize-every-time games, and a special 1-hour Princess meet-and-greet visit.
- Will there be live entertainment and food available?
- Yes! There will be live music from local bands, a live DJ, licensed bars, hot food stalls, an ice cream van, and hay bale seating areas.
- Is parking available at Itchen Valley Country Park?
- Yes, on-site parking is available directly at Itchen Valley Country Park (standard country park parking rates apply via ANPR/contactless payment).