Immerse yourself in three magical evenings of live open-air music at the stunning Exbury Gardens for the Exbury Festival of Music 2026 from Thursday 27th to Saturday 29th August 2026! Set against the backdrop of one of Hampshire’s most magnificent botanical woodland gardens, this outdoor fundraising festival presents three spectacular tribute concert experiences—Abba by Moonlight, Queen by Moonlight, and Motown by Moonlight—featuring world-class vocalists and live musicians.
Event Schedule & Timetable
The Exbury Festival of Music runs across three consecutive evenings at Exbury Gardens:
- Festival Dates: Thursday 27th August – Saturday 29th August 2026
- Gates Open: 6:30 PM each evening
- Performances Start: 7:30 PM
- Approximate Finish: 10:00 PM
- Venue Location: Exbury Gardens, Summer Lane, Exbury, New Forest, Hampshire (SO45 1AZ)
Attractions & Concert Lineup
Three distinct night-time outdoor tribute experiences set against the picturesque botanical backdrop of Exbury Gardens:
- Thursday 27th August — Abba by Moonlight: A high-energy opening night celebrating ABBA’s iconic pop anthems with live vocals and staging.
- Friday 28th August — Queen by Moonlight: An explosive rock tribute honoring Freddie Mercury and Queen’s timeless hits.
- Saturday 29th August — Motown by Moonlight: A soul-filled finale packed with classic Motown hits, smooth harmonies, and timeless grooves.
- Outdoor Dining & Hospitality: Open-air picnic format; visitors are encouraged to bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed folding chairs. Food and drink options will also be available on site.
Ticket Pass Types & Pricing
Discounted 3-Night Festival Pass options (individual single-night concert tickets are also available):
- Adult Pass (16+ years): £78.50
- Child Pass (5–15 years) / Student NUS: £47.25
- Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children): £225.50
- Carers & Children Under 5: FREE
How to Get to Exbury Gardens
Exbury Gardens is located in the southeastern corner of the New Forest National Park, roughly 20 minutes from Southampton:
- By Car: Exit the M27 at Junction 2 or 3 onto the A326 southbound. Follow the brown tourist information signs for Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway from the Heath roundabout (SatNav postcode: SO45 1AZ).
- By Bus: The New Forest Open Top Bus Tour (Green Route) stops directly at Exbury Gardens during the summer. Alternatively, Bluestar service 112 runs from Hythe to Hill Top Gate.
- By Train: The nearest mainline railway stations are Brockenhurst and Ashurst, which are approximately a 20-minute taxi journey from the venue.
Parking Information
Parking options at Exbury Gardens:
- On-Site Free Car Park: Exbury Gardens features a large, dedicated visitor car park offering free parking for approximately 250 cars.
- Accessible Bays: Designated Blue Badge parking bays are located at the front of the car park closest to the main entrance gates.
- EV Charging: On-site electric vehicle charging points are available in the main car park.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest live music concerts, outdoor festivals, family entertainment, and summer events near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When does the Exbury Festival of Music take place?
- The festival runs over three consecutive evenings from Thursday 27th August to Saturday 29th August 2026. Gates open at 6:30 PM each night, with performances starting at 7:30 PM and finishing at approximately 10:00 PM.
- Where is the event held?
- The festival takes place outdoors within the grounds of Exbury Gardens in the New Forest, Hampshire (SO45 1AZ).
- What is the lineup for each evening?
- Thursday 27th August features Abba by Moonlight, Friday 28th August features Queen by Moonlight, and Saturday 29th August features Motown by Moonlight.
- How much are tickets for the 3-night festival pass?
- Discounted 3-night passes cost £78.50 for Adults (16+), £47.25 for Children (5–15 years) / NUS Students, and £225.50 for a Family Pass (2 Adults + 2 Children). Carers and children under 5 enter free.
- Can I buy tickets for individual nights?
- Yes, individual single-concert tickets are also available for each separate evening.
- Is seating provided at Exbury Gardens?
- No seating is provided. Visitors must bring their own picnic blankets or low-backed folding camping chairs.
- Can I bring my own food and drinks?
- Yes, guests are welcome to bring their own picnics. Food and beverage options will also be available for purchase on site.
- Is parking available at the venue?
- Free parking is provided in the large main Exbury Gardens visitor car park, including designated Blue Badge accessible bays and EV charging points.
- Is the festival accessible for wheelchair users?
- Yes, Exbury Gardens provides accessible paths and step-free routes throughout the concert area and main visitor facilities.
- What happens if it rains?
- The concerts are open-air performances and will proceed in inclement weather, so attendees are encouraged to dress appropriately for outdoor conditions.