The Southampton Brick Festival 2026 returns to Places Leisure Eastleigh on Sunday 17 May 2026, bringing a spectacular showcase of creativity to Hampshire. This event is a highlight of the regional calendar for LEGO fans, offering a unique opportunity to see intricate fan-built models that range from realistic cityscapes to fantastical movie scenes. It is an atmosphere that encourages exploration, where collectors can find rare minifigures and children can enjoy interactive brick pits. Whether you are a dedicated builder or just looking for a fun day out, what’s on offer is sure to impress every visitor.
Custom LEGO Displays and Creations
The festival features a stunning array of fan-built models that showcase the limitless possibilities of the humble plastic brick. These unique creations are often the result of hundreds of hours of work and include:
- Large-scale Dioramas: Marvel at detailed scenes ranging from massive Star Wars landscapes, such as the Mos Eisley Spaceport, to intricate medieval kingdoms.
- Great Ball Contraption (GBC): Watch in awe as thousands of tiny balls are transported through a mesmerising, 30-foot-long mechanical maze.
- Expert Builders: Many of the exhibitors are master builders who are happy to share their tips and discuss the technical secrets behind their masterpieces.
Hands-on Activities and Competitions
There are plenty of ways for visitors to get involved and express their own creativity throughout the day. Activities designed for all ages include:
- Dedicated Building Areas: Dive into thousands of loose bricks in the brick pits to build your own custom models.
- Speed Building Competitions: Put your skills to the test in timed challenges for both children and adults, with real prizes available for the winners.
- Interactive Challenges: Participate in minifigure hunts and complete activity sheets to discover hidden details across the event floor.
The Trader Marketplace: Rare and Retired Sets
Whether you are a serious collector or looking for a special gift, the marketplace offers an extensive selection of items that are not found on the high street. Traders provide:
- Collectable Minifigures: Find specific characters to complete your collection, from vintage rarities to the latest series.
- Retired LEGO Sets: Browse a vast range of used and new-in-box sets that are no longer in production.
- Pick-and-Build Bricks: Purchase loose parts and accessories by the cup or bag to help finish your own building projects at home.
Event Schedule
The Southampton Brick Festival 2026 operates with staggered entry times to ensure everyone has a comfortable experience.
| Entry Type | Arrival Time | Event End |
|---|---|---|
| Early Bird Entry | 10:00 | 16:00 |
| Standard Entry | 11:00 | 16:00 |
| Last Admission | 15:00 | – |
Event Ticket
It is highly recommended that you book your tickets online in advance to secure your entry, as standard tickets often sell out before the event date.
- Early Bird Ticket: £13.00 (Includes entry from 10:00 and a free LEGO gift).
- Adult Standard Entry: £8.00 (Entry from 11:00).
- Child Entry (Ages 5-12): £6.00 (Entry from 11:00).
- Family Ticket: £20.00 (Covers two adults and two children).
- Under 5s: Free (Does not include a free gift and must be accompanied by a paying adult).
How to get to Places Leisure Eastleigh
The venue is situated in a convenient location that is easily reachable by various modes of transport.
- By Car: Navigate to Passfield Avenue in Eastleigh. The venue is just a short drive from Junction 13 of the M3 motorway.
- By Train: Eastleigh station is the nearest rail link and is approximately a 20-minute walk from the venue. It connects directly to Southampton Central and London Waterloo.
- By Bus: Several local bus services stop near the leisure centre, providing regular connections from the city centre and surrounding residential areas.
Where to Park
Finding a space for your vehicle is straightforward, though it is wise to arrive early as the venue can become very busy.
- On-site Parking: Places Leisure Eastleigh has a large car park with over 460 spaces that are free to use for visitors.
- Accessible Bays: There are dedicated spaces for Blue Badge holders located close to the main entrance for ease of access.
- Alternative Options: If the main car park is full, there are several public pay-and-display car parks located within Eastleigh town centre, which is only a short distance away.
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Frequently Asked Questions
- Is the Southampton Brick Festival 2026 suitable for all ages?
- Yes, it’s an event designed for the whole family. There are massive brick pits for children to play in and highly detailed displays that adult fans will appreciate.
- Can I buy tickets on the day of the event?
- It is highly unlikely that tickets will be available on the door. This event frequently sells out in advance, so you should book your tickets online to avoid disappointment.
- Are there food and drink facilities at the venue?
- Places Leisure Eastleigh has an on-site cafe where you can purchase a variety of refreshments, including hot drinks, snacks, and light meals during the festival.
- What is included with an Early Bird ticket?
- An Early Bird ticket allows you to enter the festival at 10:00, which is one hour before general admission. It also includes a small, exclusive LEGO gift upon arrival.
- Is the venue accessible for wheelchair users?
- The venue is fully accessible for wheelchair users. The event is held on a single level with wide aisles to ensure that everyone can enjoy the displays comfortably.
