Get ready for an extraordinary evening where historic grandeur meets electronic music heritage! On Friday 26 June 2026, the BW Festival presents The Regal Rave: Trance & House at the Palace, transforming the iconic open-air Ruins of Bishop’s Waltham Palace into a spectacular festival sanctuary. Running from 17:00 (5:00 PM) until 23:00 (11:00 PM), this unique outdoor rave invites electronic music fans to dance under the stars surrounded by centuries of medieval architecture.
The Regal Rave Schedule and Timings
The Regal Rave runs for six hours across two stages within the medieval palace grounds:
- 17:00 (5:00 PM): Festival Gates Open — Entry points open. Warm-up electronic sets begin across the palace lawn alongside gourmet food stalls and outdoor bars.
- The Brewhouse Stage (House, Funk & Ibiza Vibes): Operates throughout the evening, featuring house icon Brandon Block alongside Dan Apicella, James Good, Ammy Jassal, and Rowbot.
- The Main Stage (Trance & Dance Anthems): Showcases high-energy progressive and anthemic big-room sets, featuring dance pioneer Dave Pearce alongside supporting DJs Matty F, Garlic Brad, and MQ b2b LisaG.
- 23:00 (11:00 PM): Festival Concludes — Outdoor amplification ceases and the historic site closes to the public.
Ticket Tiers and Entry Policies
Admission is strictly ticketed, with tiered pricing based on when booking takes place:
- Phase 1 Tickets: £25.00 — Advanced early-bird allocation (Currently Sold Out).
- Phase 2 Tickets: £30.00 — Standard advanced admission rate available online up until the day of the event.
- On the Door Tickets: £40.00 — Premium rate available at the entrance gate on the night, subject to venue capacity.
Official Booking Portal: Digital passes are managed and issued securely through the central box office platform via bwfestival.art.
Event Dress Code: The official theme is “Regal Rave.” Attendees are encouraged to wear bold colors, sparkles, glitter, and medieval-inspired accessories to match the historic setting.
Road Closures
No major commuter road closures are enforced through Bishop’s Waltham town center, but immediate perimeter access restrictions apply:
- Station Road (B3035) — Clearway conditions apply immediately outside the palace gates. Strictly no stopping, parking, or taxi drop-offs are permitted on the main road.
- Palace Main Gate Lane — Pedestrian-only traffic flow is enforced. Access is completely closed to public vehicles.
How to Get There
The event is located at Bishop’s Waltham Palace, Station Road, Bishop’s Waltham, SO32 1DH:
- By Bus: Local bus transit links connect the town center to nearby transport hubs. The Stagecoach 69 line links Winchester directly to Bishop’s Waltham, while the First X10 line serves routes from Southampton city center.
- By Train: The nearest operational railway stations are Botley (approx. 4 miles away) and Hedge End (approx. 5 miles away). Pre-booked private taxis are required to complete the journey from the station to the venue.
- By Taxi Drop-off: Dedicated drop-off and collection spaces are positioned at the nearby central town car parks rather than on the main road outside the ruins.
Where to Park near Bishop’s Waltham Palace
There is no public or visitor vehicle parking permitted within the palace grounds. Drivers must utilize town center public parking lots:
- Basingwell Street Car Park (SO32 1AL): A large local pay-and-display parking area located a 3-to-4-minute flat walk away from the main palace entrance.
- Lower Lane Car Park (SO32 1AS): Municipal parking option situated nearby, providing straightforward pedestrian access routes directly to the venue gates.
- Central Winchester Road Car Park: Extra pay-and-display capacity located near the high street shops, a 5-minute walk away.
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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, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is The Regal Rave 2026?
- The event takes place on Friday 26 June 2026 inside the grounds of Bishop’s Waltham Palace. The gates open at 17:00 (5:00 PM) and the outdoor festival finishes at 23:00 (11:00 PM).
- Who is performing at the festival?
- The lineup features trance pioneer Dave Pearce on the Main Stage and house legend Brandon Block on the Brewhouse Stage, alongside supporting DJs Dan Apicella, James Good, Ammy Jassal, Rowbot, Matty F, Garlic Brad, and MQ b2b LisaG.
- How much do tickets cost and where can I buy them?
- Tickets are split into tiers: Phase 1 (£25.00) is sold out, Phase 2 (£30.00) is available online in advance, and remaining tickets will be sold on the door for £40.00. You can book securely via the official website at bwfestival.art.
- Is there an official dress code or theme?
- The theme is “Regal Rave.” Attendees are encouraged to wear bright, bold colors, sparkles, glitter, and creative medieval-inspired accessories to blend modern rave culture with the historic venue.
- Where is the closest parking for Bishop’s Waltham Palace?
- There is no public parking available on-site at the ruins. The closest public pay-and-display lots are Basingwell Street Car Park (SO32 1AL) and Lower Lane Car Park (SO32 1AS), both within a 3-to-5-minute walk of the entrance.
