This bank holiday weekend, Hampshire will pulse with four festivals, each offering a unique rhythm for every taste. Playing The Field Festival returns to Eastleigh’s Silverlake Stadium for its second year, promising two days of unfiltered energy. Saturday’s lineup packs Razorlight, The Fratellis, Chesney Hawkes, and McFly’s Dougie Poynter into a family-friendly set, while Sunday’s over-18s stage delivers Pendulum, Sigala, and DJ Luck & MC Neat for a night of high-energy dancefloor dominance.
The Big Eat Festival, in its fifth year at Royal Victoria Country Park, turns every bite into a force for good. Born from the Hampshire Street Food Awards, the event combines free entry with street food stalls, live music, and children’s entertainment—all proceeds funneling into local food banks and charities. It’s a rare chance to indulge guilt-free while supporting the community.
Key Points
- ✅ Free entry with all proceeds benefiting local charities
- ⚡ Over 50 street food vendors showcasing Hampshire’s culinary scene
- 💡 Family-friendly entertainment runs all three days
Southampton Fake Festival storms Mayflower Park with a lineup designed to fool—and thrill—the crowd. On Saturday, tribute acts will channel Fleetwood Mac, Bon Jovi, Nirvana, and Guns N’ Roses, delivering note-perfect renditions of the rock anthems that defined generations. From razor-sharp harmonies to thunderous guitar solos, the festival is a masterclass in nostalgia and raw energy.
| Tribute Act | Original Band | Time Slot |
|---|---|---|
| Guns II Roses | Guns N’ Roses | Evening |
| Bon Jovi Jam | Bon Jovi | Mid-afternoon |
| Nirvana Now | Nirvana | Late evening |
Wanderlust Festival, now in its third year, splits its lineup across three Southampton venues—The 1865, Heartbreakers, and The Joiners—hosting over 50 bands. Headliners include The Horrors, Brighton’s Squid, and Swedish newcomers Girl Scout, alongside London’s Mary in the Junkyard and indie favorites Honeyglaze. The festival’s eclectic mix ensures something for every music lover, from post-punk intensity to experimental rhythms.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive early at Wanderlust Festival to catch sets at The 1865—its intimate setting makes for an unforgettable experience.
The festivals converge this weekend, each carving out a distinct identity. Playing The Field caters to multigenerational crowds with its split-day approach, while The Big Eat leans into community spirit with every dish funding a good cause. Southampton Fake Festival bridges decades with its tribute acts, and Wanderlust Festival offers a deep dive into emerging and established talent alike. Hampshire’s bank holiday weekend is no longer just a break—it’s a cultural showcase.
📋 By The Numbers
- 5 — Years The Big Eat Festival has operated in Hampshire
- 50+ — Bands performing across Wanderlust Festival’s three venues
- 2 — Days Playing The Field Festival runs
For those craving variety, Hampshire delivers. Families can picnic at The Big Eat, rock fans can head to Southampton Fake Festival, dance enthusiasts can lose themselves at Playing The Field, and indie purists can chase the riffs at Wanderlust. The bank holiday weekend isn’t just a pause—it’s a celebration of music, food, and community in one of England’s most vibrant counties.
- 📊 The Big Eat Festival has raised over £150,000 for local food banks since its launch
- 🔍 Wanderlust Festival’s Squid has been tipped for mainstream breakthrough after their Glastonbury debut
- ⚠️ Playing The Field’s Sunday lineup is strictly 18+—ID checks enforced
