What’s On in the South East of England 2026 & 2027: Live Music, Concerts & Events
Posted on Tuesday 21st July 2026 at 16:00
Written by
Bethan Boast
What’s On in the South East of England 2026 and 2027: Live Music, Concerts and Events
Updated July 2026. Looking for live music, concerts and events happening across the South East of England in 2026 and 2027? Browse upcoming live music tickets and start planning your next gig or festival.
From Brighton and Southampton to Oxford, Reading, Margate and the Isle of Wight, this guide highlights the standout live shows, tours and festivals coming to the South East throughout 2026 and 2027.
In this guide, you’ll find:
- Major concerts and tours coming to the South East of England
- Standout shows and limited-date runs to book early
- Regional highlights from Brighton, Southampton, Oxford, Reading, Margate and the Isle of Wight
- A practical FAQ to help plan your live events calendar
Major concerts & live music events coming to the South East of England in 2026 & 2027
MUTATIONS FESTIVAL 2026
WITH FAT DOG, MIKE D & MORE
When: Friday 23rd - Saturday 24th October 2026 (various Brighton venues)
Joining Fat Dog and Mike D on the bill will be over 90 of the most exciting breakthrough and established artists across nine of Brighton’s most beloved grassroots music venues, all to be announced in the coming weeks!
DOWN AT THE ABBEY FESTIVAL 2026
WITH ANTONY SZMIEREK, JOSHUA IDEHEN, NUBIYAN TWIST & MORE
When: Friday 11th - Saturday 12th September 2026 (Reading Abbey Ruins)
Set across two clash-free stages in the spectacular 900-year-old Reading Abbey Ruins, Down At The Abbey pairs a genre-spanning line-up with family-friendly activities and local food and drink.
DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE
I BUILT YOU A TOWER TOUR WITH SUPPORT FROM POOL KIDS
When: Sunday 27th September 2026 (De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea)
One of the defining indie-rock bands of the past 30 years bring their I Built You A Tower Tour to Bexhill-on-Sea this September with support from Tallahassee math-rock and emo outfit Pool Kids.
BELLE AND SEBASTIAN
PERFORMING IF YOU’RE FEELING SINISTER IN FULL, FOLLOWED BY A SECOND SET OF FAVOURITES
When: Wednesday 16th December 2026 (De La Warr Pavilion, Bexhill-on-Sea)
Don’t miss the chance to catch one of indie’s most cherished bands as they mark 30 years of If You’re Feeling Sinister with a special anniversary show.
TONY HADLEY
THE BIG CHRISTMAS BAND TOUR
When: Sunday 8th & Thursday 12th November 2026 (White Rock Theatre, Hastings & New Theatre Oxford)
Following the huge success of last year’s sold-out tour, the iconic voice of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, returns in winter 2026.
ARE YOU LISTENING? FESTIVAL 2027
When: Saturday 8th May 2027 (various Reading venues)
The critically acclaimed festival strives to nurture and support the local, grassroots music scene by booking local artists to share stages with touring acts. Watch this space for the 2027 line-up announcement.
SAXON
GODS OF THUNDER WORLD TOUR: CASTLES & EAGLES PRODUCTION
When: Thursday 25th February 2027 (O2 Guildhall Southampton)
With a new album due in early 2027, Saxon show no signs of slowing down, bringing back their iconic stage production as they continue to fly the flag for British heavy metal around the globe.
SCOUTING FOR GIRLS
OPEN-AIR SUMMER SHOW
When: Sunday 16th August 2026 (Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight)
Multi-platinum British pop band Scouting for Girls will bring their infectious, feel-good hits to Robin Hill, for a special open-air performance in the woodlands, set to be one of the highlights of the summer.
UB40 FEAT. ALI CAMPBELL
THE BIG LOVE TOUR
When: Friday 11th December 2026 (Brighton Centre)
UB40 feat. Ali Campbell close out The Big Love Tour with a Brighton Centre finale, bringing decades of reggae favourites to the South East this winter.
JACK SAVORETTI
WE WILL ALWAYS BE THE WAY WE WERE TOUR WITH STEPH FRASER
When: Tuesday 10th November 2026 (New Theatre Oxford)
Marking 20 years since his debut, Savoretti’s ninth studio album reconnects with the raw storytelling and cinematic soul that defined his earliest work.
More events and musical moments across the South East
Beyond the headline shows, the South East’s live events calendar is packed with festivals, comedy, touring theatre and grassroots gigs across towns and cities throughout the region.
SIMON BRODKIN
UNLEASHED
When: Saturday 26th September 2026 - Saturday 20th March 2027 (multiple South East dates)
British comedian Simon Brodkin, known for characters including Lee Nelson and a string of headline-grabbing pranks, brings his latest stand-up show to venues across the region.
TEN56.
WITH SUPPORT FROM THEBOYSHADOW AND TRIBE OF GHOSTS
When: Sunday 6th September 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
Swiss metalcore outfit ten56. bring their ferocious live show to Chalk, Brighton, for a night of crushing metal energy.
SIGMA
WITH SPECIAL GUESTS FROM BEATS ON TAP & SUPPORT FROM TYRONE X FOOR X WAVYSOF, SHUFFLAH & FLASH
When: Friday 14th August 2026 (Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight)
Chart-topping drum and bass duo Sigma bring anthems including “Nobody To Love” and “Changing” to Robin Hill for a special open-air Isle of Wight show.
MELANIE C
SWEAT ALBUM LAUNCH SHOW
When: Thursday 10th December 2026 (O2 Academy Oxford)
Pop icon Melanie C brings her Sweat album launch show to Oxford, blending euphoric dancefloor energy with the hits that have defined her career.
RICK WAKEMAN
THE WIZARD OF PROG: ULTIMATE HIGHLIGHTS CONCERT TOUR FEAT. THE ENGLISH ROCK ENSEMBLE
When: Wednesday 17th February - Tuesday 9th March 2027 (multiple South East dates)
Prog legend Rick Wakeman’s longest tour to date takes in highlights from his solo catalogue and his years with Yes, backed by the English Rock Ensemble.
DON BROCO
NIGHTMARE TRIPPING TOUR WITH SPECIAL GUESTS UNPEOPLE & ANDU SAN
When: Thursday 8th & Sunday 11th October 2026 (Portsmouth Guildhall & Leas Cliff Hall, Folkestone)
Bedford rockers Don Broco bring their high-energy live show to the South East as part of the Nightmare Tripping tour.
HEY JUDE! GET BACK WITH THE BEATLES
When: Friday 8th - Friday 22nd January 2027 (multiple South East dates)
An immersive tribute show celebrating the music and legacy of The Beatles, touring theatres across the South East into the new year.
FIND HEY JUDE! GET BACK WITH THE BEATLES TOUR DATES AND TICKETS
SIX THE MUSICAL
When: Tuesday 9th - Saturday 13th March 2027 (Portsmouth Guildhall)
The record-breaking pop musical reimagining the six wives of Henry VIII returns to the South East as part of its ongoing UK tour.
SOULTASIA
WITH THE REAL THING, ODYSSEY, LOOSE ENDS & MORE
When: Friday 14th August 2026 (Prospect Park, Reading)
Soultasia brings together a line-up of soul and Motown legends for an afternoon of classic hits under the open sky in Prospect Park.
Looking for even more events in the South East?
Looking for even more concerts and live music across the South East of England? Explore upcoming events, tours and festivals happening throughout the region.
See more events in the South East of England
Festivals, One-Day Events & Outdoor Concerts
- Hammerdown Festival 2026 — Friday 24th - Sunday 26th July 2026 (The Factory, Worthing)
- The Kooks — Saturday 1st August 2026 (Dreamland, Margate)
- These Hills 2026 — Saturday 8th – Sunday 9th August 2026 (Glynde Place, East Sussex)
- Tinie Tempah — Friday 14th August 2026 (Newbury Racecourse)
- Jessie J — Saturday 15th August 2026 (Newbury Racecourse)
- Readipop Yard Party 2026 — Saturday 22nd August 2026 (Readipop Studios, Reading)
- AcidFest — Friday 28th & Friday 30th August 2026 (The Piper, Hastings & The Bee's Mouth, Brighton)
- Wight Buggin' — Friday 11th – Monday 14th September 2026 (Retro Staycations, Ryde, Isle of Wight)
Live shows, tours & events
- Tom Meighan — Saturday 15th August 2026 (Robin Hill Country Park, Isle of Wight)
- Grandmas House — Monday 24th August 2026 (Truck, Oxford)
- Horsegirl — Wednesday 26th August 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- James K — Sunday 30th August 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- Jeffrey Lewis & The Voltage — Thursday 3rd September 2026 (The Face Bar, Reading)
- Big Narstie — Friday 4th September 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- The Five Hundred — Saturday 5th & Thursday 17th September 2026 (The Face Bar, Reading & The 1865, Southampton)
- Jon Anderson & The Band Geeks — Sunday 6th - Thursday 10th September 2026 (multiple South East dates)
- The Blockheads — Friday 11th September 2026 (The Factory, Worthing)
- Marillion — Saturday 12th September 2026 (Portsmouth Guildhall)
- Ally Venable — Thursday 17th September 2026 (The Old Brewery Store, Faversham)
- The Specials Ltd — Friday 18th September 2026 - Saturday 29th May 2027 (multiple South East dates)
- Chinese American Bear — Wednesday 23rd September 2026 (The Hope and Ruin, Brighton)
- The Lemonheads — Tuesday 22nd - Monday 28th September 2026 (multiple South East dates)
- (HED) PE & COLD — Tuesday 22nd September & Sunday 11th October 2026 (The 1865, Southampton & Concorde 2, Brighton)
- Toby Lee — Friday 25th September 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- Tyber & Pete from The Dualers — Saturday 26th September - Thursday 31st December 2026 (multiple South East dates)
- Bridge City Sinners — Wednesday 30th September 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- Albert Lee — Sunday 4th October 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- Lime Garden — Monday 5th October 2026 (The Bullingdon, Oxford)
- Robert Jon & The Wreck — Thursday 8th October 2026 (O2 Academy Oxford)
- Devotchka — Saturday 10th October 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- The Beat ft. Ranking Jr — Saturday 10th October & Friday 13th November 2026 (The Factory, Worthing and Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- Si Cranstoun — Saturday 10th October 2026 (Mercure Maidstone Great Danes Hotel)
- Girl Group — Tuesday 13th October 2026 (The Bullingdon, Oxford)
- The Bracknall — Thursday 15th October & Tuesday 24th November 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight and Dreamland, Margate)
- Republica — Friday 16th October & Friday 6th November 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight and Chalk, Brighton)
- Adult DVD — Monday 19th & Tuesday 27th October 2026 (The Bullingdon, Oxford & Chalk, Brighton)
- Huey Morgan — Tuesday 20th & Friday 23rd October 2026 (Concorde 2, Brighton & The 1865, Southampton)
- Chameleons — Saturday 24th October 2026 (Engine Rooms, Southampton)
- Stornoway — Saturday 24th October 2026 (Wedgewood Rooms, Portsmouth)
- Ezra Furman — Tuesday 27th October 2026 (Minster Church, Reading)
- Swervedriver — Thursday 29th October 2026 (O2 Academy2 Oxford)
- St. Paul & the Broken Bones — Thursday 29th October 2026 (Chalk, Brighton)
- Joshua Idehen — Thursday 5th November 2026 (Brighton Dome - Corn Exchange)
- John Otway & Wild Willy Barrett — Thursday 5th November 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- Monster Florence — Thursday 5th November 2026 (The Face Bar, Reading)
- Skinny Lister — Friday 6th November 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- London Symphonic Rock Orchestra — Saturday 7th November 2026 – Thursday 18th March 2027 (multiple South East dates)
- Liz Lawrence — Wednesday 11th November 2026 (The Bullingdon, Oxford)
- The Commoners — Thursday 12th & Saturday 21st November 2026 (The Carlisle, Hastings & The Centre, Birchington)
- Young Knives — Saturday 14th November – Friday 11th December 2026 (multiple South East dates)
- Tony Wright of Terrorvision — Thursday 19th November 2026 (Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight)
- Handsome Jack — Thursday 19th November 2026 (Olby's Soul Cafe, Margate)
- Bywater Call — Wednesday 27th & Thursday 28th January 2027 (The Old Brewery Store, Faversham & The Brook, Southampton)
- DMA'S — Monday 1st February 2027 (O2 Guildhall Southampton)
- Iceage — Thursday 25th February 2027 (Chalk, Brighton)
- The Rasmus — Saturday 6th March 2027 (Chalk, Brighton)
- Editors — Friday 12th March 2027 (O2 Guildhall Southampton)
- Michael Mania — Friday 8th October 2027 (O2 Guildhall Southampton)
Regional highlights — Where to go in the South East of England
Brighton
One of the UK’s most vibrant music cities, Brighton is home to venues like The Hope and Ruin, Chalk and Concorde 2, alongside a thriving grassroots scene.
Oxford
With historic theatres and modern concert venues, Oxford regularly hosts major touring artists and special one-off performances. Truck in Oxford also showcases a huge variety of up-and-coming artists and album launches.
Reading
A key stop for UK tours, Reading offers everything from large-scale arena shows to intimate gigs and festivals.
Southampton
A major South East hub for touring artists, Southampton is home to venues including O2 Guildhall Southampton, Engine Rooms and The 1865, hosting everything from rock and metal to indie and pop.
Margate
A growing live music destination on the Kent coast, Margate hosts touring artists at Dreamland and independent venue Where Else?, alongside a lively year-round gig scene.
Isle of Wight
Famous for its festival heritage, the Isle of Wight also boasts year-round live music venues, such as Strings Bar & Venue and Robin Hill Country Park, which bring touring artists and local performers to the Island.
Venue Guide: Strings Bar & Venue, Isle of Wight
The award-winning venue is a 300-capacity live music and performing arts venue located in Newport, at the heart of the Isle of Wight.
Our venue guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from transport tips and FAQs to upcoming gigs.
Explore Strings Bar & Venue guideVenue Guide: Where Else?, Margate
From intimate gigs to boundary-pushing live shows, Where Else? has built a reputation for fresh sounds and new music discovery, showcasing both up-and-coming acts and established names on the rise.
Our venue guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, from transport tips and FAQs to upcoming gigs.
Explore Where Else? venue guideBrowse events by town or city:
BEXHILL-ON-SEA | BRIGHTON | EASTBOURNE | FOLKESTONE | GUILDFORD | HASTINGS | ISLE OF WIGHT | MARGATE | NEWBURY | OXFORD | PORTSMOUTH | READING | SOUTHAMPTON | WORTHING
Need to know — South East events
When do tickets usually go on sale?
Most tickets go on sale shortly after an announcement, often on Friday mornings, with pre-sales sometimes available a day or two earlier. Popular shows can sell out quickly, especially in smaller venues, so it’s worth setting a reminder.
Which venues should I keep an eye on?
Major venues across the South East include Brighton Centre, O2 Guildhall Southampton and Portsmouth Guildhall, alongside smaller independent spots like Chalk in Brighton, The Bullingdon in Oxford and Strings Bar & Venue on the Isle of Wight.
Are there festivals in the South East this year?
Yes. The region hosts a wide range of festivals throughout the year, from large outdoor events like Hammerdown Festival and Are You Listening? Festival to boutique gatherings such as Down At The Abbey and Mutations Festival.
Ready to explore more live events in the South East?
Discover upcoming gigs, tours and festivals happening across Brighton, Oxford, Southampton and beyond.