Packed full with delicious days out and some of the biggest names in music (and a little bit of fairy dust for good measure), the New Forest festival scene has never been more vibrant.
Here’s a comprehensive list and information of the best summer festivals and summer events in and around the New Forest in July 2018.
4th – 8th July New Forest Folk Festival, Plaitford, Nr Romsey
Known as the ‘small festival with the big names’, this magnificent little celebration of folky fun is getting bigger each year in the fields of the organisers beautifully unspoilt farm. Go along for the most chilled out of days, sitting with a real ale from the beer tent whilst munching hearty home-cooked fare from the farmer’s wives. Revellers make great friends year on year at the New Forest Folk Festival through the love of great songs and outstanding musicians.
14th July Smoked and Uncut at Lime Wood, Nr Lyndhurst
Another of the ‘Smoked and Uncut’ events, this time at the grounds of the super luxury 5-star Limewood Hotel. Headlining this event is the celebrated and utterly excellent English indie rock band Razorlight. Go for an upmarket festival vibe in beautiful surroundings with yummy food and drink offerings.
15th July Lymington Carnival
A fun-filled carnival with the theme for 2018 being “TV Shows”. There’s also a fete packed with all the usual stalls and rides you’d hope for, craft stalls, a dog show, pop up bars, yummy food and music.
20th – 22nd July The Curious Arts Festival, East End
This is an eclectic and awesome mix of terrific comedy and inspiring literary revelry, alongside the opportunity to try out lessons in poetry, filmmaking, life drawing and delicious cocktail classes. There’s also brilliant live music, including John Newman, Outlya and Flyte and lots of smile-inducing sights!
20th – 22nd July Netley Marsh Steam and Craft Show, Netley Marsh, Nr Lyndhurst
Now one of the biggest shows in the south. If you love the sound, sight and smell of steam from a bygone era, you mustn’t miss this show. Expect a huge range of features, stalls and attractions including those much-loved steam engines, motorcycles and cars. Of course, there will be live music, beer tent or two and an abundance of delicious food on offer as well as stalls and obligatory funfair rides.
24th – 26th July The New Forest and Hampshire show, near Brockenhurst
Set in 30 acres, this is one of the best in the region and rated among the top ten agricultural shows in the country. Expect all the usual displays, animals, crafts, food and drink including a bakery show, imaginative shopping opportunities, and broad and varied selection of demonstrations, exhibitions and presentations about country life.
28th July Damerham Fair and Horticultural Show, Nr Fordingbridge
Party like your parents and grandparents would have done in this retro-esque ‘Day at the fair’. You’ll see everything from ferret racing to duck herding and a wide and varying range of exhibitions, races and competitions. For the culinary curious, you won’t be disappointed with a vast array of home cooked food complimented with a licensed bar and, of course, plenty of live music.
Click here to continue to the best New Forest festivals in August.