Established in 2009, Let’s Rock Southampton is a family-friendly festival showcasing the best of ‘80s music. Occurring every July, it’s a fantastic way to keep the kids entertained in the summer.
With world-class live music, children’s entertainers, a playpen, a disco shack and more, the festival has everything you need for an action-packed day out with family or friends.
This year’s Let’s Rock Southampton will take place on Saturday, 8 July 2023. Read on to learn more about one of Southampton’s most loved festivals, including how to get there with South Western Railway.
When does Let's Rock Southampton start and finish?
Let’s Rock Southampton starts at midday. However, gates open at 11am, so get there early to avoid missing the action! The event finishes at 10:30pm.
Things to do at Let’s Rock Southampton
Renowned as one of the South West’s top family festivals, Let’s Rock Southampton offers plenty to see and do. Nostalgic live ‘80s music is the festival’s main attraction, but other exciting activities include children’s entertainment and a disco area. Here’s everything there is to do at Let’s Rock Southampton.
Lineup and music
Let’s Rock Southampton showcases the best of ‘80s music, with toe-tapping tunes guaranteed to bring back memories. There’s something for everyone, from soft rock to smooth jazz, glam metal and pinch harmonics, performed live on stage by retro favourites.
Let’s Rock! Playpen
The Let’s Rock! Playpen is the perfect place for little ones, with free activities. The playpen is set to offer a variety of children’s entertainment, including kids’ presenters from BBC and ITV, circus workshops with Bigtopmania Circus, arts & crafts, face painting, tricycles and a ‘Disco Shack’.
Funfair
No festival would be complete without a funfair, and the fairground rides at Let’s Rock Southampton are perfect for children. The funfair includes thrilling water rides ideal for a sunny July weekend, while younger kids will love the soft play area.
VIP Club Tropicana package and ‘Posh Toilets’
For ultimate luxury, Let’s Rock Southampton’s VIP Experience is sure to be a hit. VIP tickets grant you fast-track entry to the festival, a delicious meal and welcome drink, luxury loos, exclusive DJ sets and a comfy seat at a bar with tasty ’80s-themed cocktails.
If you’re a festival fanatic but cringe at the idea of dirty loos, you’ll love the Posh Toilets. These regularly serviced toilets are in a separate enclosure, guaranteeing a much cleaner experience! Posh Toilet tickets are available at an extra charge.
Tickets
Tickets to Let’s Rock Southampton are sold in Tiers from 1 to 5, with Tier 1 being the cheapest and Tier 5 being the most expensive. The earlier you buy your tickets, the cheaper they will be. Tickets start from £39.00 per person.
Tips to make the most of Let’s Rock Southampton
Make sure your day is smooth sailing with our top tips:
• buy your tickets as early as possible to secure the lowest price
• you’re welcome to bring a picnic into the main arena, but no alcohol is permitted. Let’s Rock also has a strict no-drugs policy
• let’s Rock Southampton is a no-re-entry event, meaning you can’t come and go during the day; only parents or guardians accompanying children under 16 will be granted a single-use re-entry wristband
• double-check you have all your belongings with you before entering and leaving the festival grounds
• since the roads around The Common will likely be congested, we recommend travelling by train for a stress-free journey
Food and drinks
After dancing along to ‘80s tunes, you’ll likely work up an appetite. Thankfully, the festival caters to various tastes, so even the pickiest eaters will be satisfied. Choose from worldwide cuisines, including Indian, Mexican and Chinese, or grab a burger and a hotdog from the barbecue area. Alternatively, visitors can bring packed lunches if they wish.
Places to stay in and around Let’s Rock Southampton
Let’s Rock Southampton is a day festival, meaning there’s no onsite camping or accommodation. However, if you’d prefer to travel home the next day or want to explore Southampton before the festival starts, you’ll find many places to stay near Southampton Common.
For those on a budget, Travelodge Southampton and Arches Guest House and Lodge are within walking distance of The Common. Meanwhile, Travelodge Southampton Central is a fantastic low-cost option in the city centre.
Family-friendly stays include Leonardo Royal Hotel Southampton Grand Harbour and Premier Inn Southampton West Quay Hotel. Both are in the city centre, just a stone’s throw from Southampton Central.
Book a room at No.4 Carlton Boutique Hotel or Harbour Hotel Southampton for a luxurious stay.
Let’s Rock Southampton accessibility
Let’s Rock Southampton welcomes disabled guests and is committed to ensuring accessibility for all visitors. However, as the festival takes place in open countryside, guests with mobility issues should be aware that some areas may be uneven and difficult to navigate.
The festival offers accessible toilets and a small viewing area for disabled guests and stewards who are happy to help. For more information, check the festival’s accessibility page.
