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There’s something unbeatable about live music by the seaside. Whether you’re dancing on the beach, swaying to the beat by a marina, or singing your heart out whilst overlooking the sea, coastal festivals add a holiday feel that inland events just can’t match. And in 2026, the UK’s seaside festival calendar is stacked with beach-front parties, surf-and-sound weekends, and island events that mean a live gig can be the focal point of your next coastal break.
Below you’ll find eight of the best UK music festivals by the sea for 2026, plus practical where-to-stay tips for each destination, so you can plan a base that suits your budget, group size and vibe. If you are thinking of attending one of these festivals during your summer holiday then you will need to book well in advance as the tickets sell out quickly. To find suitable accommodation, spend a few moments browsing all of the holiday homes by the coast listed with us, many that enjoy sea views and beach access.
1) On The Beach – Brighton, East Sussex
Brighton’s seafront festival series returns in July 2026, bringing big-name acts to the pebbles on Madeira Drive in East Sussex. One of the confirmed headline acts is Moby, performing live with a full band on Sunday 26 July 2026, with the festival running across mid-to-late July (17–26 July). Whether you’re going just for the music festival or you’re staying in town for the week, there is plenty to do. Sample great restaurants, go shopping, lie on the beach or enjoy lazy walks along the promenade.
Where to stay:
For the best experience, try staying in Brighton close to the beachfront so you can walk to the festival and avoid having to find a park. If you prefer to base yourself a bit further away, check out Hove or Rottingdean accommodation, although you’ll need to travel by taxi or bus to the festival.
2) Summer Fest at the Beach – Weston-super-Mare, Somerset
Summer Fest at the Beach is planned as a large-scale festival on the sand, it promises big names, beachside bars and street-food traders. The inaugural line-up features early headliners Madness and Blue, with additional acts including Craig David, Dizzee Rascal, Scouting for Girls and Diversity, ensuring a lively weekend for festival goers.
Where to stay:
To make life easy for yourself, stay close to the seafront in Weston-super-Mare so you can walk back to your accommodation once the last set has finished and you’re all danced out. If you’re going as a group, self-catering accommodation slightly inland can offer better value, just means you’ll need to get a taxi or drive and park.
3) Boardmasters Festival – Newquay, Cornwall
Held annually in Newquay, Boardmasters has earned its reputation as the UK’s leading surf and music festival. The five-day event pairs major live music shows at Watergate Bay with world-class surf competitions at Fistral Beach, creating a distinctive celebration of coastal culture and the outdoors.
Where to stay:
Newquay is busiest during Boardmasters week, so book early. If you want the full experience, stay close to the beach so you can mix surf sessions, food stops and festival time without relying on transport. If you’d rather avoid the crowds, choose a nearby village in the South West or quieter stretch of coast within driving distance, then head into Newquay by car for the main event days.
4) Tunes on the Bay – Swansea Bay, Wales
Held right on Swansea Bay Beach in South Wales, Tunes on the Bay is a three-day seaside music festival that brings live performances straight to the sand. Following a strong first year, the festival is set to return in 2026 over the May Day Bank Holiday weekend (1–3 May).
Where to stay:
If it’s just the festival you want to see then look for accommodation near Swansea seafront (book early). For a more scenic “holiday” feel, the Gower Peninsula gives you gorgeous beaches and coastal walks (great for extending the trip), while still keeping Swansea within easy reach by car.
5) DocksFest – Cleethorpes, Lincolnshire
DocksFest is a boutique music festival for around 5,000 people, held in Cleethorpes on the Lincolnshire coast. It’s presented in partnership with Docks Beers and Docks Academy, the Grimsby-based craft brewery and live music venue.
Where to stay:
Choose a base near the seafront promenade to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy beach walks between festival days. If you’re travelling with friends, self-catering options with a living room/social space will work well. For families, pick somewhere quieter with designated parking and within easy reach of the beach.
6) Hebridean Celtic Festival – Stornoway, Isle of Lewis
HebCelt is a popular coastal festival celebrating Celtic music and Gaelic culture in the Outer Hebrides, Scotland. Due to run from 15 to 18 July 2026 in Stornoway, Lewis and Harris, it’s known for its friendly, community atmosphere and scenic island setting.
Where to stay:
Stornoway is the most convenient base (walkable, easy for taxis, and good for food/drink). If you want to turn the festival into a longer holiday, consider a second stay elsewhere on Lewis or Harris. The beaches here are spectacular, as are coastal walks and sunsets making it well worth it.
7) SandFest – Sandbanks, Poole (Dorset)
For those who love the idea of dancing right on the beach, SandFest fits the bill perfectly. This boutique music festival takes place directly on Sandbanks Beach in Dorset, with the proposed date being Sunday 12 July 2026.
Where to stay:
For a premium “beach holiday + festival” feel, stay on or near the Sandbanks peninsula so you can walk to the event and enjoy the pre-festival atmosphere. If you’re watching costs, base yourself in Poole or Bournemouth where there’s a wider (and cheaper) choice of accommodation, then travel in for the day.
8) Isle of Wight Festival – Isle of Wight
This legendary festival offers a true sense of escape thanks to its island location. Taking place from 18–21 June 2026 at Seaclose Park in Newport, it isn’t held directly on the beach, but the Isle of Wight setting makes it a natural choice for a coastal festival break with beach time built in.
Where to stay:
If you want to keep it simple, choose accommodation with straightforward access to Newport and transport routes to Seaclose Park. For a more beach-led trip, stay in one of the island’s coastal towns and add extra days either side of the festival for beach visits, coastal paths and relaxed evenings by the seaside.
Booking Tips for Seaside Festivals
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Book your tickets early (May bank holiday, June weekends, mid-summer – all very popular).
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Check walkability vs parking: beachfront towns fill up quickly.
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Find “festival-friendly” features: outdoor shower/tap for sandy feet, flexible check-in, and enough bathrooms for groups.
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Stay an extra night if you can: travelling home straight after a big final set can be rough.
Depending on the size of your party, you may be interested in checking out the large group accommodation by the sea listed with us, alternatively we have some great cottages for couples if it’s just you and your partner attending the festival.