Coastal Festivals & Events on England's Coast

Across the year, coastal communities come together to celebrate food, music, heritage, culture and the arts. From large-scale festivals attracting international acts to free community events and family favourites, there's always a reason to plan your next trip around what's happening by the sea.

Portsmouth: A Year of Celebration
2026 marks Portsmouth 100, celebrating a century since Portsmouth was granted city status.

A packed programme of events takes place throughout the year, including live music, heritage experiences, guided tours, sporting events and family-friendly activities. Visitors can explore everything from cycling events and cricket to interactive trails and cultural celebrations.

Its flagship Victorious Festival runs over the August bank holiday this year featuring Kasabian, Richard Ashcroft, Scissor Sisters, Bastille and scores more. Come for comedy, entertainment and a massive festival atmosphere on Southsea Common, 28-30 August. 

Highcliffe Castle: Culture by the Coast
South of the New Forest, a raft of events is taking place at Highcliffe Castle, just outside Christchurch.  On selected dates to 30 August, I do like to be Beside the Seaside is a summer outdoor trail in the castle grounds giving kids the chance to have fun learning, receiving a seaside-themed gift bag on completion.  Or bring a picnic and chair for outdoor theatre on Thursday 20 August at 5.30pm and enjoy The Tale of Peter Rabbit and Benjamin Bunny. Classic cars, live music and local creatives are on show at Pop Up Sunday 23 August, 10am-4pm, with a BBQ from Castle Pantry, free entry. 

Running from now to October, "From Slop Pond to Highcliffe-On-Sea" gives a chance to ‘walk the streets’ of Highcliffe as they once were, tracing its history from small hamlet to bustling seaside town.  

Southampton: A City That Never Stops Celebrating
Southampton's diverse cultural scene is reflected in its packed annual events programme.

From the multi-venue Music in the City festival to celebrations of international culture, food and music, the city offers something for every interest. Throughout the year visitors can enjoy festivals, markets, sporting events, live performances and seasonal celebrations.

Whether you're visiting for a music festival, cultural event or simply to explore the city's vibrant atmosphere, Southampton combines coastal location with one of the South Coast's most varied events calendars.

Whether you're planning a family day out, a music-filled weekend, a foodie escape or a cultural break, there's a coastal festival or event waiting to be discovered.

Redcar & Cleveland: Family Festivals by the Sea
Between the Tides is an award-winning free festival for kids and young people set in the stunning grounds of Kirkleatham, 22-23 August. It promises bubble foam, party animal woodland disco, interactive chalk walk plus live music, theatrical circus acts (with lots of fire), street food and water games, so bring all the family! 

If you’re planning a visit to Redcar and Cleveland, check out what’s on throughout the year; street food, cocktails and live music feature at its Majuba Sunset Market held between May and July while its first desert festival, Sweet Steet took place this year on July 19.  To celebrate National Ice Cream Day, Redcar’s High Street was deluged with cookies, churros, crepes, sweep dumplings, brownies and blondies in homage to the local Lemon Top Ice Cream. 

This is a coast for Teddy Bear’s Picnic, family fun days and Saltburn Food Festival to name just a few; for good old-fashioned fun, huge beaches and a brilliant free events programme this Yorkshire coast deserves top billing.   

Durham Coast: Festivals, Food and Community Spirit
Here you’ll find  Summer Artisan Market at Dalton Park Outlet & Outdoors, 15 – 16 August, a weekend full of artisan shopping, delicious food and local creativity. Explore handmade gifts, seasonal treats, gourmet bakes, small‑batch drinks, eco‑friendly crafts and unique finds you won’t see anywhere else. Enjoy hot street food, meet local makers and soak up the sunshine. 

Seaham Food Festival, 1 – 2 August, is a vibrant two-day foodie celebration along Seaham’s stunning coastline. The festival brings together an exciting mix of award-winning TV chefs, artisan food and drink producers, street food vendors, live entertainment, family activities, and cultural performances, creating an unforgettable experience for food lovers of all ages. 

The region also hosts the much-loved Seaham Festival, featuring live music, family activities and performances throughout the town, while the annual Brass Bash has become one of the country's biggest celebrations of brass music, attracting visitors from across the UK.

Essex: Seaside Spectacle and Maritime Traditions

Held every August, colourful parades, vibrant processions, fancy dress competitions and family-friendly festivities are guaranteed at the Clacton-on-Sea Carnival, a blend of seaside celebrations with strong community spirit. 

For an authentic glimpse of coastal life, check out Brightlingsea Regatta & Mersea Week in July, celebrating the county’s rich maritime past, the focus is on sailing races and waterfront action alongside community festivities. 

When summer starts fading into autumn there’s nothing better than a trip back to the seaside. Harwich International Sea Shanty Festival’s held 9-11 October, come along for hearty singing, maritime culture and storytelling for late summer joy. 

Clacton Airshow, 27-28 August, is one of Essex’s biggest summer events when the skies fill with thrilling aerial displays, including the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight. Visit the seafront for family entertainment, fairground rides, stalls and classic seaside attractions.  

Classic Seaside Days & Coastal Events on England's Coast
Food & Drink Experiences on England's Coast
Plan your next coastal escape