The New Forest Show 2026 features 25+ live acts performing across three days on the Main Stage and the Members’ Lawn Bandstand. Main Stage performances are open to all ticket holders, while the Bandstand is located within the Members’ Lawn and is exclusively accessible to members.
From female-fronted alt-rock to South Coast chart-topping folk, a seven-piece soul collective to an acoustic Eva Cassidy tribute – the 2026 music programme is the most varied yet. Whether you’ve come for the livestock, the countryside or the food, live music will be the soundtrack running through all three days.
Two Stages, Three Days of Live Music
Music at the New Forest Show runs across two dedicated spaces throughout Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July 2026.
The Main Stage is where you’ll find the bigger acts – full bands, energetic sets. Expect a mix of originals and covers, electric guitars and powerful vocals, from mid-morning through the afternoon.
The Bandstand is situated within the Members’ Lawn and is exclusively accessible to members. It offers something more intimate: acoustic duos, jazz quartets, classical crossover and chilled sets – perfect for a sit-down in the sunshine between rings. If you’re a member, it’s the ideal spot to relax with food and a drink while enjoying live music up close.
Not yet a member? Find out about the benefits of New Forest Show membership and how to join.
Learn More About MembershipWith both stages running simultaneously across all three days, there’s live music at the show from the moment the gates open.
Featured Acts at the New Forest Show 2026
Here’s a closer look at some of the acts you can catch this July.
RiotWeekend
Alt Rock · Pop Punk · Main Stage
A four-piece female-fronted alt-rock band from Guildford, influenced by Green Day, Paramore and A Day To Remember. High-energy, hook-driven and full of heart.
Kate Harding Band
Country · Main Stage
Shortlisted for Act of the Year at the Portsmouth Music Awards, Kate is a New Forest-trained singer-songwriter sharing new country music from her debut album.
Six & Sax
Pop · Soul · Main Stage
A seven-piece covers band from right here in the New Forest. Two female vocalists, smooth sax, strong rhythm section – playing everything from 60s classics to current hits.
Amy Fox
Folk · Soul · Americana · Main Stage
Her debut single hit number one on the South Coast Music Chart. Amy’s soulful voice and candid songwriting explore themes of healing, self-worth and the experience of being a woman.
DiElle
Folk · Country · Acoustic · Bandstand
Number 1 on the South Coast Music Chart in 2024, silver medallist at the Fab Chart Music Awards USA, and a Wickham and Victorious Festival regular. Her live shows have you laughing, crying and singing.
Psychedelic Skies
Indie · Rock · Main Stage
Southampton’s finest indie grunge act, blending Nirvana’s raw energy with Oasis and Kasabian swagger. Fast, hook-driven songs and high-octane live performances.
Honkers Saxophone Quartet
Jazz · Easy Listening · Bandstand
Four saxophones serving the south of England with classic and modern favourites, often with a jazzy twist. Lively and upbeat, or mellow and chilled – they set the perfect show atmosphere.
The Daytonas
Rock · Main Stage
Formed in 2014, the Daytonas have played main stages at festivals with thousands in attendance. An act with serious pedigree and the stage presence to match.
Amber Lilly
Pop · Rock · Main Stage
A seasoned performer with over 20 years of experience, covering timeless classics and modern hits. Amber creates an engaging atmosphere that keeps audiences coming back for more.
Aria Acoustic
Acoustic · Jazz · Soul · Main Stage
Alli and Chris have been performing together since 2014 – an acoustic duo covering Aretha Franklin, Van Morrison and more in a relaxed, stripped-back style that’s perfect for the show.
Meander
Country · Rock · Blues · Bandstand
Playing lead guitar, strong female vocals and original songs from their album ‘Mixed Feelings’ – written and recorded right here in the New Forest. A true local act with genuine roots in the region.
Jazz Off The Wall
Jazz · Latin · Blues · Bandstand
A trio of guitar, vocals and saxophone who’ve been playing together for over eight years, delivering jazz, Latin, blues and light pop with effortless chemistry.
Freebird
Eva Cassidy Tribute · Jazz · Soul · Bandstand
Zoe Lindsay presents a heartfelt acoustic tribute to Eva Cassidy – bringing her timeless songs back to life with warmth and authenticity.
Shaun Shears & The Fables
Singer-Songwriter · Main Stage
Shaun performs original songs and covers alongside guitarist Tim and violinist Philippa – a uniquely textured sound with real emotional depth.
Marco Di Gaetano
Pop · Rock · Loop Pedal · Main Stage
A singer-songwriter from Verwood who builds full sounds live using a loop pedal – layering harmonies and instruments on the spot. A must-see for anyone who hasn’t experienced live looping before.
Empty Frets
Country · Rock · Blues · Main Stage
Vocals, guitar, drums, bass and harmonies – Empty Frets play covers and originals spanning 1960 to today, with a strong feel for New Forest local music.
Also Performing Across the Three Days
The lineup goes even further. Also taking to the Main Stage and Bandstand across 28–30 July are:
- Adam Roe – Hampshire singer-songwriter and live looper, blending stadium rock with pop punk and world music influences.
- Angel Jones – Acoustic singer-songwriter from Portsmouth, performing across all three days.
- Anushka – Southampton-based ukulele vocalist bringing feel-good folk-pop covers and a warm, joyful stage presence.
- Carley Varley – High-energy pop and rock performer and full-time musician with a catalogue of crowd-pleasing covers and originals.
- Dave Harris – Easy listening across the decades, from big band and swing to soft rock and country.
- DiElle (solo) – Also appearing in a solo Bandstand set across multiple days, in addition to her main programme appearances.
- Dodgy Jammers – Six musicians keeping the best pop songs of the 60s and 70s alive, with all fees going to charity.
- Freya Golding & Alex Keith – Actress and vocalist Freya joined by guitarist Alex Keith for a mix of chilled tunes, party classics and musical theatre anthems.
- Hannah Lindsay – A young and promising musician covering Olivia Dean, The Kooks and more with her own personal interpretation.
- Into The Dawn – Janine on vocals and Phil on acoustic guitar covering rock, metal, blues and pop from the 1970s to today.
- Nevaeh – A rising pop star with big voice, big energy and big stage presence – don’t let her age fool you.
- Serenade – Piano, keyboards, flute, saxophone and vocals – an expansive repertoire of beautiful classic and contemporary songs, played regularly across the south coast.
- Talisa Vocalist – Local New Forest singer covering pop, 70s, 80s and musical theatre, with a vocal range to match every genre.
Local Talent Taking Centre Stage
A strong thread running through this year’s programme is local and regional talent. Six & Sax are from the New Forest itself. Empty Frets and Meander both record original music written and inspired by the area. Kate Harding studied at Brockenhurst College. DiElle is based in Wickham. Amy Fox is from Marchwood. The New Forest Show has always been a celebration of the region – and its music stage is no exception.
Tips for Getting the Most from the Music
Both stages run simultaneously, so check the programme on the day to plan your route between rings and performances. The Bandstand is a natural rest stop – sets there tend to be shorter and more relaxed, making it easy to dip in and out. The Main Stage draws bigger crowds later in the day, so secure your spot early for the bands you most want to see.
Live music is included with your New Forest Show ticket. Just turn up and enjoy it.
So Much More to See and Do
Live music is just one part of what makes the New Forest Show one of the south’s most loved events. Across all three days there’s livestock judging, country sports, shopping, food and drink, trade stands, countryside demonstrations and family activities – all set against the beautiful backdrop of the New Forest.
Head to the What’s On page to plan your visit, see the full music schedule, and find out exactly where each act is performing and at what time.
Full performance times and stage locations for every act are listed on the What’s On page – so you can plan your day and make sure you don’t miss a note.
View the What’s On PageLive Music at the New Forest Show – Your Questions Answered
Yes – the New Forest Show 2026 features 25+ live acts performing across all three days, 28–30 July, on the Main Stage and Bandstand at New Forest Showground in Brockenhurst. Live music is included with your show entry ticket at no extra cost.
The 2026 lineup includes RiotWeekend, Kate Harding Band, Six & Sax, Amy Fox, DiElle, Psychedelic Skies, The Daytonas, Honkers Saxophone Quartet, Amber Lilly, Aria Acoustic, Meander, Jazz Off The Wall and many more – over 25 acts in total across the Main Stage and Bandstand.
The New Forest Show music programme covers a wide range of genres including folk, country, indie rock, pop punk, soul, jazz, Americana, acoustic singer-songwriter and classic covers. There is something for all ages and tastes across both the Main Stage and the Bandstand.
Live music takes place across two stages at New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst. The Main Stage is open to all ticket holders and hosts full bands and headline acts throughout the day. The Bandstand is located within the Members’ Lawn and is exclusively accessible to members, offering a more intimate setting with acoustic sets, jazz and chilled performances.
Yes. Live music on both the Main Stage and the Bandstand is included with your New Forest Show entry ticket. There is no additional charge, no separate music ticket and no reserved seating – just turn up and enjoy it.
Yes – live music runs across all three days of the New Forest Show 2026: Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July. Most acts perform on multiple days, so each day has its own full programme of live performances from morning through the afternoon.
Yes – the 2026 music programme features a strong representation of local and regional talent. Acts with Hampshire and New Forest roots include Six & Sax, Meander, Empty Frets, Kate Harding (Brockenhurst College alumna), Amy Fox, DiElle and Adam Roe, among others.
The New Forest Show 2026 takes place on Tuesday 28th, Wednesday 29th and Thursday 30th July at New Forest Showground, Brockenhurst, Hampshire. Tickets are available via the New Forest Show website.
Got Your Ticket?
Early bird prices end 12 July 2026 — don’t leave it too late.
Early bird prices valid until 12 July 2026

