Gosport Sunset Festival 2026: Music and Food by the Water

The Gosport Sunset Festival just wrapped up its 2026 edition yesterday, marking a massive milestone as it celebrated 35 years of festival history in the area. From Thursday 9 July to Sunday 12 July, Walpole Park was transformed into a lively waterfront hub filled with live music, street food, and family activities. For those who made the quick trip over from Portsmouth—whether taking the direct bus routes or hopping on the four-minute Gosport Ferry after a train ride to Portsmouth & Southsea Station—the flat, accessible park offered a fantastic summer atmosphere right by the boating lake.

This year's lineup across the three stages was incredibly diverse, featuring over 70 acts. While about 70% of the festival grounds remained completely free to access, the evening headliners inside the Sunset Big Top required paid tickets after 5:00 PM. Thursday kicked off with tribute acts like Forever Queen and Gemma as Whitney, while Friday brought the Bootleg Beatles and Chris Difford of Squeeze to the stage. Saturday saw performances from the Brand New Heavies and Tom Hingley, formerly of the Inspiral Carpets, before Sunday closed out the weekend with sets from The South and Altered Images. Meanwhile, the other two stages, including the Underground Overground stage, kept the music going completely free of charge throughout the night.

Beyond the music, the festival grounds were packed with things to do. Food lovers could sample award-winning world street food, while families kept busy with bouncy castles, cart racing, axe throwing, and funfair rides. A dedicated Wellbeing Hub offered a quieter space with holistic therapies like reflexology and reiki alongside wellness stalls selling candles and jewellery. With local sponsors like Gosport Borough Council, Gosport Ferry, and Snows Toyota supporting the event, it proved once again to be a staple of the local summer calendar.