Sandfest
Poole, Dorset
Returning for its 9th instalment in 2026, Sandfest has cemented its reputation as the ultimate summer ritual on the South Coast. For one day only, the iconic Sandbanks beach is transformed into an incredible boutique festival featuring world-class dance acts, outstanding street food, and unparalleled coastal views.
Welcome to Sandfest! Taking place on Sunday, 12th July 2026 (the day after Sandpolo), this incredible boutique festival is the grand finale of the Sandbanks summer party weekend. With the English Channel glistening on one side and luxury super-yachts anchored on the other, it is widely considered one of the most picturesque festival locations in the UK.
Sandfest is famous for delivering massive dance, house, and pop lineups right on the sand to a capacity crowd of 5,000 party-goers. The 2026 event promises another incredible year, following in the footsteps of legendary past performers like Sonny Fodera, Craig David, Chase & Status, and Hannah Wants.
The experience goes far beyond the music. Inside the festival arena, you will find fully licensed, heavily stocked bars serving everything from ice-cold beers to premium spirits. Alongside the drinks, a curated selection of standout street food vendors offers gourmet bites to keep your energy up until the sun goes down.
If you want to elevate your day, Sandfest offers highly sought-after VIP upgrades. These grant you fast-track entry, access to exclusive VIP bars with premium drinks menus, luxury “posh” toilets, and a dedicated viewing platform so you can enjoy the main stage action with the best view in the house.
The Festival That Defines Summer
In just a few short years, Sandfest has evolved from a local beach party into one of the most anticipated dates in the UK’s social calendar. Hosted on the pristine, Blue Flag-awarded sands of Sandbanks, this one-day event is an intoxicating mix of brilliant music, beautiful surroundings, and an unbeatable summer crowd.
With thousands of attendees gathering to celebrate, and a history of selling out well in advance, it is a truly spectacular celebration of South Coast living.
A World-Class Lineup on the Beach
The heart of the festival is the legendary Sandfest main stage, strategically positioned so you can dance with the ocean as your backdrop. The organizers consistently secure massive international talent, focusing heavily on uplifting house, garage, and dance anthems.
The music starts as soon as the gates open at midday, building in energy throughout the afternoon as the sun beats down. As evening approaches, the headline acts take the stage, culminating in an unforgettable, hands-in-the-air finale as the sun sets over the spectacular Purbeck Hills.
The Sandfest Crowd
Sandfest is an over-18s event, and the crowd brings a distinctly glamorous, “Ibiza-meets-Dorset” energy to the beach. Glitter, vibrant summer festival wear, and sunglasses are the uniform of the day. Because of its unique location and premium vibe, the festival attracts visitors from all over the country who make an entire weekend out of their trip, often booking local holiday homes and exploring the wider Poole area before and after the event.
Additional information
What time is last entry to Sandfest 2026? You must arrive early! The strict cut-off for ticket holders to gain entry is 5:00 PM. If you arrive after this time, you will not be granted access. Additionally, there is a strict no re-entry policy after 4:00 PM—if you leave the arena after this time, you cannot come back in.
Can I bring my own drink into the festival? No. You cannot bring any outside food or drink (including alcohol) into the Sandfest arena. You will be asked to consume or dispose of any drinks before passing through the security gates. There are plenty of fully licensed bars inside!
Is Sandfest an over-18s event? Yes, Sandfest is strictly an 18+ event. The organizers operate a “Challenge 25” policy at the entry gates and the bars, so you must bring valid, physical photographic ID (a passport or driving license) to guarantee entry, regardless of your age.
Secure Your Sandfest Weekend
Sandfest completely sells out every single year! Grab your tickets directly from the official FIXR ticketing page, and be sure to book your accommodation in Sandbanks or Poole early before the area gets booked up.
