Upton House Food & Music Festival
Poole, Dorset
Calling all foodies and festival lovers! The Upton House Food & Music Festival is one of Poole’s most highly anticipated summer weekends. Set against the majestic backdrop of a Grade II listed Georgian mansion and its beautiful parklands, this affordable, family-friendly event serves up mouth-watering global street food, local drinks, and non-stop live music.
Welcome to the ultimate summer garden party! Set on the sprawling front lawn of Upton House, this three-day festival perfectly combines a relaxed, picnic-style atmosphere during the day with high-energy, sing-along music in the evenings. Grab your camping chairs, gather the family, and prepare for a feast.
Bring an empty stomach! The festival site is packed with high-quality artisan vendors serving everything from wood-fired pizzas and gourmet burgers to authentic Thai curries and Greek souvlaki. To wash it down, you will find dedicated real ale tents, local cider pop-ups, and premium gin and cocktail bars.
The massive outdoor main stage hosts a brilliant lineup of the UK’s very best tribute acts, covering legends from Queen and Oasis to Fleetwood Mac and ABBA. In between the headline tributes, talented local acoustic artists and bands keep the festival vibes flowing all afternoon long.
This is a truly family-friendly weekend. Away from the main stage, the kids’ zone is packed with entertainment to keep the little ones smiling. Expect bouncy castles, traditional fairground rides, face painting, and roaming entertainers, all set within the safe, enclosed grounds of the country park.
A Feast for the Senses at Upton Country Park
If you are looking for the perfect blend of incredible local food, fantastic live entertainment, and a stunning natural setting, the Upton House Food & Music Festival is an absolute must-visit.
Located just a short drive from the center of Poole and Sandbanks, the festival completely transforms the peaceful lawns of Upton Country Park into a vibrant, bustling foodie haven. It is renowned for its incredibly welcoming, community-focused atmosphere, making it a massive hit with both Dorset locals and holidaymakers alike.
Artisan Eats & Craft Drinks
The heart and soul of the festival is, of course, the food. The organizers pride themselves on hand-picking a massive variety of street food traders. Whether you are craving slow-cooked BBQ meats, fresh local seafood, or delicious vegan and vegetarian treats, the sheer variety is spectacular.
You can pair your meals with drinks from independent local breweries, meaning you get to taste some of the finest craft ales and ciders Dorset has to offer while lounging in the sunshine.
Top-Tier Tributes & Local Talent
While the days are perfect for relaxed grazing and exploring the stalls, the energy shifts as the sun goes down. The main stage features world-class tribute bands that are guaranteed to get the crowd on their feet.
Because the tickets are incredibly affordable (often starting from just a few pounds for early birds), it offers an unbeatable way to experience the thrill of a live outdoor music festival without the premium price tag. Bring a picnic blanket, soak up the atmosphere, and dance the night away under the stars!
Additional information
Can I bring my own food and drink to the festival? Because this is specifically a Food and Drink festival designed to support independent vendors and local breweries, visitors are not permitted to bring their own food or alcohol into the main event arena. However, sealed bottles of water and essential baby food are absolutely fine!
Are dogs allowed at the Upton Food Festival? Yes, well-behaved dogs are very welcome to join in the fun! The organizers just ask that they are kept on a lead at all times while inside the festival site, and that owners are mindful of the loud music near the main stage and the busy food queues.
Is parking available at Upton Country Park? Yes! Upton Country Park has a large, dedicated car park right next to the festival entrance. Standard country park parking charges generally apply, so we recommend downloading a parking app (like RingGo) to your phone in advance, or checking local bus routes, which stop right outside the park gates.
Book Your Poole Getaway
Planning to visit for the festival? Book a beautiful local holiday rental, explore the historic Poole Quay, and enjoy an unforgettable foodie weekend on the Dorset coast!
