Your summer plans, sorted

What’s on near a Harbour Hotel: Summer 2026

This summer, our city destinations are buzzing with festivals, celebrations and unforgettable events. Whether you're dancing to live performances, sampling incredible food and drink or celebrating Pride, there's plenty to discover this season. We've rounded up some of the hottest summer events taking place near a Harbour Hotel, making it easier to plan your next city break. Spend the day soaking up the atmosphere, then return to stylish surroundings, delicious dining, relaxing spa experiences and a blissful night's sleep.
Chichester

Goodwood Events

Goodwood Festival of Speed - 9th to 12th July 2026

The world’s largest automotive garden party, the Goodwood Festival of Speed is the ultimate global celebration of motorsport. From iconic racing legends to rare supercars, it all comes together in a spectacular summer setting.

Qatar Goodwood Festival - 28th July to 1st August 2026

Known as ‘Glorious Goodwood’, this world famous five-day festival is a highlight of the British flat racing season. It is a social and sporting occasion like no other, where some of the greatest stars in horse racing are crowned.

Just a stone’s throw from Chichester, Harbour Hotel Chichester is perfectly placed for a memorable Goodwood experience. With the city in high demand during the festival, Harbour Hotel Guildford and Harbour Hotel Southampton, both within an hour’s drive, offer excellent alternatives for a relaxed and stylish stay, so you won’t miss out on a memorable Harbour visit.

Chichester International Film Festival - 7th to 23rd August 2026

Aside from Goodwood, Chichester has plenty more exciting events to offer, including the Chichester International Film Festival. This renowned 15-day celebration of cinema showcases more than 100 films, with a focus on quality filmmaking from around the world.

Chichester Festival Theatre - All Summer

Join Chichester Festival Theatre for its summer season, featuring a packed programme of musicals and classic plays. This year's festival includes much loved favourites such as My Fair Lady (6 July to 5 September) and Atlantis (18 July to 15 August).

Make a summer escape of it with a stay at Harbour Hotel Chichester. Located in the heart of the city, it's the perfect place to relax and recharge after a day of entertainment, with great dining, comfortable rooms and a warm welcome awaiting.
Richmond

Wimbledon - 29th June to 12th July 2026

No tickets? No problem. For the full two weeks of Wimbledon, Wimbledon Quarter Courtyard transforms into a free tennis lounge, showing live BBC coverage on a 5ft LED screen beneath a sliding roof. Whether you missed out on tickets or simply want to soak up the atmosphere, settle in with strawberries and cream or a refreshing gin and tonic while enjoying all the action.

Formular E - 15th to 16th August 2026

Get yourself in pole position for the final race of the E-Prix season at ExCeL London, where the champions will be crowned. Expect plenty of excitement throughout the day, from thrilling racing action and the chance to test your own Formula E skills, to live music, food and entertainment.

Sundown Country Festival - 23rd August 2026

Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for the first ever Sundown Country Festival in Old Deer Park, Richmond. Expect huge sing along anthems, feel good country classics and high energy performances inspired by some of the biggest names in country music, alongside line dancing, southern flavours and a touch of Nashville style fun.

Whether you're soaking up the atmosphere of Wimbledon, getting into the country spirit at Sundown Festival or experiencing the thrill of Formula E, turn it into a staycation with Harbour Hotel Richmond. Escape the buzz of the capital and unwind in one of London's most charming corners, with dinner and drinks at The Gate, time to relax on the terrace, or a rejuvenating spa experience at HarSPA.

Brighton

Brighton Open Air Theatre - 1st May to 30th September 2026

Pack a picnic, pour a drink and settle in beneath the open sky at this unique 400-seat Open Air Theatre. Running all summer, the programme brings together theatre, comedy, live music and circus performances, creating unforgettable summer evenings for all ages.

On The Beach - 17th July to 26th July 2026

Brighton's biggest beachside music festival, On The Beach, returns this summer with huge names including Fatboy Slim, The Maccabees and Madness. A defining part of Brighton's summer calendar, the festival combines world-class artists with a unique coastal setting, where live music meets a sea breeze and the famous pebbled beach.

Pride - 1st to 2nd August 2026

In 2026, Brighton & Hove Pride proudly celebrates 35 years of LGBTQ+ visibility. With this year’s theme, The Power of Love, the city comes alive in a bright display of colour, creativity and community spirit.

The Pride LGBTQ+ Community Parade is one of the highlights of the weekend - a joyful showcase of local charities, community groups and small businesses, alongside the NHS, emergency services and key partners who help bring this iconic event to life. 

With a packed summer calendar and plenty happening along the coast, Harbour Hotel Brighton is the perfect base for a seaside city break. Located on the seafront, it's ideally placed for exploring the city before unwinding with drinks at HarBAR, dinner by the coast or a relaxing overnight stay.
Bristol

Harbour Festival - 17th to 19th July 2026

Celebrate Bristol's rich maritime heritage at the Harbour Festival, often described as a mile-long cultural playground. Across the city's historic waterfront, you'll discover spectacular floating displays, impressive vessels, live music and entertainment around every corner.

International Balloon Fiesta - 7th to 9th August 2026

The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Europe’s largest hot air balloon gathering, returns this summer, filling the city skyline with colour during its spectacular dawn and dusk ascents.

Beyond the balloons, enjoy live entertainment, street food, traders and family-friendly activities throughout the festival.

Forwards Festival - 29th to 30th August 2026

Big names are heading to Bristol this August Bank Holiday as Forwards returns with a stellar lineup, including Lorde, Wet Leg and Tems. More than just a music festival, Forwards blends outstanding headliners with community focused talks and some of the region's best food and drink.

From vibrant waterfront celebrations to unforgettable summer spectacles, Bristol comes alive throughout summer. Harbour Hotel Bristol is perfectly placed to help you make the most of it, with stylish rooms, a relaxing spa and The Gold Bar waiting after a day of exploration.
Guildford

GuilFest - 4th to 5th July 2026

Set in Stoke Park, GuilFest is a much-loved music and arts festival, bringing together pop, rock, indie and folk across two lively summer days. This year's line-up includes Sophie Ellis-Bextor, The Proclaimers and Rudimental, alongside a mix of entertainment and creative experiences that add to its vibrant atmosphere.

Farnborough International Airshow - 24th July 2026

The Farnborough International Airshow features premier flying displays, careers fairs and interactive STEM experiences. See breathtaking demonstrations from historic and modern military and commercial aircrafts.

The Great British Food Festival - 22nd to 23rd August 2026

Calling all foodies… Enjoy chef demos, live music and bands, stunning street food and a vibrant artisan market at the Great British Food Festival. With a full programme of activities and experiences running throughout the weekend, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Whether you're visiting Guildford for live music, great food or spectacular aviation displays, make a weekend of it with a stay at Harbour Hotel Guildford. Located in the heart of the town, it's the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring, with stylish rooms, a lively bar and restaurant, and a relaxing spa.

Southampton

The Hundred Cricket - 22nd July to 8th August 2026

The Utilita Bowl comes alive this summer as The Hundred returns to Southampton. Expect fast-paced cricket, music and an energetic atmosphere as Southern Brave take on Welsh Fire, MI London, Birmingham and Manchester Super Giants across a series of exciting fixtures.

With both women's and men's matches included in one ticket, it's the perfect way to soak up a summer sporting occasion.

Cowes Week - 1st to 7th August 2026

Jet over to the Isle of Wight for Cowes Week, one of the world's largest and most famous sailing regattas. From Olympic sailors to enthusiastic amateurs, the Solent comes alive with hundreds of boats taking to the water each day.

Beyond the racing, Cowes transforms into a lively social scene, with visitors gathering along the waterfront to enjoy the views, drinks and summer atmosphere.

Southampton International Boat Show - 18th to 27th September 2026

The UK's flagship boating and watersports festival returns to Southampton this September. Explore everything from luxury yachts and cutting-edge marine technology to watersports experiences, live music and street food.

With a bustling show marina showcasing hundreds of impressive boats, expert guest speakers and plenty of opportunities to get out on the water, it's the perfect event for seasoned sailors and curious visitors.

From cricket and sailing to life on the water, Southampton's summer calendar offers plenty to discover. Harbour Hotel Southampton provides the perfect waterside base, with marina views, stylish dining and a relaxing spa waiting after a day of adventure.