Knees Upp Festival

Join us at the Knees Upp Festival, a lively two-day music celebration nestled in the heart of picturesque Lymington. The festival takes place on 12th and 13th September 2025 at Vicars Hill in Lymington, Hampshire. Surrounded by the rolling woodlands of the New Forest, this friendly outdoor music festival invites fans of all ages for dancing and fun under the open sky.

Knees Upp is all about live, foot-tapping music and community spirit. Expect an exciting line-up of local bands and performers delivering everything from folk and bluegrass to rock and old-time classics. Talented musicians will breathe fresh life into beloved tunes, and everyone is encouraged to sing and dance along. Whether you prefer strumming guitars by daytime or rocking out under the stars, there is something for everyone here. The mix of original songs and well-loved covers makes it a true celebration of musical creativity.

But the fun at Knees Upp goes beyond the stages. Between sets, explore a variety of stalls offering delicious street food, local craft beers and refreshments – perfect for filling up between performances. Craft and artisan stands bring handmade treasures to browse, while communal picnic spots with hay bales and blankets create a cozy festival vibe. Kids and families are especially welcome, with outdoor games and family-friendly activities giving youngsters their own fun space. You might spot a pop-up dance floor where attendees of all ages shimmy and cheer together, capturing the joyful spirit of a classic 'knees up' gathering.

The festival’s location adds to its charm. Vicars Hill feels like a hidden gem, with open fields that gently slope toward groves of pines and oaks. The salty breeze from the nearby Solent and views of forest trails provide a picturesque backdrop for this grassroots event. If you arrive early, consider strolling the New Forest paths or visiting nearby Lymington harbour to take in the local sights – but most will stay close, soaking up the live tunes with friends. As evening falls, the field lights create a magical glow, turning the gathering into a cozy night under the stars.

In short, Knees Upp Festival is like a community fair meeting a live concert, where great music and good company come together. It is a chance to kick back, meet new friends, and celebrate the best of local live music in a relaxed, welcoming setting. Pack a picnic, gather your crew, and be ready to get your 'knees up' in Lymington – a joyful celebration of music and community under the open sky.

If you plan to drive to Vicars Hill, note that it is well-connected via major UK routes. From London or the east, take the M3/M27 and join the A337 towards Lymington. If coming from the west, use the A31 to reach the New Forest and then follow local signs to Lymington or Boldre. The final approach to Vicars Hill involves some quiet country lanes – use the postcode SO41 5QA in your GPS to help. There is on-site parking available, so car-sharing or arriving early is a good idea. Please note that rural roads can be narrow and busy, so allow extra travel time on festival days.

For public transport, the nearest station is Lymington Town, served by regular South Western Railway trains from London Waterloo (via Southampton and Brockenhurst). The train journey from central London typically takes around 2 to 2.5 hours. From Lymington Town station, you can take a local taxi or catch a bus toward Boldre or another nearby village. Local bus services (such as the Bluestar 6) connect Lymington to the surrounding area – check the bus timetable for current times. Taxis are also available in Lymington for the short scenic drive to Vicars Hill.

By air, the closest airports are Southampton Airport and Bournemouth Airport (both about 30–40 miles away), which handle domestic and limited international flights. For wider international options, London Heathrow and Gatwick are roughly two to three hours’ drive from Lymington (or accessible by train via London). Renting a car or taking a train from the airport into Lymington are both straightforward options.

Accommodation-wise, the New Forest and Lymington area offer many choices. In nearby Lymington town you can find cozy bed-and-breakfasts, guesthouses, hotels and quaint seaside inns. There are also several campsites and caravan parks in the New Forest if you prefer camping or glamping. Booking ahead is recommended, as places can fill up fast during the busy festival season. Many visitors make a weekend of it to fully enjoy the local pubs, coastal walks and scenic sunsets by the Solent.