A POPULAR festival which attracts thousands of people is set to return to Romsey for the 14th time in 2026 after it was voted back in by the committee. 

A recent meeting of Romsey Festival participants voted to hold the event from July 4-19 in 2026. 

The unanimous decision, supported by written comments from groups unable the attend the meeting, was no surprise given the public support for the events this year.

Organisers did suggest that pre-booking of tickets for concerts was slightly down.

However, due to the large number of tickets sold at the door, many events exceeded expectations and some completely sold out.

Outgoing chairman Liz Wagner said: “I'm proud of the participants' involvement and time and effort committee members put in to ensure our community had such a wonderful and diverse series of events to enjoy.”

Some highlights reported were: 10,000 visitors (excluding concerts) visiting the exhibitions in Romsey Abbey, more than 4,000 tickets sold for various venues and ticket revenue was over £37,000.

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Official festival photographers Romsey Viewfinders Camera Club and Foto Gem provided more than 3,400 images. They are available on the festival Flickr account.

To aid the success of the 2026 festival, there is a need to recruit additional committee members. The new committee will elect a new chairman at its first meeting.

The new festival committee will develop ideas put forward at the meeting, especially in the area of promotion of events to districts around Romsey and to new residents, perhaps also encouraging events in the new venues in Abbotswood and Ganger Farm.

The need to involve more young people and include dance events were seen as subjects for the new committee to review.

It is anticipated that the 2026 festival will need a budget of £6,000-£8,000.

New participants, new committee members and potential 2026 sponsors are requested to contact Chair@RomseyFestival.org.