Takedown Festival 2026 Portsmouth, United Kingdom
Overview
Takedown Festival 2026 returns to the historic south coast of England, solidifying its position as one of the UK’s premier independent rock and metal events. Taking place within the grand architecture of the Portsmouth Guildhall, the festival creates an intense, multi-stage experience that bridges the gap between legendary icons and the most aggressive new voices in the alternative scene. The event is celebrated for its community-driven atmosphere, where thousands of fans gather to celebrate heavy music across several indoor and outdoor stages, making it a cornerstone of the spring festival season.
The 2026 edition emphasizes the evolution of metal culture, blending heritage acts with cinematic, modern performers to create a diverse sonic landscape. With a layout that integrates the majestic Guildhall Square and specialized indoor zones, attendees can easily move between the high-octane main stage and intimate stages dedicated to emerging talent. Beyond the performances, the festival maintains a strong connection to social causes, partnering with organizations like Metal For Good to promote mental health and wellbeing within the heavy music community.
Event Highlights
- Dual Headline Power: The 2026 lineup features a historic full Motörhead set by Phil Campbell and The Bastard Sons on Friday night, followed by a defining headline performance from the mysterious masked collective President on Saturday.
- Multi-Stage Immersion: Fans can explore nearly forty bands across diverse platforms, including the grand Main Stage inside the Guildhall and the high-energy “Metal For Good” and “Down For Life” stages.
- Independent Scene Unity: The festival is a vital hub for grassroots alternative culture, bringing together fans of punk, metalcore, tech-metal, and hard rock in a uniquely welcoming coastal environment.
- Extended Program: The event features a staggered schedule with Friday performances beginning in the late afternoon and Saturday offering a full day of music starting from early afternoon until late night.
Why Attend
This festival is a mandatory destination for fans of heavy music who prefer an urban, accessible setting over the traditional muddy fields of larger summer events. It offers a rare opportunity to see world-class talent and breakthrough artists in a venue known for its exceptional acoustics and historic character. Whether you are looking to pay homage to the legends of rock or discover the next big band on the “Campaign Trail,” the curated lineup ensures every hour is packed with high-quality performances.
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If you are a traveler or a student in the UK, Takedown provides an affordable and professional festival experience without the logistical stress of camping. Its location in the heart of Portsmouth means you are steps away from the city’s vibrant maritime heritage and nightlife. It is the perfect choice for those who value a tightly-knit community vibe, where the barrier between the stage and the pit is thin, and the shared passion for alternative culture is the primary focus of the weekend.
Date & Duration
- Event Dates: April 3 – 4, 2026.
- Event Duration: A two-day indoor and outdoor event; Friday runs from 4:00 PM to 11:00 PM, and Saturday runs from 1:00 PM to 11:00 PM.
Venue / Location
- City and Country: Portsmouth, United Kingdom.
- Venue: Portsmouth Guildhall.
- Google Maps Address: Guildhall Square, Portsmouth PO1 2AB, United Kingdom.
Ticket Information
- How Tickets Are Sold: Tickets are sold online through official vendors including Universe, Eventim UK, and the Portsmouth Guildhall Box Office.
- Admission Type: Options include General Admission Weekend Tickets, Friday Day Tickets, Saturday Day Tickets, and Student Passes.
- Ticket Pricing: Standard tickets range from approximately $45 for a single day to $135 for a full weekend pass including processing fees.
- Price Range: The minimum ticket price is $45 and the maximum weekend ticket price is $135.
- Special Seating or VIP Options: VIP Uplift options are available for premium lounge access and hospitality packages, though these must be purchased in addition to a standard entry ticket.
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Contact Information
- Email: info@takedownfestival.com
- Phone: +44 23 9387 0200
- Website: https://takedownfestival.com/
- Social Media:
- https://www.facebook.com/takedownfestivalUK
- https://www.instagram.com/takedownfestival
Getting There
- Nearest Airports: Southampton Airport (SOU) is the closest at 35 km (about 45 minutes by train); London Heathrow (LHR) and London Gatwick (LGW) are both approximately 100 km away.
- Public Transport: The venue is located just 200 meters from Portsmouth and Southsea Railway Station, which offers direct links to London Waterloo and Victoria for about $20 to $45.
- Taxi/Rideshare: Local taxi services and apps like Uber are readily available; a taxi from Southampton Airport to the venue costs approximately $60 to $80.
- Parking: Multiple-storey car parks are available nearby, such as the Isambard Brunel Multi-Storey, with daily rates of approximately $15 to $20.
- Other Access: National Express coaches run frequent services from London and other major UK cities to the Portsmouth Hard Interchange, which is a 10-minute walk from the Guildhall.
Accommodation Options
- Luxury Hotels: Keppels Head Hotel (3-star historic, 1 km, maritime charm, about $130 to $170 per night); Queens Hotel Southsea (4-star, 1.5 km, grand Victorian style about $150 to $220 per night).
- Mid-Range Options: Holiday Inn Express Portsmouth – Gunwharf Quays (3-star, 0.8 km, modern with breakfast, about $110 to $160 per night); Ibis Portsmouth Centre (3-star, 0.2 km, right next to the venue about $90 to $140 per night).
- Budget Stays: Ibis Budget Portsmouth (2-star, 1.8 km, essential and clean, about $60 to $90 per night); University of Portsmouth Summer Housing (seasonal, varies, student-style accommodation about $50 to $80 per night).
Reviews
- The sound inside the Guildhall is phenomenal and seeing a full Motörhead set there was a dream come true.
- I loved that everything was so central because we could grab food in the city and be back at the stages in minutes.
- A fantastic atmosphere with no egos where everyone is just there to enjoy the heavy riffs and support the bands.
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FAQ's
What is the age restriction for Takedown Festival 2026?
The festival is generally open to attendees aged 12 and over, making it an accessible event for younger rock fans. However, all children under the age of 14 must be accompanied by an adult aged 18 or over at all times during the event. Please ensure you bring a valid form of photo identification as age checks may be conducted at the venue entrance or at the bars.
Is the Portsmouth Guildhall accessible for attendees with disabilities?
Yes, the venue is fully accessible with lift access to all floors and dedicated viewing areas for those with mobility requirements. The festival offers a PA ticket scheme where eligible disabled customers can apply for a complimentary ticket for a personal assistant. It is advised to contact the venue’s Access Team at least a few weeks before the event to arrange any specific requirements or assistance.
Are there food and drink facilities available inside the festival?
The festival features multiple bars inside the Guildhall and a variety of independent food vendors in the outdoor square. A cashless payment system is often utilized for speed, but most vendors also accept standard debit and credit cards for transactions. Attendees are generally not permitted to bring their own food or alcohol into the venue, but there are plenty of options catering to various dietary needs.
Can I leave the venue and come back later in the day?
Re-entry is typically permitted at Takedown Festival as long as you have your official festival wristband securely fastened to your wrist. This allows attendees to explore the local shops and restaurants in Portsmouth city center during the breaks between their favorite bands. Please be prepared to go through a security bag search each time you re-enter the festival grounds for the safety of all guests.
What happens if a band on the lineup cancels their performance?
In the world of live music, lineups are subject to change due to unforeseen circumstances like travel issues or illness. The festival organizers will always attempt to find a suitable replacement and will update the official website and social media channels immediately. Tickets are sold for the festival as a whole event rather than for a specific artist, so refunds are generally not provided for individual lineup changes.
