Review: We Out Here 2026

Set on the edge of the New Forest National Park, We Out Here Festival enjoyed a sold out event and scorching weather to create a unique and unmatched vibe. The return of We Out Here Festival to Wimborne St Giles in Dorset this August marked its fifth edition and reaffirmed its reputation as one of the most distinctive and forward-thinking events on the UK’s cultural calendar. Curated by Gilles Peterson, the festival has grown from a niche celebration of jazz and global sounds into a fully fledged multi-genre gathering that brings together music, art, and community in equal measure.

In an economy that’s made it even harder to run a successful and profitable festival, it was a pleasure to see an event that has found its niche and appears to be thriving. And the festival’s success definitely shouldn’t be underestimated. The UK festival sector has been under intense pressure, with rising operational costs have forced more than 100 festivals in the UK to fold since the Covid pandemic. Against this backdrop, We Out Here’s ability to not only sustain but grow is remarkable. Its economic impact is clear: benefiting Dorset’s local businesses, supporting independent traders, and providing employment opportunities across the weekend. More importantly, its cultural impact continues to resonate nationally, proving that festivals grounded in authenticity and community can still flourish.

What sets We Out Here apart is the depth and breadth of its programming. Across 15 stages, the festival showcased nearly 400 artists, spanning genres as wide-ranging as hip-hop, afrobeat, electronica, and contemporary jazz. Far from chasing headline hype, the curation reflected Peterson’s ethos of discovery and artistry.

Friday’s standout came from Pa Salieu, who delivered a fiery performance that set the weekend alight, his trademark energy galvanising the crowd from the very first beat. Elsewhere, Bashy’s set was hailed for its political urgency, offering thought-provoking lyricism on subjects such as identity and belonging.

Perhaps the most profound moment of the weekend was Rotary Connection 222, an ambitious orchestral project honouring the legacy of the late Charles Stepney. Featuring his daughters and vocalist Shirley Wahls, the performance was both a heartfelt tribute and a showcase of Stepney’s enduring influence, leaving many in the audience visibly moved.

On Sunday night, Loyle Carner stepped in at short notice to replace an unwell Michael Kiwanuka, a substitution that could have been challenging for any artist. Instead, Carner rose to the occasion with one of the festival’s defining sets, closing his headline appearance by declaring We Out Here “the best festival I’ve ever been to.” It was a sentiment echoed widely across the site.

Beyond the Main Stage…We Out Here is more than just a series of performances. Wellness areas offered yoga sessions, meditation, and cold-water dips in the site’s picturesque lake, while talks and workshops created space for conversation and reflection. The vinyl record fair and Crafty Fox Market added a cultural dimension, connecting music lovers with independent labels and makers. Something we’ve not seen at another UK festival!

Food and drink played an equally important role in shaping the weekend. From Caribbean classics to vegan Indian dishes, the range reflected the festival’s inclusive spirit, as well as offerings from some of Dorset’s own choice of food and drinks.

On top of this the crowd was notably diverse in both age and background, but united by a shared respect for the music and the environment around them. This collective atmosphere created a sense of community that many larger commercial festivals struggle to replicate.

As the festival prepares for its sixth edition in 2026, its trajectory looks stronger than ever. In a climate where the future of live music events is uncertain, We Out Here stands as a shining example of resilience and creativity, a festival that not only survives but thrives.

Secure your ticket now at https://weoutherefestival.com