AMESBURY is gearing up for one of its biggest weekends of the year as Solstice Sounds returns with chart stars, a packed line-up and a full-scale funfair.

The festival will take over Holders Field on Friday, June 19, kicking off a full weekend of celebrations as part of Amesbury Carnival.

Gates open at 4pm, with music and entertainment running through to 10.30pm.

Headlining this year’s event are pop favourites The Cheeky Girls, alongside UK garage stars Sweet Female Attitude and chart-topping duo Platnum.

They’ll be joined by Wiltshire’s number one DJ, DJ Paul Alex, promising a high-energy soundtrack of hits and throwback anthems.

The event has quickly become a highlight of the local calendar, following last year’s sell-out show which drew more than 3,000 people.

Crowds were treated to a standout performance from N-Trance, setting the bar high for 2026.

Carnival chair Damian Kuczera said: “Last year’s Solstice Sounds exceeded all expectations, with an amazing atmosphere and a fantastic turnout from the community.

“We’re thrilled to be bringing it back for 2026 – bigger, better, and packed with even more entertainment for everyone to enjoy.”

Alongside the music, visitors can expect a huge Stokes funfair featuring new thrill rides, plus a wide range of bars and food stalls to keep festivalgoers fuelled throughout the evening.

And the party doesn’t stop there.

The festival launches a full weekend of events, with the Amesbury Carnival procession and show taking place on Saturday, followed by a Salisbury Plain Armed Forces Day event on Sunday.

With discounted early bird tickets already on sale and demand expected to be high, organisers are urging people to secure their place quickly.

For many, it promises to be the ultimate way to kick off the summer – a mix of live music, community spirit and festival fun right on the doorstep.