We’ve scoured the county to bring you the top events taking place this month

The Hat Fair

Celebrating five decades, Britain’s longest running outdoor arts festival returns to Winchester with a kaleidoscope of performances. The city streets will be transformed into an outdoor playground of the weird, wacky and astonishing. With street performers, theatre shows, storytelling and playful activities for children, you will be tipping your hat to this fantastic festival!

• When: July 3-5

• Where: Taking place throughout Winchester City Centre, visit www.hatfair.co.uk for more information

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Superworm Trail

A must for fans of creepy crawlies and the famous story by Julia Donaldson! Gather your children and wiggle along the self-led trail completing lots of Superworm themed activities along the way! Adventurers will unearth panels containing activities and questions inspiring them to use the popular children’s story and its characters to think about the woods and forests around them.

• When: July 25 to August 31 (open every weekend from April 4 to August 30), 11am-4pm

• Where: Bolderwood, OS Grid ref: SU242086, 0300 067 4601, www.forestry.gov.uk/forestry/INFD-9HZHWW

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The Big Dig

Don’t miss this exciting historical moment as National Trust archaeologists excavate the foundations of Hinton Ampner’s original Tudor house. Chat with the team as they reveal this 16th-century building, marvel at the dig site and enjoy amazing views of the South Downs from the scaffold platform. With mini excavation pits and tools for children, and an Indiana Jones-style trail that leads to hidden treasure.

• When: July 15-19

• Where: Hinton Ampner, near Alresford, SO24 0LA, 01962 771305, nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-ampner

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Music from Mexico

To mark the 2015 Mexico-UK Year of Culture, one of the country’s finest orchestras brings a programme of music from England, Spain and the Americas to Basingstoke this month. Enjoy familiar pieces such as Rhapsody in Blue by Gershwin and The Lark Ascending by Vaughan Williams before the riotous and uplifting Huapango finale, which celebrates Mexican rhythms in all their infectious glory.

• When: July 8, 7.45pm

• Where: The Anvil, Churchill Way, Basingstoke, RG21 7QR, 01256 844244, www.anvilarts.org.uk

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The Road to Agincourt

It’s 1415. The armies of England assemble in Southampton, preparing to launch Henry V’s invasion of France. But Scrope of Masham has discovered a plot that threatens to dethrone Henry and change the course of history. Forming part of the Road to Agincourt project, Across the Dark Water has been specially commissioned to tell the story of the Southampton Plot.

• When: July 21 to August 1, 7.30pm

• Where: The Berry Theatre, Wildern Lane, Hedge End, SO30 4EJ, 02380 652333

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The Blues Brothers

Presented by original Blues Brother, Dan Aykroyd, and Judith Belushi, this show promises to deliver! Re-live all those favourite moments but with a new set, new twists, new moves, new songs and freshly laundered suits! The boys are joined on their mission to bring soul and blues back into your heart by the fabulous Bluettes.

• When: July 11, 7.30pm

• Where: Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB, 0844 847 2362

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It’s Showtime

This year, for the first time in the Show’s history, the Household Cavalry Mounted Regiment will be in attendance with their exciting and dynamic Musical Ride as the main ring attraction. Join the adventure and enjoy a varied programme of events to suit all tastes including trade stalls, demonstrations and live stock competitions as well as forestry activities such as scavenging and den building, plus a family trail! Certainly not to be missed.

• When: July 28-30, 8.30am–6.30pm

• Where: New Forest Show, The Showground, New Park, Brockenhurst, SO42 7QH; 01590 622409, www.newforestshow.co.uk

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The Drifters

Get set for a musical extravaganza with some smooth moves in this high energy show. Following on from the success of their recent tours, the current line up brings the Rebranded Tour 2015, defining the evolution of the story of The Drifters through their music.

• When: July 1, 7.30pm

• Where: Medina Theatre, Fairlee Road, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 2DX, 01983 823884

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Charlie, Lola and Friends

Head to Mottisfont to see original art works from author and illustrator Lauren Child’s own personal collection including many that have never been seen before. With a fantastic themed family trail around the house and gardens, themed activity weekends, and a personal appearance on Saturday 18 July (11am and 2pm).

• When: July 18 to September 6, 11am–5pm

• Where: Mottisfont, nr Romsey, SO51 0LP, 01794 340757, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont

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Curtis Eller’s American Circus

Hugely charismatic and utterly infectious, Curtis Eller is one of the most eccentric and individual performers in today’s independent music scene. The yodelling banjo player is back with an all new version of his band The American Circus, and a brand new phonographic recording. Expect a collection of banjo-driven punk-vaudeville show tunes, dance fads and gospel music. A joy to behold!

• When: July 1, 8pm

• Where: West End Centre, Queens Road, Aldershot, GU11 3JD, 01252 330040, www3.hants.gov.uk/westendcentre