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

Ocean Film Festival

For the first time ever, the brand new International Ocean Film Festival is swimming into Southsea. Audiences will be able to immerse themselves in the wonders of the ocean without getting their feet wet! The festival, which originates in Australia, features a selection of the world’s most captivating ocean-themed short films, celebrating the beauty and power of the sea from above and below the surface.

When: September 23

Where: The Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ, 02392 828282, www.oceanfilmfestivalaustralia.com.au--------------------------------------------------

The Woodlanders Exhibition

Comical, whimsical, and ethereal are just a few adjectives to describe the diversity of artwork on display at the ‘Woodlanders’ Exhibition this year. Don’t miss this collection of unique and stunning works of art from 13 artists.

When: September 6-21, 10am-5pm

Where: Burley Village Hall, Pound Lane, BH24 4E, www.thewoodlanders.co.uk--------------------------------------------------

Blue Music

Considered to be the most dangerous triple threat working in the blues, don’t miss Lucky Peterson’s only UK show outside of London! Having worked with the likes of Etta James, Otis Rush and B.B. King, as well as Albert Collins and Mavis Staples, expect nothing less than an electrifying performance from this blues king.

When: September 3, 7.30pm

Where: The Cellars at Eastney, 56 Cromwell Road, Portsmouth, PO4 9PN, 02392 826249, www.thecellars.co.uk

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Shedding Light

Manor Farm is stepping further than usual back in time this weekend to the Dark Ages. The historical re-enactment group Weorod will be on site to give visitors a glimpse of what early medieval life may have looked like. With timed displays taking place, plus on-going demonstrations showing relevant crafts and skills of the time, who said history can’t be fun?

When: September 13 & 14, 11am-4pm

Where: Manor Farm and Country Park, Pylands Lane, Bursledon, SO31 1B, 01489 787055, www3.hants.gov.uk/countryside/manorfarm--------------------------------------------------

Shopping Festival

Spread across the city’s key shopping locations, the Festival will showcase Portsmouth’s unique shopping experience. Shoppers can find boutique, antique and high street shops along with top designer brands all within a mile of the city centre. Special offers from eateries and attractions will be running in the area throughout the Festival period. Plus street markets and free live entertainment in the Guildhall Square!

When: September 12-28

Where: Portsmouth City Centre, 02392 826722, www.visitportsmouth.co.uk--------------------------------------------------

Tom Stade

The free-thinking philosopher returns with his show, Decisions Decisions, to ponder timeless questions and reflect upon life’s choices. A true master of his craft, his exuberant and spellbinding talent continues to assault the global comedy scene with rave reviews. Appearances include Live at the Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow and Edinburgh Comedy Festival. Expect sharp comedy and expertly-crafted mayhem.

When: September 23, 8pm

Where: Forest Arts, Old Milton Road, New Milton, Hampshire, BH25 6DS, 01425 612393, www3.hants.gov.uk/forest/forest-visit--------------------------------------------------

Petersfield Antiques Fair

Original works of art by leading illustrators of the 20th and 21st centuries will be a major attraction at this month’s fair. Among the exhibits on sale will be works by Arthur Rackham (Peter Pan & Alice in Wonderland), Mary Tourtel (Rupert Bear) and Paul Kidby (Terry Pratchett novels) as well as the usual broad range of collector’s items. Peruse period furniture, original sculpture, paintings, antiquarian prints and books amongst other items.

When: September 5-7, 10.30am - 5.30pm

Where: The Festival Hall, Petersfield, GU31 4EA, 01825 744074, www.penman-fairs.co.uk--------------------------------------------------

Murder at the Museum

Dare you join Dark Encounters at Portsmouth Museum as a tale of Poisonous Pimms is revealed? Your host is found dead and you must explore the museum to ascertain the weapon, the room and the murderer. With a buffet and drinks, interaction with actors and group participation, don’t miss your chance to get a unique perspective of the Museum at night.

When: September 19, 7.30pm

Where: Portsmouth Museum, Museum Road, Portsmouth, PO1 2LJ, www.darkencounters.co.uk--------------------------------------------------

Not About Heroes

Blackeyed Theatre presents this unforgettable story of two of the finest Great War poets, Wilfred Owen and Siegfried Sassoon. Using the letters and poems of these two men, Stephen MacDonald’s play is uncompromising in its exploration of love, war and friendship.

When: September 11-14, 7.30pm, matinée 1.30pm

Where: Theatre Royal Winchester, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB, 01962 840440, www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk

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Nocturnal Encounters

Witness prints from the natural world by wood engraver Colin See-Paynton. Entirely self-taught, Colin has established himself as one of the world’s most revered printmakers. Marvel at his new work, which concentrates on a family of hares, and a selection of his earlier work, which uses an increasingly abstract and fluid line to capture the fleeting movements of birds and fish.

When: September 27-November 8

Where: St. Barbe Museum and Art Gallery, New Street, Lymington, SO41 9BH, 01590 676969, www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk