Essential dates for 2016, selected by Elizabeth Kirby
JANUARY
• 27-28 JAN - MOSCOW CITY BALLET PRESENTS THE NUTCRACKER
See the Moscow City Ballet at its best with Artistic Director Smirnov-Govolanov’s version of The Nutcracker. Innovative choreography has led to rave reviews…see for yourself at The King’s Theatre in Southsea.
Tickets from £15 call the box office on 02392 828282
• 30 JAN - ICEBREAKER FESTIVAL
Returning for another year, celebrate the South coast’s music scene at venues across Southsea.
Tickets £10, call 02392 863911 to book
FEBRUARY
• 1-7 FEB - WINCHESTER COCKTAIL WEEK
An opportunity to sample the best of Winchester’s cocktail scene. Across the city, cafes, bars, restaurants and shops will be getting into the swing of things by offering signature cocktails for just £4 each and hosting special events and parties.
www.winchestercocktailweek.co.uk
• 5-7 FEB - PETERSFIELD ANTIQUES FAIR
Explore over 40 stalls packed with unique art and antique finds. From furniture to silver and jewellery, pick up a future family heirloom.
• 6 FEB - WOW FESTIVAL
Involving students, staff and the local community, WOW festival celebrates the cultural diversity of the University and city of Southampton and gives attendees the opportunity to experience different customs and traditions, enjoy a variety of performances, and engage in intercultural exchange through numerous arts activities, dance workshops, cookery demonstrations, debates, lectures and more at the Highfield Campus.
• 11-21 FEB - SNOW DROP DRAMA
Witness the astonishing varieties on display at Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey.
Call 01794 369318 to find out more
MARCH
• 14 FEB - 6 MAR - PORTSMOUTH BOOK FESTIVAL
Don’t miss this exciting three week festival of events and talks taking place at venues around the city to celebrate literature.
Keep an eye on www.bookfest.co.uk for line-ups
• 11-19 MAR - PETERSFIELD MUSIC FESTIVAL
Enjoy a programme of events across the week at the town’s Festival Hall to celebrate choirs, orchestras and more.
www.petersfieldmusicalfestival.org.uk
• 25 MAR - ROUND HAYLING ISLAND RACE
Challenge yourself at this annual windsurf event and race around Hayling Island, great for competitors and spectators alike.
Head to hayling.sailracer.org to sign up
APRIL
• 25 MAR -3 APR - DAY OUT WITH THOMAS AND THE WATERCRESS LINE
Experience a ride on a real steam engine, shake hands with The Fat Controller and take part in Thomas themed activities in the Imagination Station when Thomas the Tank rolls in to the station at Alresford.
Tickets from £12 on 01962 733810
• 17 APR - SPRING ALFA DAY AT BEAULIEU MOTOR MUSEUM
Witness over 500 Alfa Romeo’s in one place as the motoring club come together to show off a variety of models.
Call 01590 612345 for tickets
• 23-24 APR - TITCHFIELD ART AND CRAFT SHOW
A popular local event that enables artists, photographers and crafters from Hampshire and beyond to exhibit and sell their paintings, photographs and local crafts at Titchfield Community Centre.
• 26-30 APR - WINCHESTER FASHION WEEK
For all lovers of fashion, head to the city for special shopping events, catwalk shows and more.
MAY
• 7-8 MAY - MAY DAY ARTS TRAIL
Visit local artists in their studios in the Hayling Island area for an opportunity to buy face to face.
Visit www.maydaysartstrail.co.uk to plan your route
• 15 MAY - ALRESFORD WATERCRESS FESTIVAL
This nationally acclaimed festival draws together the local community and food lovers from far and wide for a free day of food and fun to celebrate our local watercress!
• 29-30 MAY - TRUCKMANIA AT BEAULIEU
Stand amongst the giants of motoring at Truckmania over the May bank holiday weekend for a show devoted to all things trucking at Beaulieu Motor Museum.
Call 01590 612345 to find out more
JUNE
• 3-4 JUN - ALTON SUMMER BEER FESTIVAL
Sample over 40 different ales from some of Hampshire’s best microbreweries and enjoy live music and food at Alton College.
Tickets £7 on 01420 89418
• 17-26 JUN - PORTSMOUTH FESTIVITIES
Champion the very best of Portsmouth’s thriving cultural scene and rich history at performance and arts events taking place at different venues across the city.
www.portsmouthfestivities.co.uk
• 8-26 JUN - JANE AUSTEN REGENCY FESTIVAL
Celebrate the works of Jane Austen and listen to talks, readings and musical performances at Chawton House Library and Jane Austen’s House.
www.janeaustenregencyweek.co.uk
• 26 JUN - THE ROYAL ISLE OF WIGHT COUNTY SHOW
A fantastic day out for all the family with so much to see and do. This is the show where cattle, sheep, pigs and poultry come first, giving you a chance to experience the Island’s wonderful farming heritage and local produce first hand in a day that combines entertainment and fun.
JULY
• 1-3 JULY - WINCHESTER HAT FAIR
Head to the streets of Winchester as they come to life for three, free fantastic days of performance…from the weird to the truly wonderful. With theatre, dance and circus-inspired events to surprise you on every corner, Hat Fair celebrates the unexpected, rewards the curious and delights all those who come out to play.
• THROUGHOUT JULY - HAMPSHIRE FOOD FESTIVAL
An array of foodie events are set to take place across the county to promote Hampshire’s local produce. Keep an eye on hampshirefare.co.uk for full line-up
• 11-16 JULY - FARNBOROUGH INTERNATIONAL AIRSHOW
A fantastic day out for all the family with flying displays, static displays and exhibition halls displaying the most up to date aerospace technology, seminars and interactive exhibits.
• 21-24 JULY - AMERICAS CUP WORLD SERIES
The first Louis Vuitton America’s Cup World Series Portsmouth event saw close to a quarter of a million people visit Portsmouth to watch the six America’s Cup teams battle it out on high-speed, flying catamarans. The most spectacular show in sailing returns to the city for 2016 and is set to be even more incredible.
• 26-28 JULY - NEW FOREST AND HAMPSHIRE COUNTY SHOW
The county’s largest agricultural show returns for 2016 with its vast array of entertainment, stalls and showground attractions.
AUGUST
• 6-13 AUG - COWES WEEK
Head to the island for the largest and oldest annual sailing regatta in the world with racing and family events aplenty for both spectators and participators.
• 13-14 AUG - PORTSMOUTH INTERNATIONAL KITE FESTIVAL
Promising to be more spectacular than ever with over 100 invited kite fliers from four continents travelling to the event, watch as the skies above the city
become filled with brightly coloured creations.
www.portsmouthkitefestival.org.uk
• 27-28 AUGUST - VICTORIOUS FESTIVAL
Enjoy brilliant live music from outstanding acts across two days of summer festival fun on the seafront in Portsmouth.
• 29 AUG - EMSWORTH SHOW
Expect hundreds of exhibits, arena events, craft stalls, produce stalls family entertainment at this traditional village flower, vegetable and craft show.
SEPTEMBER
• 3-4 SEPT - INTERNATIONAL AUTOJUMBLE AT BEAULIEU
The iconic and world-famous International Autojumble is the biggest outdoor sale of motoring items this side of the Atlantic. With over 2000 stands, each one groaning with all kinds of vintage and classic motoring ephemera, locate and purchase even the most elusive motoring parts, accessories, automobilia, literature, tools and clothing.
• 8-11 SEPT - BESTIVAL
The award winning Bestival returns for 2016, after what has been hailed as its best year ever! Expect fantastic line-ups and quirky events at the Island’s unique music festival.
• 10 SEPT - ROMSEY SHOW
A fantastic family show with exhibitors, arena entertainment, food and craft stalls and more.
OCTOBER
• 1 OCT-5 NOV - ELECTRIC WOODS ‘FESTIVAL OF LIGHT’
Enjoy the ambience of Robin Hill Country Park with a stunning spectacle of creatively themed light, colour, sound, and entertainment inspired by India. As darkness falls, experience the lush colours, flavours and magic of the Asian sub-continent set in the glorious autumnal ancient woodland.
• 21-23 OCT - ISLE OF WIGHT WALKING FESTIVAL
Take the opportunity to breathe in the beautiful scenery and autumnal colours that the Island has to offer. With over 60 walks to choose from to suit all ages and abilities, join the friendly and knowledgeable leaders who will take you on a journey of mystery, intrigue and exploration as you traverse the Island’s countryside, woodland, pastures, meadows and footpaths.
www.isleofwightwalkingfestival.co.uk
• 22-23 OCT - THE GREAT SOUTH RUN
The annual Portsmouth Great South 10 mile and 5k runs, plus mini and junior runs make this a great running weekend with something for everyone.
NOVEMBER
• 17 NOV-22 DEC - WINCHESTER CHRISTMAS MARKET
Inspired by traditional German Christmas markets and attracting more than 350,000 visitors each year, the pretty wooden chalets are situated in the Cathedral’s historic Close surrounding an open-air real ice rink. All exhibitors have been hand-picked for their interesting, high quality and unique products many of which can’t be bought on the high street. A fantastic atmosphere awaits!
www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk
DECEMBER
• 3-4 DEC - NEW PARK CHRISTMAS FAIR
Organised by The New Forest Marque, the Fair will showcase a variety of locally produced seasonal gifts and a variety of tasty hot food. Entry to the Fair and Parking is free - perfect for getting into the festive spirit.
• 17-18 DEC - COWES CHRISTMAS FESTIVAL
The very best in Isle of Wight Food and Craft just in time for Christmas, head to the Island for mulled wine, mince pies, and entertainment - an event not to be missed. cowesfoodshow.co.uk
