We’ve scoured the county to bring you the top events taking place this month
Community Gorse Bash
Don stout footwear and join the rangers to take part in the Great Community Gorse Bash! As an essential part of the management of this rare site, cutting back some of the gorse helps other precious heathland plants and wildlife to thrive. This event is just one in a series of community ‘have a go’ days this winter with the National Trust’s New Forest team. It’s a great way to find out more about their work, and how you can help.
When: February 23, 10am – 3pm, booking advisable on 01425 650035
Where: Plaitford Common, New Forest, 01425 650035, www.nationaltrust.org.uk
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War Horse
Don’t miss the first ever UK tour of The National Theatre’s award-winning production of War Horse. Based on the cherished novel by Michael Morpurgo, it tells the compelling and inspiring story of young Albert, his beloved horse Joey, and the unimaginable obstacles they overcome during the dawn of World War I. Watch in amazement as life-sized puppets bring breathing, galloping, charging horses to life right before your eyes in this extraordinary tale of courage, loyalty and friendship.
When: February 19 – March 15, various times, see website for details Where: The Mayflower, 26 Commercial Road, Southampton, SO15 1GE, 02380 711811, www.mayflower.org.uk
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LEGO ® Lost World Zoo
Hunt for the extinct animal sculptures in your spotter’s guide, dress up as an explorer and make your own LEGO bug to add to the wall. Plus, don’t miss the family mosaic drop-in activity, LEGO Fossil Hunt Fun sessions (booking essential) and Minifigure making (additional cost). Don’t forget to have your photo taken with the LEGO Moa bird, Megalosaurus head and the Neanderthal man!
When: February 29 – April 27
Where: Milestones Museum, Leisure Park, Churchill Way West, Basingstoke, RG22 6PG, 01256 477766, www.milestones-museum.com
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Cakes & Traybakes
Want to be the next Mary Berry? Then don your apron and get set for a five hour hands-on cooking course. A must for lovers of the world of cakes, ‘Cakes & Traybakes’ will allow you to explore the essential methods and techniques in cake making, from creaming and whisking to melting and folding.
When: February 22, 10am-3pm
Where: Newlyns Cookery School, Lodge Farm, North Warnborough, Hook, RG29 1HA, 01256 704128, www.newlyns-farmshop.co.uk
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Lichfield: A Life Through the Lens
Mottisfont launches its 2014 exhibition season with the largest display ever mounted of portraits by celebrated Royal photographer Patrick Lichfield. His informal, sometimes playful, approach helped him to create portraits that offer a glimpse into worlds and personalities often hidden from public view. Witness some of the world’s most famous and glamorous faces, including royalty, sporting legends and cinema stars. Amongst the portraits, observe a relaxed and happy Princess Margaret reclining on a sofa in her Caribbean bolthole and actor Dean Martin posing cross-legged on the floor nursing a drink. When: February 8 – April 21, 11am-5pm
Where: Mottisfont, nr Romsey, SO51 0LP, 01794 344020, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottisfont
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A Servants’ Soiree
Get a taste of life down stairs with a real servants’ supper in the Servant’s Hall at Hinton Ampner. Traditionally, after a full day of cleaning and cooking, the staff would congregate in this room for their evening meal. Take a trip back in time as Cook serves suet puddings and hearty broths, all washed down with a glass of cider. Learn about life as a servant as you listen to all the gossip and goings-on at the house. Don’t forget to wear your best servant’s outfit!
When: February 21 & 22, booking essential
Where: Hinton Ampner, Petersfield Road, Hinton Ampner, Bramdean, SO24 0LA, 01962 771305, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/hinton-amp
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Food Glorious Food
This year, Andover’shalf-term Children’s Festival is taking on the theme Food Glorious Food. Expect creative theatre, dance, drama, craft and cooking workshops for children aged two to 12. Amongst others, choose from a Pinch of Pickle, set to be a recipe for family entertainment like no other, The Enormous Turnip, introducing children to physical theatre and Teddy Bears Picnic, with songs, stories and lots of audience participation.
When: February 17 - 21
Where: The Lights, West Street, Andover, SP10 1AH, 01264 368368, www.thelights.org.uk
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Magical Mozart by Candlelight
Immerse yourself in the magical music of one of the world’s greatest romantic composers, Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. With beautiful settings, costumes and lighting be transported back to the sumptuous past courtesy of the European Baroque Ensemble and Singers.
When: February 2, 7.30pm
Where: Kings Theatre, Albert Road, Southsea, Portsmouth, PO5 2QJ, 02392 828282, www.kings-southsea.com
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A Balkan Adventure with John Pilkington
Having made his name in the 1980s as a travel writer and photographer, Hampshire’s award-winning adventurer is back from five months of exploring the Balkan Mountains and he is keen to share his experiences.
When: 20 February, 7.30pm
Where: Winchester Discovery Centre, Jewry Street, Winchester, SO23 8SB, 01962 873603, www.hants.gov.uk/wdc
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Artificial Things
Don’t miss the UK premiere of Stopgap Dance Company’s brand new piece of work. Featuring both disabled and non-disabled dancers, including David Toole, best known for his definitive role in DV8 Physical Theatre’s multi-award winning film The Cost of Living as well as his prominent solo in 2012’s Paralympics Opening Ceremony. Artificial Things weaves beauty with destruction, casting a magnifying glass over our attempts to live with one another. Bold and accessible, the piece delves deeply into what it means for people to co-exist.
When: February 5, 7.30pm
Where: The Point, Leigh Road, Eastleigh, SO50 9DE, 02380 652333, www.thepointeastleigh.co.uk
