Biz Extra
Published: May 5, 2023 | Updated: 16th May 2023
The coronation of King Charles marks the beginning of a vibrant summer season pack to the brim with activities and events in Hampshire.
This week we’re rounding up all of the hottest events in the area taking place over the summer period – from Coronation screenings to beer festivals. We’re sure you’ll find something that tickles your fancy from the list below.
Newly registered Portsmouth Ambassadors have the chance to attend this series of online inductions, introducing them to their newfound ambassadorial positions. City/area ambassadors are volunteers who live, study or work in the city and want to do something to help their local community and wider City.
Benefits of becoming an ambassador included invites to regular tours of local venues, such as the Kings Theatre, the Mary Rose Museum, and Fratton Park. There are also bi-annual Ambassador Forums, where Ambassadors can hear updates on developments in the city and a variety of other subjects from speakers based in Portsmouth. Those interested can register here.
Induction Session logo, credit: Shaping Portsmouth
Two walking tours spread out over the space of a week is the perfect chance for history lovers or coronation celebrators to get their historical fix at both the Regal Southampton Walking Tour, May 13th, and the Historic Graffiti walking Tour, May 18th – both events are hosted by Tudor House.
The Regal Southampton Walking tour is hosted by Andy Skinner who will take attendees on a information packed walk around Southampton Old Town’s historical sites with connections to the royalty. Find out why the worst king in history is perhaps the most important for Southampton or about the three Viking kings with links to the city. Purchase tickets for the Regal Southampton Walking Tour here.
A stop on the tour, credit: Tudor House
Age old graffiti, credit: Tudor House
The Historical Graffiti Walking Tour takes place on Thursday May 18 is part of the Thinking Thursdays initiative. This edition will have visitors hunting for graffiti and marks left by the city’s historic ancestors. The tour is hosted by archaeologist and graffiti expert Matt Garner and will give ticket-holders the chance to explore some of Southampton’s incredible medieval vaults. Purchase tickets for the Historical Graffiti Walking Tour here.
Now only a few weeks away, the popular Alresford Watercress Festival invites visitors to get stuck into a almost endless array of watercress based fun. A highlight of the proceedings is the spectacular coronation of watercress monarchs selected from Sun Hill Infant and Junior School.
The King and Queen will each have a watercress crown bestowed upon them by celebrity chef Mark Hix before being paraded through the town centre and throwing freshly harvested watercress to the crowd. Other attractions include a pair of antique Ferrari and Porsche tractors, musical performances, fair rides, and the grand showcase of the World Watercress Eating Championship.
The festival is totally family friendly and free of charge, but visitors should be aware of parking charges in the area. Alresford Watercress Festival is sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, Charters Alresford, Cedar Vets, Flower Pots Brewery, Hellards, Lainston House, Crawfords, and Stowe Family Law. For more information click here.
The World Watercress eating championship, credit: Alresford Watercress Festival
The newly opened Solent Freeport offers plenty of exciting business opportunities for the county, so Hampshire Chamber of Commerce is teaming up with the Institute of Directors to break them down for a wider audience. See our full write-up for the upcoming event here.
Credit: Institute of Directors
Blur or Oasis? Fans might have to put their differences aside for Brit-Pop Madness, the latest event from Port Solent. This concert offers a packed programme of 90s tribute acts, from It Must Be Madness and Supersonics to Blurd and 19 Forever, with plenty of bars and restaurants around the port to keep everybody refreshed.
The event follows on from the success of Royal Rhythms to mark the King’s Coronation in early May, and Port Solent’s Summer Mix Tape programme will continue with Sounds of Summer on 24 June and Totally Tributes on 29 July. For more information on any of the upcoming concerts click here.
Elvis(?) playing Royal Rhythms on 7 May. Credit: Port Solent
This half term the Port Solent Kids Club is preparing to entertain you and your youngsters with a series of fun-filled activities and events. First up is the Birds of Prey Flying Show on the 30th May, a majestic display of rare birds that the whole family can enjoy. Following this, on the 1st of June, Silly Scott and the Creation Station are in town providing entertainment for young attendees.
When the festivities are finished all attendees can choose from the huge variety of restaurants and cafes on the boardwalk. For more information on the Birds of Prey Flying Show click here. Those interested in Silly Scott and the Creation Station should click here.
Silly Scott entertains at the Port Solent half term kids club. Credit: Paul Jacobs Photography
For dog-owners, dog-lovers, and of course their four-legged companions, Dogstival is the ultimate celebration of man’s best friend. Hosted over the weekend starting on the 3rd of June in Broadlands Park, Romsey, Dogstival offers an array of family-friendly canine capers to all attendees. From Main arena displays to interactive activities including ‘flyball’, agility courses, giant splash pools, and the Barkour adventure playground, all bases are covered when it comes to your dog’s interests.
The weekend will also feature a number of musical performances, street performers, the ultimate dog-friendly pub experience, and vintage funfair attractions. The main sponsors of Dogstival are Parker Bullen Solicitors, Animal Friends Pet Insurance, Dog Furiendly, and New Forest Cottages. For more information and tickets click here.
A happy Dogstival attendee, credit: Dogstival
Summer is almost upon us, and we are delighted to announce that Summer Feastival in Southampton will be our first stop outside South Wales.
We will transform this city car park next to the River Itchen into a unique boutique-style festival food and drink extravaganza for one delicious Summer Weekend. Totally family friendly by day (you can even bring the dog) with a bit more of an adult focus by night.
For almost a decade, Street Food circus has been running successful street food events where delicious food from local suppliers, delectable drinks, delightful DJs and daring circus performers and side shows to create events to devour and create lasting memories.
Summer Feastival
A glittering gala evening of awards, dinner, and good company to celebrate the best in commercial property in the South Coast region. The cream of professional talent among the agents, developers, planners, consultants, property lawyers, and dealmakers in the region will be in attendance on the night and always combine to make this a must-attend event. Tickets and more information can be found here.
The South Coast Property Awards 2022, credit: Black Ox
South Coast foodies rejoice! This year marks the first Eat the Island event, a networking opportunity for the region’s food and drink producers, independent retailers and hospitality venues.
The day will follow a programme of short talks covering good practice, increasing revenue and enhancing the consumer experience. It comes as a joint effort between Portsmouth City Council, Hampshire Fare and the Queens Hotel, who are hoping to “join up the foodie dots” following the success of Southsea Food Festival. For more information click here.
Credit: Eat the Island
Hampshire Business Networking is hosting an in person event at Crabwood in Winchester on June 9th. The event gives businesses in the area the chance to expand their networks and listen to a host of guest speakers providing valuable insight cover a wide variety of industries. Hampshire Business Networking’s mission statement is ”simply to provide a framework helping local business people to meet and collaborate for their mutual benefit – everyone is welcome to attend any event with new visitors guaranteed a friendly reception”. Tickets for the event can be purchased here.
Hampshire Business Networking logo, credit: Hampshire Business Networking
A longstanding highlight in the Southampton Festival calendar. The Southampton Mela Festival, taking place at Hoglands Park on the 15h of July, is a wonderful showcase of both modern and traditional Asian culture. Featuring performances from musicians, dancers, and offering an incredible array of delicacies, the Southampton Mela Festival is certainly not something you’ll want to miss. Last years festival entertained over 27,000 visitors and this year expects a similar turnout. The Mela Festival is sponsored and funded by Arts Council England and Southampton City Council. Find out more about the festival here.
Performers at the Mela festival, credit: Art Asia
For a list of upcoming events hosted or sponsored by Black Ox click here.
