WHETHER young or old, there is plenty on offer in Hampshire, and with covid restrictions gradually lifting, there is all the more reason to celebrate.
Here, we take a look at five unique events not to be missed over the summer.
CarFest South, 27th – 29th August
CarFest creator and DJ Chris Evans alongside pudsey at CarFest 2019.
Location: Laverstoke Park Farm, Overton.
For the petrolheads among us, CarFest returns to Laverstoke Park Farm offering visitors the chance to view a whole range of cars from vintage classic to F1.
The cars will be driven around a track by professional drivers who will also be meeting people in the paddock.
Visitors will also be able to see some of the country’s biggest celebrity chefs including Great British Bake Off stars and famous faces from Saturday Kitchen live.
As well as this there will be live music performances from Faithless, Nile Rogers & Chic, Happy Mondays and many more.
The festival also helps to raise fund for UK children’s charities.
Cost: Friday adult: £74. Friday child: £17. Saturday adult £85. Saturday child: £19. Sunday adult: £83. Sunday child: £17. Sunday family (2 adults and 2 children: £167).
For more information and to book tickets, visit https://carfest.org/whats-on/
Beginners’ Arm knitting workshop, 8 June 7pm – 9pm.
Location: 2-3 Bartholomew Street, Newbury High Street, Newbury.
The Ugly Duckling Pottery House is hosting a beginners’ arm knitting workshop where you will be taught how to knit an arm knitted throw to keep.
The workshop lets you pick your own colour of vegan giant yarn to make a 24inch by 67inch throw with refreshments also on offer.
Cost: £65
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.aboatfullofwool.co.uk/store/Arm-Knitting-Workshops-@-The-Ugly-Duckling-Pottery-Newbury-p219648350
Here Come The Boys, 15 June, 7.30pm.
Location: The Anvil, Basingstoke
Strictly fans should note the return of last year’s sold out-out show Here Come The Boys with Strictly Come Dancing stars Aljaž Škorjanec, Pasha Kovalev, Graziano di Prima joining forces to put on a dazzling production at the Anvil.
The show will feature ballroom, Latin, commercial, contemporary, ballet, acro and tap.
Cost: £28 - £45.50 depending on seat selection.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/here-come-the-boys.
A Country Night in Nashville – Friday 17 June, 7.30pm.
Location: Churchill Way, Basingstoke.
For a taste of Tennessee, visit the Anvil for an evening of Country music.
Classic hits from the likes of Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson and Dixie Chicks will be performed to capture the atmosphere of downtown Nashville.
Cost: £28
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/a-country-night-in-nashville
The Music of Northern Soul Live – 25 June, 7.30
Location: Churchill Way, Basingstoke
Live Northern Soul band The Signatures will be playing Northern Soul classics at the Anvil in a throwback to the sounds of Blackpool Mecca and Wigan Casino.
Cost: £25.30
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.anvilarts.org.uk/whats-on/event/the-music-of-northern-soul
Hampshire County & Garden Festival – 26 and 27 June
Location: Bere Mill Butchery, Whitchurch.
A celebration of the Hampshire countryside is commencing on 26 June at the Bere Mill on the banks of the river Test.
Visitors are invited to partake in trying healthy organic food, listen to inspiring speakers and enjoy live music. There is also a wide range of activities for kids including workshops on gardening and other creative skills.
Money will also be raised for the Hampshire Medical Fund which supports local hospitals and patients in Winchester, Andover, and Basingstoke.
Cost: Saturday 26th launch: £65. Sunday 27th festival: £8 adults, £3 kids. Under 5s go free.
For more information and to book tickets, visit: https://www.hampshiregardenfestival.co.uk/talks-gqt/.
All events are abiding by government guidelines to ensure maximum Covid security.
People can now legally attend indoor entertainment venues such as concert halls and theatres.
Caution has been urged by the government as we continue along the roadmap, with concern in some parts of England that the Indian variant is continuing to spread.
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