7 family fun events taking place in Hampshire this weekend

Here's our pick of seven of the best.

Hat Fair, Winchester, all weekend

Hat Fair, the UK’s longest-running festival of outdoor arts, is back – and this year it will once again take over the city streets and green spaces of Winchester.

All weekend, audiences of all ages are invited to watch bright and bold street theatre, music, dance, comedy and circus, performed by the very best local, regional, national and international acts, in front of the city’s landmarks, cafes and restaurants, shops and parks – turning the city into a stage!

Hat Fair will host the international premiere of, and the festival’s headline show, A Handful of Dreams by Fidget Feet – made possible with support from Culture Ireland. This is an awe-inspiring and heart-warming show with aerial and circus acts, live Irish traditional music and dance that invites audiences of all ages, cultures and backgrounds to embrace innocence and hope.

More details at hatfair.co.uk

Beaulieu's 50th birthday, The National Motor Museum, Sunday

The award-winning National Motor Museum in Beaulieu will mark its golden jubilee by staging a blast from the past - a parade of cars from the 1970s.

It will also unveil a new exhibition called The Story of Motoring in 50 Objects.

The celebrations will include a display of vehicles that took part in a cavalcade on the day the museum was opened by the Duke of Kent and the current Lord Montagu's father, Edward, Lord Montagu.

The Carousels will entertain guests by playing hits from the Seventies.

The Duke of Kent opens the National Motor Museum in July 1972.

Visit beaulieu.co.uk

Hedge End Carnival, Saturday

Thousands of people are expected to flock to a Hampshire town as it hosts its 100th carnival event.

Returning after years away due to the pandemic, the Hedge End Carnival will take place on Saturday (July 2).

The day will kick off with a procession before heading to Greta Park. 

Activities will take place throughout the day including a magician, Punch and Judy show, and a circus. 

For the finale, the carnival will feature a motorbike display team. 

 Bedford Place Summer Festival, Sunday

This community celebration takes place on Sunday from 10am to 4pm and aims to celebrate the area’s bustling community and fantastic local businesses.

The event, now in its fifth year, is organised by local traders to bring awareness to the great local independent businesses in Bedford Place and Carlton Place. The event helps to build on the thriving community and build a healthier local economy that benefits everyone.

Bedford Place will be closed to traffic for the street party-style event, which will feature Lindy Club dance demonstrations, jazz and swing music from Still Moving DJs, a mobile farm featuring donkeys, pygmy goats, rabbits and more, a variety of local stalls including crafts, food, massage and beauty, The Sing Now Choir and food and drinks from local traders.

To find out more, visit facebook.com/bedfordplacefestival

Southampton Thai Festival, Hoglands Park, Saturday and Sunday

Southampton is set to be transformed into a whirl of colours once again as a popular festival returns.

Thousands are expected to flock to Hoglands Park to take part in this year’s Thai Festival.

Running from 10am to 6pm, the two-day event offers residents a day of family fun.

This year’s event will mark the festival’s twelfth year, and a variety of events and seminars are scheduled to keep visitors engaged.

The Southampton Thai Festival will feature seven to eight food stalls offering authentic Thai cuisines like Pad Thai, Satay, curries, coconut drinks, smoothies, and more.

Meanwhile, traditional dance and folk music workshops will be available for youngsters, and visitors will also have a chance to try Thai boxing, martial arts, and relax by signing up for Thai massage.

Basingstoke Festival, Saturday and Sunday 

The popular annual festival showcasing arts in unusual places has returned this summer with outdoor theatrical productions, breath-taking street theatre and music and dance performances in the town centre.

Following a colourful and dynamic opening weekend, the festival returns this weekend (Saturday July, 2 and Sunday July, 3).

Brought to residents by Talawa Theatre Company, The Tide explores the experiences of migration within the UK and celebrates British culture. Performances will take place on Saturday and Sunday from 12.30pm and 3.30pm at Eastrop Park.

On Saturday between 11am and 4pm at Eastrop Park there will also be a positive piece of outdoor art encouraging people to reflect and the have the hope to move forward.

Do What Yah Mamma Told Yah! is a feast of food fusion and storytelling across geography and generations all in a vibrant comedy circus show. Performances take place at 12 noon and 3pm in London Street throughout the weekend.

Everybody clap your pans – it’s time for The Rascally Diner, a joyful performance for families with children aged five and over. This show explores the joy of food in a messy, silly and fantastic production that will make all squirm with delight. Enjoy performances at 11.30am and 2.30pm on Saturday and Sunday in Cross Street. 

Are you interested in finding out more about the borough? Join Well Red Comedy on The Pretty Sure Tour and laugh a lot and learn a little on this historical walking tour like no other. Meet at the Triumphal Gates in London Street from 1pm and 3.30pm on Saturday and Sunday.

On Saturday, join The Stylists brought to you by Scratchbuilt Productions at 10.30am, 1pm and 3pm throughout the town centre. The Stylists started their careers peddling designer clothing. You can’t miss their colourful creations made with help from local primary schools and community groups.

For something a bit more relaxing join local storyteller Josh Dixon for a brand new tale ‘The Queen’s Sheep’. This light-hearted, comical story told in rhyme features a flock of mischievous sheep and their crazy antics in London with none other than Her Majesty, The Queen. Suitable for a family audience and children aged four and above.

Alternatively people can work with Louise Hight Arts on some sheep-themed creations to take home. There will be bunting and cards a-plenty for people to decorate and you can help create one of The Queen’s very own sheep in red, white and blue ribbons. Activities will take place throughout the afternoon on Sunday at Eastrop Park.

Basingstoke Festival is a partner in Without Walls, working with festivals and artists to bring outdoor arts to people in towns and cities across the UK. The Together Parade has been funded by Arts Council England, awarding funds from The National Lottery.

Summer Fete and Happy’s Circus, Whitchurch, Saturday 

Roll up roll up, for Happy’s Circus & Friends of Whitchurch Primary School Family Fun Day!

Family fun day, with bouncy castle, face painting, games, refreshments and lots more fun for all the family.

Then, head to the big top to Happy’s Circus for an afternoon of laughter and exhilarating entertainment. 

Fun Day – Open 12pm – 2.30pm (free entrance for all)

Circus – Doors will at open 2.30pm (with pre-show from 2.40pm). 

Tickets £12.50 per person. Go to fowps.co.uk/event/summer-fete-and-happy-circus/

For more email info@fowps.co.uk