What's on in the New Forest - summer 2016
There are so many summer Events, Shows and Festivals in the
New Forest at this time of year, we could fill up a daily calendar!
So we thought we’d make a list of our personal favourites.
As the forest is quite small, you’re never more than a short drive away. If
you’d prefer to be within an area of a particular event, show or festival, or
even walking distance - we’ve added links to some of the properties close by.
5th June 2016
Roydon Woods WoodfairRoydon Woods, Sandy Down, Setley near Brockenhurst
An annual event from The Wildlife Trust in partnership with
the New Forest National Park - Lots of crafts and activities for all ages and
the obligatory beer tent!
All year
Events at Highcliffe
Castle
Rothesay Drive, Highcliffe.
The former home of Mr Selfridge himself (as appeared on the
TV series), opens its doors to events in the stunning grounds throughout the
year, including:
Wed 8th June, 7pm. Outdoor Theatre Hamlet performed by The
Festival Players
Sunday 12th June, 2pm to 4pm Love Soul Choir
Sunday 3rd July Classic Cars on the Prom 11am-4pm (outdoors)
Sunday 4th September Swing Unlimited Big Band and the 3
Counties Car Club 1pm-4pm (Outdoors)
Sunday 6th November Grandma's Attic Antiques Fair 11am-4pm
(Indoors)
Wednesday 14th December Christmas Carol Concert 7:30pm
(Indoors)
10, 11 & 12 June
Hurst Dubfest
Lower Pennington Lane, Lymington
Lovely family festival, themed around VW vintage campervans
and beetle cars! Music, craft, dance, food and drink with competitions and fun
for little ones as well as the adults.
2 July
Round the Island Race
The largest race of its kind in the world with approx.
16,000 sailors - both professional and amateur, taking part from the UK, Europe
and the USA. See 1,700 beautiful yachts battling to be first around the Isle of
Wight.
3rd July
Lymington Italian
Festival & Food Market
Lymington town High Street
Come and be wowed at the sight of some 50 or so Ferrari Cars
in the High Street from midday to 4pm. There’s music and entertainment for all
ages, and an Italian Market brimming with scrumptious continental foods.
6 to 10 July
New Forest Folk
Festival
Salisbury Road, Plaitford, Romsey
A truly family run festival with delicious home-made food
hosted by the Curtis Family and friends! There’s a great vibe with music, sing-a-rounds
and Morris Dancing. Don’t forget to
bring your folding chair! Sit back and enjoy the sound of budding and famous
folk artists who mingle in the fields and bar tents, chatting to the friendly
crowd – many of whom travel great distances to attend.
7 - 9 July
Lymington Arts
Festival
This festival is a stunning collection of arts and activities.
You’ll see art, crafts, dance, drama, embroidery, floristry, music, photography,
poetry, sculpture, quilts and textiles. There will be galleries, workshops and
displays at various venues around the town each day.
10 July
Giant Water Slide
down Lymington High Street!
Whether you’re an onlooker or participant, this event
promises to be full of fun to ride a huge waterslide down Lymington High
Street! If you take part, you’ll be wet at the end - so come prepared! Fun
outfits and fancy dress are fully encouraged! For more info and to get an
allotted time, email gemma.sinden@oakhavenhospice.co.uk
This is a one off event charity event! First slide starts at 11am.
10 July
Ringwood Pedal Car
Grand Prix
Ringwood
This annual race is one of the biggest of its kind, and attracts
around fifty pedal-powered competitors. There’s lots of fun filled spirit and
plenty of crashes. The junior event takes ninety minutes, and precedes the open
class for adults which lasts a gruelling two hours! Teams take turns powering
their home-made creations around the 1km course. Great fun to watch and competition
is fierce!
16 July
Fordingbridge Summer
Festival
Recreation Ground, Fordingbridge
Flower tents, craft village, steam engines, vintage cars,
heavy horses and dog displays are just some of the attractions featured. This
is a festival for all ages with lots of things to see and do – including the famous
‘Duck Race’.
22 to 24 July
Curious Arts Festival
East End, Lymington SO41 5SJ
The boutique festival (which wins rave reviews) has a huge
and eclectic mix of literature, music, snail races, opera, stand-up comedy and
unforgettable experiences for grown–ups and children alike. Plus some lovely
food and drink!
26 – 28 July
New Forest and
Hampshire County Show
New Park, Brockenhurst
A fantastic show focused around traditional country pursuits
and visited by thousands of visitors. There’s so much to see and do, such as: show
jumping, art and cookery demonstrations, a show farm, tug of war with a tractor
and even pottery making. As you’d expect, there are oodles of food and drink
stalls and a food hall to browse and buy delicious, artisan produce. Not to be
missed.
6 to 13 August
Cowes Week
Cowes Week is the longest-running sailing regatta in the
world. The event is held on the Solent – between the Hampshire coast and Isle
of Wight. The area is a hive of activity, and seascape studded with boats of all
shapes and sizes.
13 August
Ellingham &
Ringwood Agricultural Show
Somerley Park, Ellingham, Ringwood
A lovely show full of countryside tradition. The livestock
area is a firm favourite – especially for children. Lots of handicrafts
including lace making and spinning. There are over 100 trade stands, food,
drink, home-made produce, locally made toys and children’s entertainment makes
for a great day out.
13-14 August
New Forest Fairy
Festival
Burley village
Burley village
For all things Fairy and Elf this is a fun and friendly
magical place to visit, but not just for children – though they’ll love it! Expect
a weekend of entertainment and workshops for the whole family around the magical
fairy theme. Handmade arts and crafts, artwork, live music, bands,
story-telling, belly dancing and more. If you arrive (as many do) in Fairy and
Elf Costumes, you’ll be sprinkled with New Forest Fairy dust!
10th September
Romsey Agricultural
and Horse Show
Broadlands, Romsey
This substantial show is one of the oldest in England, held
annually since 1842. Showcasing the best of British farming, it is a vital part
of the County’s social calendar. Cattle
and sheep from across the region compete for glory in the livestock classes.
Hundreds of horses are entered in a huge number of equine events that range
from show jumping and heavy horses to side saddle and best donkey.
28th September
Beaulieu Road Pony
Sales
Across the road from Beaulieu Road railway station
Across the road from Beaulieu Road railway station
Sales start at 10.30am. The Beaulieu Road Sales yard is used
primarily by commoners (owners of the ponies on the New Forest) to sell their
ponies by auction.
