Festival fever
Looking for a day out with a difference or an action-packed weekend during your stay at Woodlands Retreat?
From rocking beats to flying kites, experience the sights and sounds of Hampshire in the summer at these family-friendly festivals across the local area…
Wickham Festival
1-4 August
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 10 miles
On the edge of the historic village of Wickham, this relaxed and family-friendly festival offers four days of eclectic entertainment.
This year’s line-up includes Frank Turner & The Sleeping Souls, Level 42 and The Proclaimers, to name but a few of the acts lined up to appear across the four festival stages.
But it’s not all about the music – there’s a wealth of family entertainment to enjoy, such as a cartoon cinema, storytelling, puppet theatre and make ‘n’ take crafts tent. There’s also a digital funfair, playbus, laser arena, bouncy castles and children’s entertainers.
Portsmouth International Kite Festival
10-11 August
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 15 miles
The skies above Southsea Common will be filled with kites of all shapes and sizes in this free event, which attracts hundreds of kite flyers from across the globe.
Recognised as one of the biggest and best kite festivals in the world, the event takes place on Southsea Common, where wide open spaces and good winds which allow kites fliers to show off their creations at their best.
There’s plenty more to enjoy throughout the festival weekend, with craft stalls, refreshments, free children’s kite making workshop and local amusements.
Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival
17-18 August
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 20 miles
From a chilli eating competition to crazy golf, it’s safe to say this action-packed event offers something for everyone – whether you’re a fan of cheeses and chilli or simply want to enjoy a great day out.
Of course, the main focal point is the food, with a range of cooking demonstrations and talks, the famous chilli eating competition and the Man v Food Challenge, plus approximately 100 trade stands selling cheese and chilli-related products.
But there’s also lots more entertainment for the whole family to enjoy, ranging from live music to falconry displays, along with crazy golf and free garden games.
You won’t go hungry – or thirsty – as there are authentic local food stalls and dedicated bars from the likes of Worley's Cider, Downton Brewery, plus the famous inflatable pub!
SamJamFestival at Bishop’s Waltham Palace
Sunday 25 August
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 10 miles
A one-day music festival at the stunning Bishop’s Waltham Palace ruins, in aid of children's music therapy charity scheme Sam's Song, in association with the Sussex Snowdrop Trust.
The charity Sam's Song was set up last year the family of Sam Smith, after they lost him to cancer. Sam was a talented and thoroughly passionate musician who left a big impression on those he met and jammed with.
In his memory Sam's Song was born - a great cause helping children with life-limiting conditions and helping his friends and family do something positive in their grief, as Sam's legacy.
There will be a full programme with a line-up of talented musicians in a range of genres, all of whom have agreed to perform free of charge.
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