Let's go outside
Local businesses and event organisers have been working around the clock to ensure that the show goes on for some outdoor events this year, despite the impact of coronavirus.
As we head towards the end of the summer and venture into the first autumn of ‘the new normal’, we’ve picked out a few local event highlights.*
From classic cars to Broadway hits - and even some supersized model creatures - there’s something for the whole family to enjoy on a visit to Hampshire…
Heritage Open Days in Winchester
Various events between 11 and 20 September
While many Heritage Open Day events are moving online this year, Winchester is also welcoming visitors to some outdoor and in-person events in September, including a unique cultural trail laid on by local shopkeepers themed around “hidden nature” and moving vehicle displays on with both classic and sports cars (Sunday 20 September) and vintage buses and coaches (Saturday 19 September) taking a tour around the city at set times.
Sunset drive-in movie nights
Cascades Shopping Centre car park roof, Portsmouth (various dates)
A socially-distanced cinema experience under the stars…
From Forrest Gump to Fight Club, you can catch classic movies at Portsmouth Film Society’s sunset drive-in movie nights.
Cinemagoers arrive in their cars and park up on front of the big screen, then tune into a set frequency via car radios to hear the audio. Just don’t forget to pack the popcorn!
From West End to Broadway
An evening of West End and Broadway music in the Mead at Gilbert White & The Oates Collections (Friday 18 September)
A chance to hear some fantastic live renditions of classic hits from West End and Broadway musicals, performed against the backdrop of the rolling Hampshire countryside.
Enjoy music from greats such as Sondheim, Kander and Ebb, Rodgers and Hammerstein and many more.
Seating areas will be marked out for social distancing, with drinks, snacks and a bar on the night including on-site brewed craft beer.
SUPERSIZED! At Marwell Zoo
Model creatures on display at the zoo until 1 November
Marwell is the first attraction in the world to host a brand new collection of SUPERSIZED! toy brick creatures.
Perfect to keep younger visitors entertained on a family day out, discover up to 30 models of real-life creatures on a trail dotted around the zoological park, and learn more about fearsome creatures - from the blue-ringed octopus to a two-metre high spitting cobra!
This is a great way to get the kids involved in learning even more about nature on their visit to the 140-acre zoo, which is home to everything from Humboldt Penguins to Pygmy Hippos.
*Information correct at time of writing (Friday 14 August). Please follow the latest government guidance around social distancing when planning visits to any local events.