Festival season
The Great British summer is here again, and whilst we cannot guarantee the weather, one thing that is for certain is the packed line-up of events and activities to keep visitors of all ages entertained during a staycation here in the heart of Hampshire.
In this, our latest blog post, we are focusing our attention on the fantastic festivals taking place across the local area. From music and comedy to culinary delights, each brings something different to the table, ensuring the stage is set for a memorable summer…
Stansted Summer Festival
When: Saturday 13 and Sunday 14 July
Where: Stansted Park, Hampshire
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 10 miles
An eclectic weekend of family fun and quirky entertainment is in store at the Stansted Summer Festival, set against the striking backdrop of this beautiful country estate.
There really is something on offer for the whole family, including music and performances from the likes of Amy Baker & The Swing Beats and Emsworth Concert Band, reanactments from the Napoleonic Association, family activities such as archery and circus fun, classic cars and veteran motorbikes on display - and of course, mouth-watering food and drink.
The full festival programme, which also includes details of talks, stalls and heritage crafts, is available on the event website.
Foodies Festival
When: Friday 19 - Sunday 21 July
Where: North Walls Recreation Ground, Winchester
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 21 miles
The UK’s biggest touring celebrity food and music festival series brings top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music to the heart of Winchester.
Watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cook their signature summer recipes, learn how to make show-stopping cakes and sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails, with the soundtrack to the weekend provided by headline music acts Blue, Sister Sledge and Symphonic Ibiza.
There’s also the opportunity to experience the flavours of delicious street food from around the world, take part in food challenges, and give the kids the chance to hone their own culinary skills in The Kids Cookery Theatre.
Wickham Festival
When: Thursday 1 - Sunday 4 August
Where: Wickham, Hampshire
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 11 miles
This four-day music and arts festival takes place every August in an idyllic rural location near the historic village of Wickham in Hampshire.
The packed 2024 line-up includes Suzi Quatro, Levellers, Curtis Stigers, Seth Lakeman, Ferocious Dog, Tony Christie, Muireann Bradley and Dream in Colors.
Meanwhile, there’s also a wide range of family entertainment on offer, including The Digital Funfair, Fit Up Circus, The Magic Teapot, Flying Buttresses, OLB Inflatables, Folk Orc Workshops and more.
Victorious Festival
When: Friday 23 - Sunday 25 August
Where: Southsea Common, Portsmouth
Distance from Woodlands Retreat B&B: 18 miles
This hugely popular family-friendly festival takes place against the striking backdrop of Southsea Seafront over the August Bank Holiday Weekend.
Confirmed music acts for 2024 include Fatboy Slim, Snow Patrol, Biffy Clyro, Jamie T, Jess Glynne and Becky Hill among many more, with Russell Howard, Frankie Boyle and Al Murray headlining the weekend’s comedy performances.
There is also a dedicated kids arena spanning 30,000 square meters and packed with free entertainment - everything from cupcake decorating to climbing, retro gaming to circus skills.
And there’s plenty to keep festivalgoers busy away from the many stages, with cuisine from around the world available from more than 100 traders, street food, quirky market stalls, skate taster sessions and plenty more besides.