May has arrived and it’s time to turn up the volume! The slow awakening of Spring has already sprung (that was so last month!) and now it’s time to welcome festival season in Winchester!
This is when the calendar fills up quickly. Markets, music, food, pop-ups, canvas shoes and no jackets; it’s all happening, and there’s usually something worth heading out for every few days.
So, if you’re here this month (or thinking about it), here are a few of the standout events and festivals that make Winchester THE place to be! We'd love to share just a handful with you;
Alresford Watercress Festival - From the 17th – 26th May you can enjoy this Nationally acclaimed Annual festival. This festival sees Winchester swap cars for crowds as its Georgian streets turn into a free, family-friendly celebration. You can expect to see many a market stall selling delicious food alongside live cooking demos. From the wares to the parades, this lively festival creatures the perfect atmosphere for the famous watercress eating contest! Best of all, it’s not just a fun day out; the festival supports local charities, so the good vibes carry on long after the crowds go home.
Winchester Cheese and Chilli Festival – Yes, you read that right! This 6th and 7th June you can eat your way around Winchester for the 11th year running! It’s a delicious celebration of British cuisine including an array or artisan cheeses, some very hot chillis (sauces, dips, and more) and even some craft beer brewed locally. You can expect live music, live cooking demos, plenty of hands-on activities for the kids and of course, the long awaiting annual chilli-eating contents (caution advised!). It promises to blow your socks off!
Winchester beer and cider festival (since we are already on the theme of sumptuous cuisine) – taking place this 12th and 13th June, this 2-day event is a celebration of craft brews, welcoming visitors to the Winchester Students' Union. This event has live music, an array of edible treats from local businesses, craft beers (naturally) and provides a relaxed atmosphere to catch up with friends in an out-of-the-ordinary setting. Although a young festival, just 3 years old, it is back by popular demand!
Winchesters Hat Fair – Founded in 1974, is happening this July, so arguably one of the longest running and most beloved festivals in our calendar; it’s a family friendly event with street performers and embraces the ‘outdoor arts’ such as circus and theatre. The streets light up and the whole city moves to the same beat; it’s an event worth being part of. Some might say its Winchester answer to Mardi Gras!
The Grange Festival, (June 2nd – July 12th) is a celebration of the fine arts; opera, jazz and dance of all kinds and features the best from La Bohème, La Clemenza di Tito and Giulio Cesare. The historic mansion which plays host provides an exceptional backdrop and adds to the majesty of the entire event. This festival even provides long intervals between performances to allow guests to wander and enjoy food in the surrounding countryside without missing the next performance.
This is only a taste of the festival season we enjoy annually right here in Winchester. Some might suggest that it’s the perfect opportunity to book a relaxing stay in our luxury lodges and simply soak up the music, the colour, the dance and the delectable delicacies (or scorching scotch bonnets!) on offer. We’d love to share the experience with you. For details on how to book and to check our availability, simply click here!