Test Valley is a hive of activity this July, from markets and festivals to engaging events for all the family.
The month of July kicks off with Wallop wheels and wings at the Army Flying Museum on Saturday 1st July showcasing a spectacular display of classic aircraft, super and classic cars, and motorcycles. In a change to the event this year, visitors will see aircraft flying into and out of the airfield throughout the day weather permitting.
Hot on its heels from the 1st to 16th July is the Romsey Festival, a celebration of Romsey’s rich history, culture and talents with a jam-packed programme of events across various venues in and around Romsey including music, arts, crafts and fabulous entertainment. There will also be nature inspired walks, talks and exhibitions and even a brewery tour! The music line-up appeals to everyone with a large and diverse range of bands, orchestras, choirs and concerts. With storytelling for our youngsters, a youth takeover at the Plaza and comedy and poetry at the library too. There really is something for everyone, go and find something for you.
Pop in to the Chantry Centre and pay a visit to Andover's Indoor Market on Saturday 1st July selling unique goods from local businesses!
Hampshire Farmers’ Market is back on Sunday 2nd July bringing fabulous local produce to Alma Road in Romsey. It showcases the best of what Hampshire has to offer, and all of the stallholders are the producers; small businesses based in rural areas growing and rearing their own to bring to customers.
Mayor’s Picnic and Duck Race on Sunday 2nd July is a great family event that is free and run by Rotary of Romsey Test and always brings in the crowds with its annual duck race on the River Test. Held at the War Memorial Park from midday, the community gather for a joyous get together of bands, stalls, activities and of course the obligatory picnic!
Join Mrs B's Hula Skoola on Wednesday 5th July a fabulous hula hooping workshop outside at Sir Harold Hilliers Gardens. A Beginners Hula Hooping class where you will learn the foundational moves like waist and hand hooping, hoop tricks, sequences and more! Its low impact and a great brain work out too. Suitable for absolute beginners aged 14-104 years, all fitness levels. The hula hoops are provided too!
Black Chalk Friday Night Late Burgers by @OFMfoodtruck Friday 7th July 5:00pm to 9:00pm (Burgers 'til 8). The Black Chalk Bar is open and they will have the newly released vintages of Classic, Wild Rose and Dancer in Pink by the glass and bottle, all accompanied by the best burgers in Hampshire! Bookings required for groups, find out more.
A part of the Romsey Festival Sir Harold Hilliers Gardens will be hosting a Gala Picnic Concert on Saturday 8th July. Take your chairs, picnic and champagne to enjoy the open-air classical concert from the renowned Southampton Concert Orchestra.
Saturday 8th July is for all the music lovers as the Beggars Fair hits Romsey’s streets. The annual free summer music festival attracts families and music lovers as they feast on over 70 acts spread over 20 plus venues across the town. The best of local musicians will bring you an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, blues, soul, rock, bluegrass, classical and world music. Together with colourful dance displays and children’s entertainment there is plenty of entertainment on offer. Also, that weekend is the popular four-day, family run, New Forest Folk Festival (www.newforestfolkfestival.co.uk.) at their farm in Plaitford. A mix of great music, woodland fringe workshops, home cooked food, and of course the obligatory cider!
Join the excitement at the British Truck Racing Championship at Thruxton Race Circuit on Saturday 8th July, the championship will be host to a festival of all things trucking and some fantastic family activities, making it a weekend that is not to be missed.
The Tempest Open Air Theatre at Whitchurch Silk Mill on Saturday 8th July the production draws from experiences of climate change and the power of nature through our work with coastal communities on the Isle of Portland in Dorset. Adapting to each venue, they bring classic stories to life and enable audiences to be a part of enthralling and stimulating storytelling, allowing them to be immersed in the worlds we inhabit.
Second Sundays Andover market brings together designer-makers and artists, along with street food, craft drinks, workshops and music on Sunday 9th July.
Monsters, Myths and Magic exhibition on Monday 10th July at Andover Museum. The story of the first Anglo-Saxon Settlers and how many of the myths, legends and beliefs that occupied their pagan world are still with us today. This exhibition offers an opportunity to see many of the incredible objects from Hampshire Cultural Trust's Anglo-Saxon collection that are not normally on public display. Monsters, Myth and Magic is a family friendly exhibition that offers plenty of hands-on activities, dressing up, colouring in, quizzes and games. You can also join professional storyteller Dawn Nelson for Dragon Day at Andover Museum on Saturday 8th July to listen to stories about dragons as part of exhibition.
Romsey Carnival hits the streets on Friday 14th July, and will be out entertaining the masses with the ever popular ‘Bed Race and Fun Run’ as they attempt to run through the town dodging water and colour bombs for charity. The next day Romsey’s streets will be filled by the Summer Carnival Procession (https://www.romseycarnival.co.uk/) and promises to bring fun and laughter as it makes its way through the town.
Andover's annual Carnival is back on Sunday 16th July, the colourful carnival procession will begin at 4pm outside Tesco on Weyhill Road, before travelling through the town to Vigo Park. On the High Street and at Vigo Park there will plenty for all the family to enjoy including live music, entertainment, food and drinks.
Step into Summer events start in Andover from Saturday 22 July a family friendly event to kick-start the summer holidays. There will be free family activities and games in Riverside Park and the High Street.
The whole family can enjoy an immersive exhibition exploring the much-loved children’s books created by writer Allan Ahlberg and his illustrator wife Janet Ahlberg called Happy Families: Adventures with the Ahlbergs at Mottisfont National Trust from Saturday 22 July. There will be outdoor activity trails to bring to life the characters from the books, with fun games and challenges to complete.
Thruxton Summer Festival will be buzzing at the race circuit from 29th to 30th July! Enjoy an action-packed schedule of racing, club-level motorsport at its very best and the Caterhams with feature! Find out more and grab your tickets now.
Don’t miss the cycle powered open air cinema part of Andover Cycling Festival, will see a giant cinema screen pop-up in Vigo Park on Saturday 29th July to showcase the musical favourite Grease. The film will be powered solely by energetic volunteers on static bikes, so come along with your sports gear and lots of energy if you fancy taking part. Don't worry if you're not in the mood to pedal, as you can still bring a blanket and enjoy this the film in the open air. Before the film begins there will be live music, food and drink available. Get your tickets here.
The Andover Cycling Festival returns for its 4th edition. The road cycle sportives and schools ride take place on Sunday 30th July. The start and finish of all rides are at the Andover Guildhall, High Street , located in the centre of Andover. There are plenty of Cafes in the centre to choose from before and after your ride, plus car parking in Andover town centre is free on a Sunday.
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