Saturday 27 May – Sunday 4 June
If you’d prefer some family fun in the city centre, you’ve come to the right place. Winchester has a half-term packed with events and festivals: from medieval mayhem to colourful crafts, we have something for every little one to enjoy!
Pop by Parchment Street for their street festival, Patronise Parchment Street, running on Friday 26 and Saturday 27 May. They will be celebrating the excellence of Winchester independent businesses with discounts, events, exclusive offers, history tours and more! Free face painting by Mrs Miles Magic will be available from 12.30pm to 4.30pm on Saturday in the covered dining area by Piecaramba. Kites by Anna Devlin’s Sunnyside Art Club displayed in windows will form a treasure trail with prizes up for grabs. Explore the hidden streets of Winchester this half term!
Take a trip back in time to 878 AD with the new immersive experience transporting you to Alfred the Great’s victory over the Vikings. 878 AD is a pioneering collaboration between the heritage sector, the gaming industry and technology innovators, creating a history-defying audio-visual projection and live interactive performance. Winchester’s Anglo-Saxon history will be brought to life before your very eyes.
For a day of hands-on learning, join the City Museum as it is invaded by Noble Normans on 29 May! Try on a knight’s armour, see weapons at play, attend a shire court trial and learn all about Norman craftsmanship while you immerse yourself in the history of Winchester’s medieval roots. And with special guests, the Historia Normannis Re-Enactment Society, this day is a piece of living history you won’t forget!
Step further into the medieval history of the city at Winchester Cathedral, where Winchester Colour Factory are hosting Creative Workshops for all young artists. On 1 and 2 June, you will have the opportunity to join a discovery tour of the Cathedral and their spectacular Elements of Sculpture Exhibition in order to inspire your art. You will be shown how to create gelli prints, abstract and colourful images using paint and cut-outs, which will be showcased in the Exhibition! You won’t want to miss the chance to make your mark at Winchester Cathedral.
Also in the city centre, The ARC has heaps of half term plans fit for royalty! Decorate your own Royal Crown on Wednesday 31 May, build a cardboard castle at their collaborative crafting event on Tuesday 30 May, and join their Party at the Palace dance class on Friday 1 June. What better way to celebrate being in the city built by ancient kings and queens? Book now to ensure a royally good time!
Finally, the crowning jewel of this half term is bound to our Cheese and Chilli Festival on 3-4 June at the North Walls Recreation Ground. Returning for its 8th year, the line-up is full of festival favourites including cooking demonstrations, taste tents, circus performers, live music, and chilli-eating competitions are just a few of the fabulous festivities to get your tastebuds tingling. Even better – kids enter free! Click here to find out what else is in store and pre-book your tickets.
You might also like: May Half Term – Family Days Out.
