Do you feel like the nights are drawing in and the summer is coming to a close? Not here in Winchester – our festival season continues with a bountiful crop of arts and cultural events and exhibitions. Come and enjoy Winchester in all its golden autumnal glory…
Now until 29 September
Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: A Different View
Open until 29 September, Michelangelo’s Sistine Chapel: A Different View allows unprecedented closeness to the magnificent works which adorn the chapel ceiling, normally 22 metres above visitors’ heads.
Officially licensed by the Vatican Museums and located in three venues across Winchester (City Space and The Gallery at Winchester Discovery Centre and The Great Hall), experience the masterworks of Michelangelo in this UK premiere.
To be in with the chance to win two exhibition passes simply answer the following question:
Which famous artist completed the Sistine Chapel ceiling painting?
13 – 22 September
Enjoy ten days of over 100 FREE events to celebrate Winchester’s fantastic historical, architectural and cultural heritage. Discover hidden places, hear fascinating and unusual stories, learn new skills and try out new experiences.
Every tour, lecture, activity, creative workshop, bike ride and exhibit is completely free. Whatever your age or interests, there really is something for everyone.
Heritage Open Days
19 – 22 September
Soak up four days of world-class jazz across some of the city’s key art venues, independent bars, pubs and cafes.
This is a great opportunity to enjoy a brilliant array of music from the jazz world within a city that has created a platform to nurture local talent. The festival’s diverse programme includes both free and ticketed events.
Winchester Jazz Festival
This year marks the 200th anniversary of when John Keats spent a short time in Winchester and was inspired to write one of his most famous and best-loved poems To Autumn.
Experience for yourself the same colours of inspiration as Keats and celebrate Autumn in Winchester. Join a full list of tours, lectures, events and activities.
St Cross in 1816
26 September – 6 October
Winchester Comedy Festival is back this September with an eclectic showcase of top-quality and hilariously funny comedians. Venues across the city will be filled with the sounds of laughter, conducted by a phenomenal selection of talented artists from the world of comedy.
Andrew Doyle, Clinton Baptiste and Ed Byrne are just a handful of names that you’ll find on this year’s line-up.
Theatre Royal Winchester is looking forward to a jam-packed programme of performances this autumn and winter – from drama, music and dance, to comedy gold, children’s favourites, and the star attraction – the theatre’s traditional family pantomime, Dick Whittington.
The Scarecrows’ Wedding
5 – 6 October
Winchester Cathedral presents a fun-packed weekend celebrating Harvest and exploring the current environmental issues facing farmers, Hampshire and the country as a whole.
Enjoy farm animals, falconry displays, tractors, a Hampshire Fare market, and a Big Top marquee full of topical displays, speakers and organisations who are working towards a more sustainable future. Plenty of local food and drink will be available for all to enjoy. This is a free event. All are welcome.
Hampshire Harvest Weekend
All aboard the Watercress Line! Our favourite heritage steam railway has been included in Lonely Planet’s list of UK top experiences in a new ranked list of the 500 most memorable, beautiful, surprising and compelling experiences to be had across Great Britain, Northern Ireland and the Channel Islands. Have you tried it yet?
Ultimate United Kingdom Travelist
