The Comedy of Errors – 15 June
Join The Handlebards troupe at Chawton House for a bicycle-powered production of Shakespeare’s The Comedy of Errors like you’ve never seen before. When two sets of estranged twins are brought together on the same island, this classic comedy takes hold, with mistaken identity, music and manic costume changes a plenty.
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The Importance of Being Earnest – 30 June
Enjoy Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy of manners, morals and morality in Bishop’s Waltham Palace.
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The Wizard of Oz – 30 June
Based on the original novel by L. Frank Baum, children and adults alike will love this ever-popular story reimagined for the stage.
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Hamlet – 13 July at Chawton House
Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men this summer, in their 20th year, for Hamlet, arguably the greatest play in the English language.
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The Importance of Being Earnest – 14 July at Avington Quarry
Wilde’s comic masterpiece gets The Pantaloons treatment in their anarchic take on the classic comedy of manners. This energetic and musical production from the critically acclaimed company infuses Wilde’s witty words with snappy new songs and frantically funny physical theatre to give this perennially popular play a hilarious contemporary twist!
Bring a picnic and something to sit on!
Get tickets for the 3pm performance
Get tickets for the 7pm performance
Fiesta at Winchester Science Centre – 15 July until 3 September
Welcome to Fiesta, an exciting mini children’s festival of curiosity. Free with general admission this summer! As well as all the usual Science Centre indoor fun, join us as we adventure outside. Enjoy festival tents, mini stages and live science all set against the stunning backdrop of the South Downs National Park.
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UK Fleetwood Mac at Gilbert White’s House – 20 July
UK Fleetwood Mac are a polished band of experienced and accomplished musicians who come together to create the perfect homage to everyone’s favourite 70s rock band. With a remarkable sound, authentic look, and set-list jam packed with hits from Dreams to The Chain you’ll be singing Don’t Stop before you know it! Join family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Gilbert White’s House and Gardens.
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The Adventures of Doctor Dolittle by Illyria Outdoor Theatre – 3 August
Join family and friends for what promises to be the most splendid evening of the summer as you picnic in the historic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden and enjoy the Adventures of Doctor Dolittle by Hugh Lofting, adapted by Oliver Gray.
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Picnic and Movies by Moonlight at Lainston House
Lainston House is offering outdoor cinema on Friday 9th August for Dirty Dancing (12A) and Friday 30th August for Pretty Woman (15).
The Hound of the Baskervilles by Illyria Outdoor Theatre – 16 August
Performed in the historic surroundings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden, the original and greatest literary detective of them all, Sherlock Holmes, and his assistant Doctor Watson, tackle the most baffling case of their careers in this faithful, cheeky but chilling adaptation.
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Beauty and the Beast by Chapterhouse Theatre Company – 24 August
When an arrogant prince is cursed to live as a hideous beast, his only hope is a kindly young woman in search of a rose. Presented with original music and sparkling humour in the delightful settings of Winchester Cathedral’s Lower Deanery Garden.
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The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck by Quantum Theatre at Gilbert White’s House – 7 August
New for 2024, Quantum presents a delightful new adaptation of Beatrix Potter’s much-loved tale — The Tale of Jemima Puddle-Duck.
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Shakespeare in the Garden – Much Ado About Nothing at The King Charles – 9 August
Experience Shakespeare as it was intended – informal, raucous and in a spacious pub garden with a drink in hand.
Count Claudio falls in love with Hero, the daughter of his host. Hero’s cousin Beatrice a confirmed spinster and Benedict an eternal bachelor are each duped into believing the other is in love with them. Claudio is deceived by a malicious plot and denounces Hero as unchaste before they marry.
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Cinema nights under the stars in the Planetarium at Winchester Science Centre
Cool Runnings 28 July
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From sparkling English wine and award-winning apple juice, to artisan breads and carbon negative ice creams, the Winchester district offers a fresh abundance of local flavours to add to your picnic which can be bought from one of the district’s delicatessens, farm shops or independent retailers. Our Visitor Information Centre also stocks a variety of local food, drinks and gifts. Don’t forget to include our local leaf (watercress) in your salad…
To see some of our local flavours and how they are made watch our Made in Winchester video ‘The sharp and the sweet‘.
Shop for local food in our market towns with the help of our maps:
You can also download the BID’s map of Independent retailers in the city centre.
After an evening of entertainment why not enjoy a stay in one of our hotels or guest houses. Take a look at our ‘Where to stay‘ pages to find your perfect bolthole.
