Wey Valley Radio

Local Events Diary

 

 

 

 

Listed below are a selection of local events for the coming months in Alton and the surrounding area. 

Useful site for local events is What's on in Alton. For details of this years, Heritage Open Days, click here.

Holybourne Theatre

Does your young one want to be in our upcoming panto? Are they keen to be on the stage?

Then, to audition, they need to be part of their Youth Theatre. Our Youth theatre has many opportunities to perform in not only Panto but plays and musicals!

They have two enthusiastic Youth Theatre Leaders, Luke and Elliott, who run 4 different age groups on a Saturday for children aged from 7 to18 years. 

There are spaces are available to join. 

If you are interested, please contact our website:


Ongoing to 16 September    Summer Reading Challenge

Venue: Alton Library

This summer, children aged 4-11 can visit Alton Library to join a superstar team and their marvelous mascots and get involved in a Summer Reading Challenge. This year it’s themed around the power of play, sport, games and physical activity.

By taking part in the Challenge, with free materials from the library, children will be encouraged to keep their minds and bodies active over the summer break. Children are rewarded with stickers and a medal if they manage to read 6 books over the summer.

It is free to take part.


9 September Hampshire Farmers' Market
Venue:  High Street
Time:    10am until 2pm

Hampshire Farmers’ Markets runs the second Saturday of every month, offering a range of delicious local Hampshire food and drink. Produce includes home reared meats, eggs, cheese, milk, ice cream, wine, beer, apple juice, bread, cakes, bakes, pickles, chutney's, preserves, fruits and vegetables – all seasonally produced from within Hampshire.


9 September    Alton Craft Market
Time:     10am – 3pm

Enjoy the friendly atmosphere of the monthly market, offering unique, handmade goods from local artisans, crafters and makers.

Held on the second Saturday of every month from March to December, it’s located along Alton High Street and Cross & Pillory Lane.  


9 September    Alton Guided Walk
The next Alton Town Guided Walk takes place on Saturday 18 March. It’s well worth going on the walk even if you have lived in Alton for a long time.

Cost is £3 for adults and children (5-16) – 50p
For further information call: 01420 85057

Other dates:  21 October, 18 November and 16 December  


9 / 23 September         Alton Community Share  
Venue: St Lawrence Parish Church, Alton
Time:  10am – 12pm

Toys, books, games and jigsaws to borrow for free.
Everyone's welcome to browse and choose from our range of pre-loved toys, jigsaws, games and activities. There’s plenty of space to browse, stay and play.  

Also: 14/28 Oct; 11/25 Nov; 9 Dec.  


Thursday 14 September   Froyle Wildlife Talk
Froyle Village Hall

Appreciate the variety of fungi that can be seen when you are out and about in Hampshire

Photographer Rosemary Webb will show us that fungi are not only amazing organisms but also play a vital role in nature to recycle matter.

Doors open Froyle Village Hall 7pm for talk to start at 7.30pm. All welcome, teas/coffee, entrance £3 for non members, members free. Event organised by Froyle Wildlife.


16 September     Alton Classic Car Show

The Alton Classic Car show is back and the theme this year – motorsports.
Takes place in Alton’s High Street.

More details to come.  


16-17 September   Open weekend - Watercress Line

THE WATERCRESS LINE OPENS ITS STATIONS

The Open Weekend gives visitors a chance to explore our engineering hub at Ropley Station to view current restoration projects throughout the yard, engineering shed and carriage shop viewing gallery. Guided tours will be available throughout the weekend.

More details to follow. 


21 September      Bird of Prey Walk  
Venue: Chawton House
Time:  8-10am

Join Anita from Hampshire Hawk Walks for a Bird of Prey Walk around the beautiful Chawton estate.

Start your day with a relaxing walk through the picturesque parkland, where Anita will point out the native wildlife and show the historic features that decorate the landscape. You can also enjoy the view as one of Anita’s Harris Hawks flies through the trees.

Once you have finished your walk, relax in the historic setting of Chawton House's Old Kitchen and enjoy a delicious English Breakfast with a tea or coffee.

Admission - £40 per person


22 September    Mid Hants Railway
Little Locos Watercress Line Toddler Group.

Takes place at Ropley station.
Sessions for 2-5 year olds with music, rhymes, art and craft activities all inspired by the railway and their locomotives. Tea, coffee, squash and a biscuit is included in the price.
Places are restricted to 25 families. First come, first served. Tickets must be booked in advance.
Ticket prices for toddlers is £4.50 and free for parents and guardians.
 Admission does not include a train ride.

Other dates: 20 October

Book via their website.  


30 September   Chawton Craft Fair
Time: 10am-3pm
Venue: Chawton Village Hall

Chawton Craft Fair featuring locally handmade crafts and gifts. Free Entry.
Held on last Saturday of the month throughout the year.

(Dates: 28 October, 25 November and 16 December.)


6-8 October   Watercress Line Autumn Steam Gala

The Watercress Line has it’s Autumn Gala weekend on 6-8 October. There are visiting steam engines and the gala will have a branch line feel to it.

More details to follow but tickets now available.

Visit Watercress Line website.

25 November     Alton Vegan Market - Festive Special
Time:     10am – 3pm
Venue:  Alton High Street

This event will bring together a variety of small businesses from vegan street food vendors, artisan bakers, coffee traders, craft brewers, fresh produce, ethical products and gifts.

And it’s not just for vegans.


8 – 17 September   Heritage Open Days

England’s largest festival of history and culture – the Heritage Open Days – returns next month.  

Every September thousands of volunteers across England organise events to celebrate our fantastic history and culture. It's your chance to see hidden places and try out new experiences – all of which are FREE to explore.

Full details: heritageopendays.org.uk

Some local events related to this:

Jane Austen’s House is open late afternoons on various dates – pre-booking essential

 

At Chawton House you can join Curator Emma Yandle for an object-led talk delving further into Chawton House's latest library display: Godmersham Park: the novel.

 

If you’re not familiar with it, author Gill Hornby tells the story of Anne Sharp, a young woman forced by circumstance to take up the role of governess to Edward Austen’s daughter Fanny, at his main residence - Godmersham Park, in Kent. Anne Sharp was a real person, and it was at Godmersham Park that she met Jane Austen. The two recognised each other as intellectual equals with a shared love of literature. “My dearest Anne”, became Jane Austen’s life-long correspondent.

Gill Hornby’s well-researched novel draws from works in Chawton House's collection to tell Anne Sharp’s story.

Event Times

Friday 15 September: 1600-1700

Booking Details

Pre-booking: Required


Chawton House Garden Tour

The Chawton House garden is packed with features that make the most of its picturesque surroundings.

On this hour and a half tour of the historic grounds and gardens at Chawton House, your guide will discuss the English Landscape Movement and how our garden has changed since the early 1700s. 

Event Times

Tuesday 12 September: 1030-1200

Booking Details

Pre-booking: Required


Holy Trinity Church – Privett, near Alton

“Ruins” is an exhibition by Nicholas Gibbs with texts, poetry and music at Holy Trinity Church in Privett, near Alton.  

You can enjoy the artwork of Nicholas Gibbs in this lavishly decorated Medieval-style church to the relaxing fusion guitar music of David Alexander.

This exhibition of Nicholas Gibbs' works featuring ruins and landscapes brought to life by readings of the work of local country poets and authors. 

Approx: 100 paintings will be exhibited

Event Times

Saturday 16 September: 10:00 - 16:00

Booking Details

No booking required


The Grange, Northington – which is near New Alresford is considered the foremost example of Greek Revival architecture anywhere in England. Modelled on an Ancient Greek temple, it was designed by architect William Wilkins, who went on to design the National Art Gallery.

Event Times

Thursday 14 September: 1100-1630.

Guided tours at: 1130, 1315 & 1500

Booking Details

Pre-booking: Required

 

Alre Together Heritage Walk

On Sunday 10 September the Alre Together Heritage Walk promises a captivating journey into Alresford's past.

Discover the captivating tale of watercress, chalk streams, and the town's history on this one hour guided walk. Led by Watercress Way Trustee Stephen Jeffrey - delve into the fabric of Alresford's identity and learn how these elements have shaped the town over time.

Pre booking essential

Event Times

Sunday 10 September: 10.30am

Meeting point – New Alresford station car park.

 

 

 
Note:
This list is not exhaustive and is published in good faith based on information from the event organisers. Wey Valley Radio is not responsible for any errors, cancellations or changes. If in doubt, contact the event organiser to confirm details.

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