What’s on Winchester – Autumn half-term

I had to do a post on this as I have been getting so many emails from all the groups and mailing lists I am signed up for. It seems like there is loads going on for children at the moment, so here is my round-up of the best events taking place in Hampshire with a focus on Winchester.

 

 

My personal favourite thing on is the Wessex Children’s Book Festival from October 26 to November 2 at the Winchester Discovery Centre. A number of children’s authors will be appearing at the festival including Tony Robinson and Nick Arnold. Local MP Steve Brine will even be getting in on the action by reading to children, while a film tent and craft activities will be taking place every day. There is a charge for some events and booking is recommended. Details on the free events can be found here. A full list of events can be found here. Baby Rhyme time will also be taking place as usual during the festival at 9.45am and 11am on Thursdays.

artSouth is another project going on that features different arts events throughout the region. As part of this, on November 1, a family day workshop will be held at The Great Hall in Winchester and it is free to take part. Visitors will also be able to view Annika Ström’s exhibition, which is being showcased at the hall.

Jay Millers Circus is onsite at the Milestones Museum in Basingstoke from October 22 to November 3 and details on booking can be found here.

Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are getting in on the Halloween fun with pumpkin carving on October 28, 29 and 30. While on October 31 a Halloween party with stories from the Forest Forge Theatre Company will take place. There are also three story around the campfire sessions on October 28, November 1 and 2. Details on these events can be found here.

The 55th Annual Winchester Bonfire and Fireworks 2013 takes place on November 2 and as usual will feature the procession through town and huge bonfire. Details on buying tickets prior to the event can be found here.

Lanterns Children’s Centre in Winchester has a lot going on as well including Messy Play, Garden Time, Bumps & Babies, and Come and Play sessions throughout half-term. There are also Music Time courses beginning on November 11 that need to be booked in advance. Details on these activities can be found here but you will need to scroll down to the flyer at the bottom of the page for information on half-term activities.

I’ve included some of my favourite events, but details on other activities and playgroups taking place can be found on Mums In The Know – a fantastic site. Make sure to sign up for their newsletter! They also have a Twitter profile that posts information about events including the weekly baby-friendly film screening on Tuesdays at the cinema in Winchester.

Let me know if I have missed anything and most importantly, have fun!