Planning to attend a festival in 2021… restrictions permitting, of course?
Last year may have been a write off as far as events were concerned, but there are glimmers of hope that we can get back to some sort of normality by the spring or summer – and able to enjoy festivals and events once more.
While dates and details may still change depending on restrictions at any given time, Visit Hampshire is looking forward to when we can all travel again by coming up with a list of some of its top festivals.
From celebrating watercress in all its glory – including a world record watercress eating competition – to a festival designed for dogs and even a hat fair (not quite what you think it might be), Hampshire aims to offer a feast of festivals during the year ahead.
Here’s a few of the highlights, but check out the full list:
Alresford Watercress Festival
23rd May 2021, Alresford near Winchester
If you love watercress, there’s only one place to be in May – Hampshire’s ‘Capital of Watercress’! Head to the handsome Georgian town of Alresford and along with the colour-washed houses, riverside walks and specialist shops, you’ll also be visiting the UK’s capital of watercress farming. And each May, the town plays host to a nationally acclaimed annual food festival to celebrate watercress – something which has been grown commercially in Hampshire since the 19th century. Along with food and drink stalls, visitors can watch a watercress eating world championship where competitors munch their way through one 85g bag of fresh watercress, now a feat recognised in the Guinness Book of World Records.
https://www.watercressfestival.org
Dogstival
5th & 6th June 2021, New Forest National Park
Here’s a chance to join the pack… at this exciting festival designed for dogs, their owners and those who just love dogs. Held at Burley Park in the heart of the New Forest, this dog themed festival has some of the best food and drink producers from across the New Forest, stalls selling everything you need for your dog, a vintage fun fair and live music. Plus, there will be interactive dog displays where everyone can get involved and learn more about their four-legged friends, but more importantly have lots of fun.
Smoked and Uncut
29th June (The Pig Brockenhurst) and 24th July (Lime Wood Hotel) 2021, New Forest
Hosted at The Pig in the Forest and luxury country house, Lime Wood Hotel, in the New Forest National Park. these day festivals offer the perfect blend of high-quality local food, English sparkling wine, local ale and great live musical entertainment. With a more relaxed feel, the event offers an opportunity to unwind and enjoy the peaceful surroundings of the New Forest.
https://www.smokedanduncut.com
Hampshire Food Festival
July 2021, across Hampshire
Last year’s event had to be postponed, but 2021 will offer a double celebration – the return of the Festival as well as celebrating 30 years of Hampshire Fare supporting and championing local and sustainable food and drink. Regarded as one of the country’s most ambitious food festivals in terms of scale and reach, it was originally established as a weekend event, but has grown into a month-long, countywide programme of events celebrating the best of local food and farming. The Festival showcases the abundance of Hampshire’s food and drink through farm visits, vineyard and brewery tours, tastings, pop-ups, special menus, chef demonstrations, workshops, fairs and shows.
https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/news-events/hampshire-food-festival
Winchester Hat Fair
Friday 2nd to Sunday 4th July 2021, Winchester
Now the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts, this weekend festival is set in the centre of the historic city of Winchester. The Hat Fair offers a jam-packed programme of outdoor street performances, live music and fun and games over three days. There is something for all ages on offer across the city and best of all, it is absolutely free! And the hat reference? Running for nearly 40 years, the Festival takes is name from donations that fair visitors made, which were originally gathered in a hat.
Wickham Festival
5th – 8th August 2021, Wickham
This four-day family friendly music and arts festival is held in the beautiful rural location near the historic village of Wickham. With live music on four stages plus a host of other entertainment, Wickham is rated by many as one of the safest, most relaxed and family-friendly festivals in the UK, and has won prestigious awards. Stay the whole weekend and camp-out, or if camping isn’t your scene full day and evening tickets are also available.
https://www.wickhamfestival.co.uk
Victorious
27th – 29th August 2021, Portsmouth
Situated on the stunning Southsea Seafront in the maritime city of Portsmouth, Victorious is a three-day festival by the sea. As well as great music and well-known acts, you can enjoy children’s entertainment and activities, delicious food, comedy, real ale and much more.
https://www.victoriousfestival.co.uk
Kitesurfing Armada
10th – 12th September 2021, Hayling Island
Love kitesurfing, watersports and live music? Then this is the festival for you! Regarded as the biggest kitesurfing event in Europe, it combines kiting, live music, family activities and fundraising all into one weekend. Free to attend, it is popular with all ages. Hayling Island is where Windsurfing is said to have been invented by Peter Chilvers, but while it may be the home of windsurfing, it is also loved by Kitesurfers and the annual Armada has been voted Best UK Kitesurfing Event for three years in a row, as well as raising over £200,000 for charity.
https://www.armadaevents.co.uk/kitesurfing-armada
Due to Covid-19 dates and information may change. Please check directly with each festival before booking and travelling.
For general tourist information about Hampshire, and for the latest updates on what’s open, see www.visit-hampshire.co.uk
