Autumn has arrived in Winchester. Crisp mornings, chilly evenings and vibrant colour contrasts. Once more our fine city has a lot to offer this October. Here’s our Win Guide:
The tractors are twitching, the pumpkins are plump – it’s harvest time. Winchester Cathedral will be holding their annual free weekend of Harvest celebrations, 1-2 October from 10am – 5pm. Expect vintage tractors, falconry displays, farm animals, horse-drawn wagon rides, Hampshire Fare market and, new for this year, a grape and grain tent featuring local breweries and English wines. The whole event is supported by a number of partnerships, notably The New Forest Show, NFU, Country Landowners’ Association, Hampshire Council, and Hampshire Fare. Don’t forget to bring a brolly!
Fancy a bit of standup? Pin Drop Comedy in partnership with the Winchester Guildhall will be celebrating the first year anniversary of their monthly standup on 6 October, so expect a bumper night of it. Running on the first Thursday of the month at the Wintonian Bar, Winchester Guildhall, entry is free and the Doors open at 8pm. The bar is open throughout and food is also available. The event is hosted by James Ross & Andrew Johnston.
The Chesil Theatre will be celebrating the dearly missed icon David Bowie in their 10 x 10 new writing festival. From the sublime to the ridiculous, daring and curious, heart-breaking and hilarious, 10 new Bowie inspired 10-minute plays will premiere 8-9 October, 2.30pm & 7.45pm. Tickets are available to book here.
The Jasmin Vardimon company are coming to the Theatre Royal, 13-14 October with their new adaptation of Pinocchio. Visit the theatre website to watch the trailer or to find out about booking ticktets.
There are two festivals to look forward to this month. The Winchester Poetry Festival returns 7-9 October. Workshops, readings and events will be taking place at the Discovery Centre, Theatre Royal and the Art Cafe. For full programme details, visit the festival website here.
We’re rather excited about the Winchester Film Festival, a partnership between the Theatre Royal and University of Winchester. Films are only £5 to attend and will take place in unusual venues across the city. Here’s a full programme:
The Spy Who Came in from the Cold (1965)
Fri 14 October
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Silent Sonata (2010)
Sat 15 October
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An Inspector Calls (1954)
Sun 16 October
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Under the Skin (2013)
Fri 21 October
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Nashville (1975)
Sat 22 October
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Johnny Guitar (1954)
Sun 23 October
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An October couldn’t pass without mentioning half-term or Halloween and there are a number of ghoulish goings on to mention. There’s a Hallowe’en witches and wizard trail at the Winchester City Mill with prizes on offer as well as pumpkin carving, apple harvest activities, baking demonstrations and spooky storytelling. For full details, visit the schedule here.
There will be a family friendly Halloween ghost walk through the city on the 29 October at 6.30pm and an adults only version on the 31 October at 8pm. Advanced booking is available here. The Westgate museum will be getting its spook on with a horror spotters quiz, and will be open throughout half-term week. Admission is free. Winchester’s Supernatural tours will also be hosting their spooky tour of the city, 31 October, 8.30 – 9.30pm with live actors and theatrical shivers.
Harvest away, Wintonians and enjoy!