We’re not going to mention the weather for fear of scaring it off, but June is most certainly here and Winchester has a lot to offer this month:
Hijack Cinema will be taking over North Walls Recreation ground with an exciting programme of outdoor screenings, including Airplane on 10 June. Cinephiles are advised to bring a blanket and some warm clothes as the film starts just before 10pm. Visit the website to book an e-ticket and for more details. And if you can’t make this date, fear not for on the 11 June The Truman Show will be showing and on 12 June there will be a screening of 500 Days of Summer.
The 7th Arlesford Music Festival is on Sat 11 June, offering 4 stages of live music. Highlights include a festival village, arts & craft activities, food and drink including a ‘Ringwood Fine Ale’ beer tent, cider corner, cocktails and a Pimms Bar. This year there is a dedicated ‘Family Arena’ with loads of free activities and family entertainment including a silent disco, street theatre, circus skills, bungee trampolining, colossal climbing wall and inflatable assault course. There are free shuttle busses to and from both Winchester and Alton Train stations running throughout the day from mid-morning until midnight. Dub Pistols will be the festival headline act and camping opens on Friday 10 June from 4pm. For more details, visit the festival website.
Drop into the Westgate Museum on 12 June, 1-3pm for some Tudor music in homage to Shakespeare’s anniversary year, performed by Courtlye Musick. This is a free event, but donations are welcome.
The 36th Winchester Writer’s Festival is on this month at the University of Winchester, 17 – 19 June. Speakers include top literary agents, commissioning editors or authors, and attendees can book up to four one-to-one appointments for feedback on their work and a commercial appraisal. Meg Rosoff will be giving the keynote address this year. For more details or to book a place visit the website.
The YMCA and the Children’s Society have opened a moving portrait exhibition Hidden at Winchester Cathedral to highlight the journey of young carers. Former young carer and award winning photographer Max Alexander captures the burden of responsibility and difficult choices that children face in a care role. Standard Cathedral admission fees apply, 1 June – 17 July.
The Theatre Royal has a lot to offer this month. Little people will be delighted to hear that Tiddler & Other Terrific Tales are in town, 7-8 June, presented by Scamp Theatre. The Winchester Comedy Festival will be presenting a gala night on Friday 10 June, featuring Nick Helm, Rob Deering, John Kearns and Lucy Porter. Blue Apple Theatre in association with The Occasion are bringing Around the World in 80 Days, a new adaptation of Jules Verne’s epic tale, 16-18 June. Young Theatre Royal will be lost in Anthony Nielson’s Wonderful World of Dissocia 21 and 23rd June and Integr8 will be having a Dance Off, 24 -26 June with 400 children and young people take to the stage to show off their street dance moves.
Don’t forget your polling cards for the EU Referendum on 23 June. The deadline to register to vote is 7 June, so if you haven’t received your card, here’s a guide to ensuring you are registered to have your say.
Plenty to stimulate the senses this month. Enjoy!