Win Guide to March
Spring is approaching and it couldn’t come soon enough.
Here’s our Win Guide to March.
Chance for Local Talent to perform at Hat Fair
Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running annual festival of Outdoor Arts – wants to hear from local acts interested in performing at this year’s event, held in Winchester and which this summer runs from Friday 3 – Sunday 5 July.
Win Guide to Christmas
Ho, ho, how did it get to a month before Christmas? Time flies in our fair city, but thankfully Winchester has a fantastic range of festive offerings to banish the bah humbugs and ring in the season.
Two Hundred Years of Autumn
In honour of the anniversary of his local sojourn, the University of Winchester is staging ‘Two Hundred Years of Autumn’ at Theatre Royal Winchester on the evening of 7 October, as part of Visit Winchester’s ‘Keats in Winchester’ programme of events. Read more
Heritage Open Days 2019
This year’s Heritage Open Days looks like being another triumph. An even greater number of events – 147 – are on offer over a longer time span – 10 days! Events take place not only in Winchester but also in Alresford, Southampton, Selborne, Chawton, Kingsworthy, Romsey, Hursley, Ropley, Swanwick and Northington. Read more
Win Guide to Hat Fair 2019
Hold on to your Hats: Winchester’s beloved Hat Fair Festival takes place this weekend, from Friday 5th to Sunday 7th July 2019. Did you know that Hat Fair is the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts? Read more
Win Guide to June
Summer officially arrives in June and for Wintonians, whatever the weather, the season will be bustling with festivals and activities for all to enjoy. Here’s our Win Guide to June.
Win Guide to April
Happiness is a place called Winchester, according to the Royal Mail UK Happiness Index. The survey carried out in early 2019 measured happiness according to eight factors: well-being, life expectancy, earnings, inequality, carbon emissions, crime, deprivation and access to health services. So with our happiness top spot confirmed, let’s find out what’s going on to keep us smiling this month… Read more
Tavern Talks strike back!
Last autumn, the University of Winchester’s Faculty of Arts teamed up with Winchester’s St James Tavern to launch Tavern Talks, a new series of public conversations aimed at bringing people together to engage in lively discussions about the arts, culture and contemporary discourse. The organisers have now announced the new programme of Tavern Talks for early 2019. Read more
Feature: Donald Hutera talks to Yolande Yorke-Edgell
Donald Hutera talks to Yolande Yorke-Edgell about her company’s anniversary production, TWENTY in a special feature for the Winchester Guide.
Win Guide to the Theatre Royal in February
It may be a short and wintry month, but there’s lots of Theatre on offer in Winchester. Here’s our Win Guide to the Theatre Royal in February.
Tavern Talks
On Thursday evening (24 January) Professor Tim Prentki will be speaking in the latest in the University of Winchester monthly series of Tavern Talks – held upstairs at the St James Tavern at the bottom of the Romsey Road. Read more
Win Guide to December
That’s right Wintonians, the countdown to Christmas in Winchester is upon us. Let’s face it, our city is pretty good at embracing this season. Here’s our Win Guide to December…
Firstly, have you booked your ticket to panto at the Theatre Royal Winchester? This year’s festive treat is Beauty and the Beast. Oh yes it is. Audiences have been saying great things in response to the opening previews on Twitter and it’s going to be a corker. Read more
The Digital Divide
The University of Winchester presents an inaugural lecture by Marcus Leaning, Professor of Digital Media Education on Thursday 29 November at 6pm (6.30pm start).
The public event is free to attend and all are welcome. Plus there will be wine, soft drinks and nibbles. Read more
Win Guide to November
Remember, remember, it’s time for a Win Guide to November. From fireworks to film festivals to theatre, here’s our guide to some sizzling events in the city this month.
Win Guide to Half Term
It’s half term in Winchester and time for some entertainment ideas. Here’s a Win Guide to what this week has on offer for families:
Tavern Talks
The University of Winchester’s Faculty of Arts has teamed up with St James Tavern at the bottom of Winchester’s Romsey Road to launch Tavern Talks, a new series of public conversations aimed at bringing people together to engage in lively discussions about the creative arts and contemporary discourse in the contexts of cultural history and modern politics and society. Professor Alec Charles, the University of Winchester’s Dean of Arts, tells the Winchester Guide what’s in store for the first programme of Tavern Talks, starting Thursday 25th October 2018. Read more
Welsh National Opera hosts bespoke workshop course in Winchester
This autumn Theatre Royal Winchester is partnering with Welsh National Opera, Mayflower Theatre and University of Winchester to offer young people the opportunity to take part in a two-day musical workshop course.
Fagin’s Twist
Following the critically-acclaimed 2016 premiere of Fagin’s Twist and last year’s highly successful tour, Avant Garde Dance and The Place collaborate once again to present the 2018 UK autumn tour. The story unravels and explodes into a captivating performance and ambitious dance show, based on Charles Dickens’ much-loved classic. Fagin’s Twist is the untold story of a notorious and complex villain with a mischievous twist. Read more
New Dance Goes Viral
By our editor in chief, Donald Hutera
Exclusive to The Winchester Guide
This autumn Shobana Jeyasingh Dance brings its latest work ‘Contagion’ to six science, art and war-related sites across the country. The tour opens September 15 and 16 at the Gymnasium Gallery in Berwick-upon-Tweed, a former army barracks where soldiers were sent to keep fit during the First World War. The good news for residents of Winchester and environs is that the second stop of the tour is September 22 and 23 at the Great Hall in Winchester – a truly stirring location. Read more
Exploded Circus
Theatre Royal Winchester will be welcoming the formidable Mimbre and their touring production Exploded Circus, 7 – 8 September, 7.30pm with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Here’s a preview for the must see event.
Win Guide to August
It’s sizzling out there. Here’s our Win Guide to a chilled out hot summer in the city of Winchester:
The Winchester Guildhall is running a Summer Film Fest, with a great programme of family films.
Win Guide to March
March started with the Beast from the East and an Amber weather warning. We hope our fellow Wintonians managed to stay warm and dry in the snow. A big thank you to Trinity Winchester, local carers, emergency services, public sector staff and neighbours who cared for the vulnerable during an unexpected freeze. Read more
Win Guide to January
Happy New Year, Wintonians. The christmas festivities may be over but we’re very excited about 2018 in Winchester. Here’s our guide to some invigorating arts and culture in the city this January.
Thrilling is the word as Charge comes to Winchester’s Theatre Royal
Donald Hutera talks to Kevin Finnan, the artistic director of Motionhouse
Given that creative energy is never in short supply Motionhouse, it may come as no surprise that energy is the core subject of the latest touring show by this long-established, UK-based company. But the production, entitled Charge, is nevertheless bound to offer visual thrills and kinetic surprises aplenty as it uses dance, acrobatics, digital projection and a galvanising soundtrack to probe the sources that activate life in the human body. Read more
Win Guide to October
Autumn is upon us, a time for knitwear, leafy walks in vibrant reds and burnt orange or perhaps a time to head indoors and visit some of Winchester’s cosy city hosts. Here’s the Win Guide to what’s on
Win Guide to September
September is here, the summer holidays for some have come to an end but fear not, for Winchester is offering plenty to amuse and entertain us all this month.
Win Guide to August
It’s definitely summer in Winchester, despite what the weather might have us believe. Let’s see what’s on offer this month:
Cult Screens are back this summer…
Win Guide to July
It’s summer in the city. Let’s see some of the highlights on offer this month:
It’s the Winchester Festival, 7 to 15 July. Celebrating its twentieth year, this is one of the city’s oldest festivals. Read more
Win Guide to June
Summer is here at last, and Winchester will not disappoint. Hold on to your summer hats, it’s going to be a busy June:
Remember the band Wheatus? Take a trip into some nineties nostalgia at the start of the month on 1 June with a chance to see them live at the Winchester Guildhall. Tickets are available to book online.
Win Guide to May
Welcome to May, one and all. Here’s our guide to what’s on in Winchester this month:
For photography fans, look no further than the Discovery Centre for the opportunity to view this year’s finalists for the Winchester Photographic Societies Annual Exhibition, at the City Space. Read more
Win Guide to April
April is going to be a great month in Winchester. Easter is upon us, and the city is gloriously decorated with vibrant spring flowers. Here’s our Win Guide to some of the events to enjoy this month
Win Guide to March
Spring is springing! March is here and hopefully the sun will start to make an appearance to warm up the flowers that have started to bloom.
Let’s see how Winchester will be entertaining and amusing this month: Read more
Win Guide to February
February is here and whilst it may be grey, spring is not so far away now. It’s a short month this one, so let’s make it count.
Lamenting the loss of Christmas? It’s been a while, hasn’t it? Well fear not, for Gallows Theatre will be treating us to Seven Santas by Jeff Goode at the Discovery Centre, 3 – 4 February at 7.30pm. Read more
Win Guide to January
It’s a new year in the UK’s number one city. Here’s our guide to starting your 2017 in the finest Wintonian style:
The Railway Inn has a weird and wonderful selection of events on offer to tempt city folk out this month. The weekly free Poetry Platform runs on the first Tuesday of every month, Winchester’s longest serving poetry open mic. Read more
Win Guide to December
It’s beginning to feel a lot like December, and you can’t fail to notice the lights in the city or the selection boxes and crackers that are lining the supermarket aisles. ‘Tis certainly the season, so let’s see what our fine city has to offer in the lead up to Christmas. Read more
Win Guide to November
The city is treating us to a display of fiery reds and golden browns so dig out your knitwear, wrap up warm and read about what Winchester has to offer this month.
There’s a chance to see some great story telling at the Theatre Royal on the 4 November in the form of Wot? No Fish! In 1926 shoemaker Ab Solomons drew a doodle on the wage-packet he gave to his wife Celie. Throughout their marriage, right up until 1982, Ab developed his art, drawing a wage-packet picture every week for Celie. One of Lyn Gardener’s top ten shows of 2014, this is a great night at the theatre. We saw it a the BAC and can thoroughly recommend! Read more
Being Human
Jasmin Vardimon’s Pinocchio comes to Winchester
by Donald Hutera
What does it mean to be human?
That question is the thematic core of Jasmin Vardimon’s dance-theatre take on Pinocchio, which is about to visit Theatre Royal Winchester for three performances (Oct 13 at 7.30pm, Oct 14 at 1.30pm and 7pm) as part of a big UK tour. Read more
Win Guide to October
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 Read more
Culinary Cocktails in Winchester
Following the success of the first Kitchen Cabinet event in July, Winchester’s Forte Kitchen will be opening its doors after-hours again for two further events designed for gastronomes and cocktail enthusiasts alike. Cabinet Rooms and Forte Kitchen are working together to offer a menu of sharing plates and complementary cocktails influenced by the new seasons’ flavours. Read more
Winchester Cabinet Rooms: Beatnik Supper
Dont miss: Saturday 24 September 2016 at 7pm.
Live jazz, live poetry, great food and delicious cocktails.
For one night, Cabinet Rooms will offer guests who join them at the “Beatnik Supper”. Read more
Win Guide to September
A Win Guide to September in Winchester
So September has crept up on us. And there are new beginnings on the Winchester horizon. The Autumn equinox is almost here and a new school term of course. As nature moves from green to reds and browns, it seems like no time since summer began. But fear not, Winchester as always will provide a range of events and treats to delight and distract this September. Read more
Hampshire Open Studios
An annual art trail which gives a unique view on the world of local artists, their studios and galleries.
Saturday 20 – Monday 29 August 2016
Heritage Open Days
Posted 5 August 2016: Every September, an army of dedicated volunteers get together to champion local treasures through Heritage Open Days. Between 8 – 11 September, some 40,000 people across England have organised 5,000 free events to celebrate our fantastic history, architecture and culture. Read more
Win Guide to August
Posted 29 July 2016: There are plenty of curated outdoor activities for summer on offer in our fine city and its surrounding areas this month. Here’s our Win Guide to them:
The Wickham Festival 4th to 7th August boasts an impressive music line-up and has been rated as one of ‘Britain’s best boutique and family friendly festivals’, The Guardian. Acts include The SAS Band – Spike’s All-Stars, founded by Spike Edney and described as the “Ultimate All-Star Band” with world class musicians and Rock artists. Read more
Win Guide to July
Posted 5 July 2016: July is here and Winchester will not fail to deliver its share of weird and wonderful events to brighten what has been a temperamental summer thus far:
Have you ever experienced live stone masonry? Winchester Cathedral will be hosting a Festival taking place in the Inner Close Read more
Hat Fair
Posted 1 July 2016: Hat Fair is the UK’s longest running festival of outdoor arts.
The festival takes place every year during the first weekend of July across the historic city of Winchester.
Win Guide to June
Posted 6 June 2016: 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 Read more
Win Guide to May
Posted 4 May 2016: In May’s gone by Machiavelli was born, the Renaissance came to an end, England and Scotland formed Read more
Spiritual Matters
Posted 28 April 2016: WinGuide editor Donald Hutera speaks to Yolande Yorke-Edgell, head of Yorke Dance Project
Win Guide to April
Posted 4 April 2016: Welcome to April, Wintonians. Here’s our guide to what’s on this month…
Don’t be alarmed but the Daleks are coming. Read more
Of Books and Men
WinGuide editor Donald Hutera WinGuide editor Donald Hutera interviews the makers of a brace of shows presented by Theatre Royal WinchesterA Glimpse Inside Creative Cow
Posted 24 March 2016: by WinGuide editor Donald Hutera
Creative Cow is a theatre company that specialises in fresh stagings of classic plays or literary adaptations Read more
Win Guide to Easter
Easter greetings, “practically perfect” Wintonians. Our secret is out, Winchester has been recognised by the Sunday Times as the number one place to live in Britain. We are an “historic, cultured, foodie city” Read more
Win Guide to March
Posted 7th March 2016: March is here signalling the welcome departure of winter and the eagerly anticipated arrival of spring. Expect festivities aplenty in the lead up to Easter in Winchester this month.
Discover Women GOlive in Winchester
Posted 2nd March 2016: They’re fabulous but flawed, fertile…or is it febrile? Maybe a little freaky or finicky, and sometimes fraught or fragile, too, but frankly funny and fantastic. Putting Dance on the Map
by Winchester Guide editor Donald Hutera
Posted 4 February 2016: mapdance, the University of Chichester’s MA touring company, is celebrating its tenth birthday Read more
Peta Lily: The transformative power of Imperfection
Interview by Winchester Guide editor Donald Hutera
Posted 3 February 2016: Peta Lily is one of my favourite performers, but also one whom I’ve known personally as both colleague and friend for thirty years.
Win Guide to February
Get ready, Winchester, for there are 29 days in February 2016 meaning we are in a leap year. Ladies, traditionally this extra day is an opportunity to propose to your significant other Read more
Win Guide to January
January – the month of belt tightening and post-festive blues. Here are a few suggestions from the Win Guide to brighten the month:
Win Guide to December
It’s officially time to get festive. December is here, and Winchester is already embracing its identity as the “perfect” city for Christmas. Here’s the Win Guide to what’s on offer:
Wine Utopia Winter Tasting
Posed 18th November 2015 It’s winter, it’s windy, but worry not, for Winchester’s finest Wine Utopia is offering a Winter Tasting at The Great Hall on Friday November 20th from 6pm to 9pm.
Win Guide to November
Posted 1st November 2015 November, november, remember november? What a fine time for Wintonians. It may be getting chilly out there, but Winchester is certainly showing off its seasonal sensations. Here’s a taste of what’s on offer in our fine city this month: Read more
Winchester Film Fest
Posted 13th October 2015 Attention film fans – it’s the sixth edition of The Winchester Film Festival from 15 to 25 October 2015 – Read more
Win Guide to October
Winchester is fizzing with Autumnal fun and entertainment this month. Here’s a flavour of what’s on offer in October from the Win Guide:
Win Guide to September
Posted 12th September 2015 September is well on its way, school terms have started and so we must look to the city to provide some entertainment to end those post-summer-blues.
Littleton and Harestock Show
Posted 3rd September 2015 The summer holidays may be over, and yes, we had a lot of rain, but fear not – the best village show in Hampshire is upon us this Saturday 5th September. Read more
Cabinet Meeting
Posted 28th August 2015 An Historic Day for Winchester’s First Cabinet Meeting by Gary Whiter
At approximately 17:30 on Wednesday 9 September, Queen Elizabeth II will officially become the longest reigning monarch in British history. To mark this historic day, Winchester food and drink bloggers, Cabinet Rooms, will be hosting a very special wine tasting evening in collaboration with leading English winemaker, Nyetimber. Read More
Win Guide to August
Posted: 11th August 2015 Don’t be alarmed but the Dinosaurs are back and they have chosen to base themselves in Hampshire. It’s Dino Fest 2015, a monumental year of “roarsome” events for budding palaeontologists, eager explorers and their parents who may be looking for rain-proof indoor fun. Winchester is offering Dinosaurium at the City space, Winchester Discovery Centre for free. It’s an opportunity to see local artists create creatures from paper, card and other materials. There will be an Edwardian specimen jar with a ‘real-life’ dinosaur to examine. If you fancy going further afield, there are plenty of events happening across the county Read more
GOlive Winchester
Posted: 23rd July 2015 GOlive Winchester 2015: Friday, July 24 By Donald Hutera
For decades I was a free-lance arts journalist writing primarily about dance, theatre and live performance for The Times and many other Read more
Just Dance – Hitting the Moment
Posted: 12th July 2015 Winchester Guide editor and arts journalist (The Times, etc) Donald Hutera interviews the multi-talented Antonia Franceschi as she prepares for the UK premiere of Just Dance.
Win Guide to Hat Fair
Posted: 29th June 2015 It’s time again for Hat Fair and the chance for everyone who happens to be in Winchester to bask in some phenomenal busking. This year the newly-appointed artistic director Read more
Win Guide to June
Posted: 2nd June 2015 It’s Festival fever in Winchester this June, with the Winchester Writer’s Festival, the Flower Festival, the Criterium Cycle Fest and the Guitar Festival. Here’s our guide:
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