ROYAL KNEES-UP: King Charles III Coronation celebrations – Sat 6 – Mon 8 May

King Charles III Coronation events Hampshire and Isle of Wight

Bunting at the ready – there’s a right Royal celebration happening this Bank Holiday weekend around Hampshire and the Isle of Wight with loads of local events, from street parties to fetes and fun. All set to party?

Undoubtedly the grandest settings to watch the Coronation ceremony (Sat 6 May) is live on big screens from the majestic nave at Winchester Cathedral, or at Queen Victoria’s Osbourne House. Elsewhere, a giant outdoor screen will be set up at on the Esplanade at Westquay, in Southampton, with Coronation coverage on 6 May and the Coronation concert on 7 May.

Another Royal (Tudor) favourite, The Vyne, a National Trust big hitter near Basingstoke has a big Coronation picnic on the North Lawn on Monday 8 May and a Coronation garden and house trail from Sat 6 May – Sun 4 June.

Celebrate the occasion at the Quob Park Estate vineyard on Friday 5 May with a Commonwealth Wine Tasting and a classic fish and chip supper. On Coronation Day (Sat 6 May) watch live on TV screens including The Old Tea House, The Old House Hotel and at Quob Park Estate. And if you’re in Wickham, Quob’s Horse Box Bar will be in the Square offering Quob Park Sparkling Wine by the glass or bottle.

Join in the Coronation Party on Sun 7 May at the Field Studies Centre at Gilbert White’s House in Selbourne, East Hants, with free parking and admission, children’s games and a horse box bar. Or head for Arlesford Station (Sun 7 May), where the Watecress Line is putting on an afternoon of music, entertainment, fun and celebration complete with oh-so-English brass band, Morris Dancers and a special Coronation train (fingers crossed for the British weather!).

Over on the Island, The Isle of Wight Steam Railway will be putting on Coronation Specials and have a live stream of the ceremony at a specially decked-out Havenstreet Station (Sat 6 May). Visit Northwood House on Sunday 7 May for their ‘Picnic in the Park’ with live music, family entertainment and a fun dog show taking place from 2pm.

Rock up Royal Rhythms concert Port Solent Portsmouth Hampshire Coronation celebrations

In Portsmouth this weekend? Bust a move at the brilliant free Rock Up to Royal Rhythms concert at Port Solent, featuring tributes the Kings and Queens of Rock including Forever Queen, Kingz of Leon and Craig Jefferson and The Wonder of Elvis. And there’s more Coronation fun to be had at The Queen’s Hotel’s Coronation Garden Party, including live music from bass trio the Dave Baker Project, garden games for the kids plus Pimms and a picnic.

OUTDOORS: Festival of Blossom, now until Sun 7 May, Hinton Ampner, near Arlesford

Cherry Blossom Hinton Ampner Natinal Trust Hampshire Festival of Blossom Watch — Pic: National Trust Images, James Dobson

Without doubt one of the most stunning gardens in the county, celebrate the simple beauty of blossoms and spring blooms at Hinton Ampner. Stroll around the grounds soaking up stunning seasonal colour then relax in a pretty pink deckchair on the lawn. And relaxxx.

WALKS: Alton Walking Festival 2023, now until Wed 31 May, Alton

Best foot forward! The South Downs town with beautiful countryside on the doorstep, Alton and Chawton are quintessential Jane Austen Country. Explore the town and its surrounding villages and discover the wildlife and cultural heritage here as you follow volunteer leaders on short strolls, dog-friendly walkies, day long hikes, themes and family walks.

FOOD & DRINK: The British Street Food Awards, Sat 6 – Mon 8 May, Gunwharf, Portsmouth

Man serving fries street food British Street Food Awards Gunwharf Portsmouth Hampshire things to do May 2023

You want fries with that? See, smell and taste your way around the wares of a few of the region’s best street food vendors as the Southern heats of the British Street Food competition comes to Gunwharf. Support local with a brunch burger from Portsmouth’s own Nosh Box. Or go global, with Cape Malay stews from The Potje Man, high-end Filipino cuisine from Filili Eat and Indian chaat from Oh Babu. The Mac Man has some seriously tasty mac ‘n’ cheese and there’s venison burgers from The Gamekeeper. The winner will head to the UK finals, with an aim of representing the UK at the grand finale of the European Street Food Awards in Germany.

ART: Elements of Sculpture, Fri 12 May – Sun 2 July, Winchester Cathedral, Winchester

Five talented sculptors will have the ultimate backdrop for their work this month – the majestic interior of Winchester Cathedral. Placed in locations which share the same materials they’ll bring a new element to the magnificent architecture and objects within the historic building. As well as the exhibition, there will be workshops for all ages and an Artist Panel Talk event.

WALKS: The Isle of Wight Walking Festival, Sat 13 – Sun 21 May, various locations, Isle of Wight

Isle of Wight Walking Festival Spring May 2023

Keen rambler or Sunday ambler, The Isle of Wight Walking Festival is a brilliant way to get out in the great outdoors and enjoy the beautiful Isle of Wight countryside. There’s over 50 walks guided by knowledgeable local volunteers (so no fear of getting lost). Click here for the Muddy lowdown.

MUSIC: Wolverton Folk and Blues Festival, Sat 13 May, Shorwell, Isle of Wight

A day-long Festival of Folk and Blues set in the stunning grounds of Wolverton Manor, this family friendly festival has brilliant bands/artists, locally produced food, children’s activities, a tea tent and a Real Ale tent all adding to the musical merriment.

EXHIBITION: Our Windrush Story, Sat 13 May, Willis Museum and Sainsbury Gallery, Basingstoke

Windrush exhibition Basingstoke art culture

A brand new exhibition commemorating the 75^th anniversary of the arrival of HMT Empire Windrush at Tilbury Docks, learn about the experiences of Basingstoke residents through a soundscape of music and spoken word accounts from local people of the Windrush generation, along with objects, art and photography.

OUTDOORS: Seasonal spotlight: Rhododendron & Azaleas, Wed 17 May, Exbury Gardens

rhododendrons and azaleas Exbury gardens new forest hampshire

See more beautiful blooms in the New Forest at the world famous Exbury Gardens. Rhododendrons are a big deal here – thousands been planted over the years – and well over 1,000 hybrids have been raised by three generations of the Rothschild family. Take a stroll through the gardens and learn all about them and the beautiful azaleas with one of the knowledgeable garden team.

THEATRE: Mamma Mia!, Fri 19 – Sat 27 May, The King’s Theatre, Portsmouth

Singalong to the hits as the classic feel-good Abba fest comes to The King’s Theatre this month. A global, record-breaking super trouper of a show that’s been seen by over 65 million people worldwide, fans will know exactly what to expect – and love it all the more for precisely that reason.

FESTIVAL: Goodwoof, Sat 20 – Sun 21 May, the Goodwood Estate near Chichester

A shade over the West Sussex border but well worth travelling to for passionate pooch pals, take the doggie and the rest of the family to the second annual Goodwoof festival at Goodwood. From the parade of poodles, led by the Duke of Richmond, to mind-blowing kennels, DOGA (dog yoga), agility, Fido’s Lido and the fastest 50m sprint, it’s brilliantly barking.

THEATRE: Welsh National Opera – Blaze of Glory, Sat 20 May, The Mayflower Theatre, Southampton

Welsh National Opera - Blaze of Glory Mayflower Theatre Southampton Whats on Hampshire May — Pic: Kirsten Mcternan

See Cymru, coal and choral singing at The Mayflower theatre this month. Set in a 1950s Welsh Valleys’ community Blaze of Glory! follows the fortunes of a small group of miners who embark upon a musical escapade by reforming their Male Voice Choir to raise spirits following a mining disaster. Expect Traditional Welsh harmonies, the a cappella sounds of the 1950s, operetta, gospel and big band.

FOOD & DRINK: Alresford Watercress Festival, Sun 21 May, Alresford

The world-famous celebration of our champion, nutrient-packed produce, Alresford’s annual Watercress Festival is a foodie must-visit. Expect brilliantly English entertainment including Morris Dancers, the Watercress King & Queen, Punch & Judy and a highly competitive watercress eating competition. And then there’s the ultimate park-and-ride to get you here via the gorgeous Watercress Line railway.

FOOD & DRINK: Simply Sourdough Baking Class, Tues 23 May, South Downs Sourdough, Cheriton

Sourdough baking class South Downs Sourdough Cheriton Hampshire things to do May 2023

Baking a perfect artisan loaf on your foodie bucket list? Prove you can do it (ho, ho) at this friendly bakery school and B&B in the pretty East Hants village of Cheriton. Owner and expert baker Mark Horner will show you everything you knead to know. After, you’ll take home two loaves, a pizza dough, your own starter and some South Downs Sourdough starter.

ARTS & CRAFTS: Block Printing Workshop, Wed 24 May, Sky Park Farm, Petersfield

Got an eye for a stylish print? Well of course you have! Create one of your own with local artist, illustrator and calligrapher, Hannah Watchorn. The talented creative has made her name from illustrating houses and designing for the likes of the Little White Company. Here’s she’ll show you how to combine block prints with brush stroke techniques to make beautiful, gift wrap in gentle tones, with a natural theme. Tickets include a two-course lunch in The Grazing Rooms after.

THEATRE: Apples in Winter, Wed 24 May, Petersfield Museum, Petersfield

The OFFIE nominated London production of the award-winning one-woman play set in a prison kitchen comes to the Petersfield Museum. LynchPin Theatre’s Apples in Winter tells the story of an American mother whose son has been on death row for 22 years and faces execution. As a last meal, he asks for his mother’s apple pie and the story of how everything changed that night, 22 years ago, unfolds.

ARTS & CULTURE: Cowes Fringe, Fri 26 – Sun 28 May, Cowes

Rob da Bank DJ Cowes Fringe Isle of Wight May 2023 what's on

Brand new on the Island, the first ever Cowes Fringe promises a bumper weekend of art and culture in venues throughout the town. Artists, performers, audiences and local businesses will all come together for performances and workshops. On the lineup are Alfie Moore, the ex cop behind the hit BBC Radio 4 comedy series It’s a Fair Cop, star of stage and screen, Claire Sweeney, Britain’s Got Talent 2022 winner, Axel Blake and a set from the awesome DJ, Rob da Bank.

KIDS: Fairytale Week at Tapnell Farm Park, Sat 27 May – Sat 3 June, near Yarmouth

Hobby horse jousting, archery, three little pigs, billy goats gruff, workshops with The Fairy Godmother and – err, a fortune telling cockroach. Pencil in a visit to Tapnell Farm this half term for loads of outdoorsy farm fun.

OUTDOORS: Isle of Wight Balloon Festival, Robin Hill Country Park, Sat 28 – Mon 30 May

Isle of Wight Balloon festival Robin Hill Country Park

Up, up and away! The unmissable hot air balloon extravaganza is back at Robin Hill Country Park with enthusiastic pilots, live music, street performers and tasty street food. Special-shaped hot air balloons will take to the skies and light up the evening skyline with bursts of colour and epic soundscapes in the event’s spectacular Night Glow finale.

MUSIC: Pink Floyd’s the Dark Side of the Moon at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, Sat 28 May, Winchester

Celebrating 50 years of the iconic album, Winchester Science Centre will show the epic adults-only cinema show Pink Floyd The Dark Side of the Moon 50 years in the comfy Planetarium. 360-degree visuals bring to life the sounds of the legendary band. Fly through the Solar System and zoom through the stars as the album’s 10 tracks play. What a trip.

KIDS: Victoria’s Family Day Out at Osborne House, Tues 30 May – Thurs 1 June, East Cowes

Victoria’s Family Day Out at Osborne House, English Heritage Isle of Wight May what's on

Always a half term winner, join Queen Victoria and her beloved Albert for Victorian sideshows and fairground games such as coconut shy, hoop-la and horseshoe toss. Especially for the day, there’ll be traditional fairground rides like swing boats and a helter-skelter to enjoy, too. One is amused!

What’s on around Hampshire and Isle of Wight this May

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