Five family events going ahead in Hampshire this weekend

Ahead of The Queen's funeral on Monday, a number of events will go ahead this weekend. 

Here are our top five tips for a day out that will keep all the family entertained.

Southampton International Boat Show, All weekend

BRITAIN'S biggest festival of boating has returned.

Until Sunday September 25, excluding the day of the Queen's funeral, the whole family can experience life on the water at Europe’s largest purpose-built show marina, with a backdrop featuring everything from kayaks to catamarans, SUPS to superyachts and the world’s most exciting and innovative boats.

The Southampton International Boat Show is back with firm family favourites from previous years, alongside multiple new attractions. Whether you’re a boating enthusiast or are looking to dip your toes in the water for the first time, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

The On the Water Zone hosts a whole selection of watersports under expert guidance, from paddleboards and kayaks to dinghy sailing. It's designed to whet the appetite of visitors and is included in the ticket price. With Try-a-Boat you can try something new or sharpen your existing watersports skills with experts on hand to help. Powerboats, yachts, RIBS and a plethora of other craft are available to try.

Surround yourself with beautifully crafted yachts, the latest boat models and innovative marine gadgets from over 650 global marine brands and as always, up to two children go free with every adult ticket, making it the perfect event for the entire family.

Tickets from southamptonboatshow.com

Arches Open Studios, Southampton, Saturday and Sunday

Resident artists from the Arches Studios in Southampton will be throwing open the doors to their studios this weekend.

Arches Open Studios 2022 is a free, family-friendly event taking place on Saturday between 11am and 5pm and Sunday between 11am and 3pm.

It will offer the opportunity to take part in a range of activities led by artists, including hands-on workshops, demonstrations, and studio tours.

Visitors will also be able to browse and buy original artworks created by the Arches residents.

Saturday will feature live music from local musicians The Bees Knees, Pegasuses, and Rose’s Diary, with Southampton Ukulele Jam returning with singalong classics on Sunday.

Refreshments will be provided by The Butcher’s Hook, Southampton’s original craft beer micro-pub, with speciality coffee and bakes brought to you by Partners in Coffee, and Thai and Chinese food served up by Mama’s Kitchen.

You can find the Arches Studios underneath Central Bridge, accessed from Captain’s Place, just off of Terminus Terrace.

SS Shieldhall Heritage Open Day and end of season cruise, Southampton Docks, Saturday

The largest working steamship in Britain is opening her gangway this weekend as part of the Heritage Open Days initiative.  Visitors can climb aboard SS Shieldhall on Saturday (September 17) at Berth 110 for free pre-booked sessions between 10am and 3pm.

Guests will have access all areas, including the Engine Room, Boiler Room and the Bridge.  Shieldhall's bar and galley will also be open.  Crew will be welcoming the Solent branch of the International Guild of Knot Tyers.

Then, between 4pm and 6pm, Shieldhall will stage a two-hour cruise of Southampton Docks, passing the cruise and container ships in Port.

It's the last family cruise of the 2022 season and the heritage steamship will be at close quarters to Seven Seas Splendor, Sky Princess, Ventura and Iona.

Shieldhall serves as a sea going tribute to Britain’s maritime heritage.

Ringwood Carnival, Ringwood, Saturday

Huge anticipation is building for the long-awaited return of one of the largest community events in the region.

The near-century-old Ringwood Carnival will be held for the first time since 2019 on Saturday in an event which organisers say will be “bigger and better” than ever before.

Organisers made the decision to go ahead with the event following Queen Elizabeth II's death last week after liaising with the New Forest District Council and checking government advice.

As is tradition, two parades are set for the festival of fun – one in the afternoon at 2pm and an illuminated evening parade beginning at 7.15pm, concluded by a fireworks display at 9.30pm to close the day with a bang.

Organisers from Ringwood Carnival Society have lined up a host of activities, competitions, displays, entertainment, stalls, fairground rides, fireworks and processions at this year’s extravaganza.

Other festivities include the funfair and stalls at the Bickerley, live entertainment around the town, static car and motorbike displays (including a classic film car display), marching bands, BMX stunt riders and more.

This year will also mark the first Carnival since the passing of former president and event commentator Michael Lingam-Willgoss. However, in a fantastic act of continuity, his daughter Candice will take over her late father’s commentating duties for this year’s event.

Family fun day at New Park Manor, Brockenhurst, Saturday

Families are invited to New Park Manor Hotel for a fun-filled open day in support of the Neuroblastoma UK.

Guests will be welcomed by the team, who will be offering a range of activities and games for all the family to enjoy, and take part in. 

There will be a barbecue offering a range of food and there will be a donation made to Neuroblastoma UK of £1 for every food item sold. 

The event takes place on Saturday from 12 midday to 3pm. 

Free tickets can be reserved at eventbrite.com

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