Five things to do in Hampshire this weekend (October 14-15)

Pumpkins are ready for picking and some Hampshire attractions are already ready for anyone looking for Halloween fun. 

Plus there's a 1,000 strong illuminated walk around Southampton and so many more things to do in and around the city. 

Here's our pick of some of the best family fun events taking place this weekend. 

Around Southampton...

A bowel cancer survivor who was told she had just 18 months to live has been given her chance to shine at an illuminating night-time walking event for Cancer Research UK this weekend.

Natasha Wakefield, 26, who says she was given a lifeline thanks to a clinical trial, will mark the milestone by firing the klaxon to start the charity’s 10k Shine Night Walk, which is returning to Southampton on Friday (October 13) with 1,100 people taking part.

The event starts at Guildhall Square at 7.30pm, when participants will take to the city’s streets in a fun and inspirational parade of light that, stride by stride, will help beat cancer.

Passing some of Southampton’s famous landmarks, the route will head towards the Peace Fountain, around St Mary's Stadium, alongside Ocean Village and past the Bargate before returning to Southampton’s illuminated Guildhall. 

At Paultons Park...

The popular 'Halloween Spooktacular' has returned to Paultons Park this weekend. 

It sees the leading attraction, at Ower, undergo a ghoulish makeover for the event, running until Monday October 30.

A western-themed transformation for Tornado Springs is sure to thrill guests with a ghostly surprise or two, while Peppa Pig World’s ghoulish makeover will bring a spooky touch to the famous experience.

The Legend of Paultons Manor show, an all-singing and dancing extravaganza, also returns with a special Halloween tale suitable for families to enjoy.

Paultons Park’s very own Halloween mascots, the Spirit Squad, will be haunting the park with several opportunities for visitors to meet the friendly phantoms.

At Winchester Science Centre...

It’s trick or treat season already at Winchester Science Centre and there's plenty of giggles, gasps and gasses. 

Until Monday October 30, there'll be all the usual Science Centre fun, plus even more to excite all ages at Science Spooktacular.

Expect giggles galore as little monsters hit the dancefloor at the Halloween disco. Listen out for the sounds of astounded gasps as families swap spooky scares for frightfully fun science in the Trick or Treat Trail. And head off on a gassy journey through our digestive system to discover what happens to all those tasty Halloween treats with brand new live science show, Can You Stomach It?

At Oasis Academy, Lordshill...

A large-scale public Diwali event in Southampton later this month will showcase Indian culture and celebrate the Festival of Light. 

The Mela, thought to be the first public Diwali festival on the South Coast, will raise funds to help 11-year-old Ansh Agrawala who was born with cerebral palsy.

Hundreds are expected to enjoy the event at Oasis Academy in Lordshill on Sunday, which will include a fashion show of 100 years of Indian fashion, a Ramleela play which tells the story of Diwali, a bazaar selling crafts and products and food stalls.

There will also be a raffle with top prizes of a Nintendo Switch and gold jewellery.

The Diwali Mela, organised by Rajan and Meenakshi Jolly and Sarika Khurana, will run from noon to 6.30pm, entrance is free and all are welcome.

At New Forest Cider...

See traditional cider making in action at the home of real cider in Burley. 

The annual Craft Cider Festival Weekend takes place on Saturday and Sunday. 

See a range of vintage presses and country craft demonstrations.

Also enjoy cider songs and mayhem by Scrumpy & Western band The Skimmity Hitchers over both days. Plus acoustic singer Corky on Saturday and Millie Watson on Sunday.