Five fun things to do in Hampshire this bank holiday weekend

Keep all the family entertained with our top tips on five of the best things to do in and around Southampton and the New Forest from Saturday to Monday May 4 to 6.

At Beaulieu...

Tasty veg growing tips, kitchen demos, a VIP supper, and street food feasts are all on the menu at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu this weekend. 

Foodies, gardeners and growers alike will be spoilt for choice with workshops, edible show gardens, plant experts, a food and drink market and more, all dedicated to the joy of growing and enjoying great food.

At the Spring Fair’s new Get Growing Stage and in the historic setting of Beaulieu’s Palace House Victorian Kitchen, head chefs, mixologists and kitchen gardeners from the New Forest’s The Pig and Lime Wood hotel will join TV presenter, Chris Bavin, and plant podcaster, Ellen Mary, to celebrate spring flavours and local produce, serving up some creative, plant-packed, seasonal dishes, desserts and cocktails to make at home.

For hands-on home growing, the Spring Fair is the place to be. In the Workshop Marquee, plant expert Lucy Chamberlain will be hosting daily ’10 Essentials of Growing Your Own’ sessions and the Sussex-based Caley Brothers will be showing how to grow Oyster mushrooms at home.

For more expert advice and entertaining gardening and growing chat, head for the BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine Stage where Gardeners’ World presenters will be sharing their secrets to growing ‘easy edibles’ with the Magazine’s editors.

The Spring Fair’s Plant Experts and Beaulieu’s head garden team will also be hosting guided tours of Beaulieu’s Kitchen and Ornamental Gardens,

At Mayflower Park...

Expect extreme stunts and classic clown escapades as Circus Extreme remains in Southampton until Monday. 

Part of its latest world tour, Europe's largest touring Big Top continues in Mayflower Park with several shows over the bank holiday weekend. 

Merging modern and contemporary circus styles, producers are promising 'a jam-packed new production featuring show-stopping performances that will have you on the edge of your seat'.

Aboard SS Shieldhall...

After historic Steamship Shieldhall launched its 2024 sailing programme with yesterday's Queen Anne sail by cruises, she's back out on the water several times this weekend. 

Shieldhall will also be staging a sold-out Selsey Shantymen sailing on Saturday, and a Rogation Sunday ‘Blessing of the Waters Service’ and a separate Rogation Sunday Docks Cruise on Sunday. 

The ‘Blessing of the Waters’ service will be conducted on board Shieldhall, in the presence of the Lord Mayor of Southampton and invited guests. The City of Southampton Albion Band and Southampton Salty Sea Dogs will provide musical accompaniment.

As part of cruises, guests can see Shieldhall’s impressive engine room with its original steam engines at work and the bridge, with its traditional instruments and gleaming brasswork; admire the ship’s steam assisted steering gear (similar to that used on Titanic); talk to the Captain and her volunteer crew; listen to an informed commentary on the sights and sounds of Southampton Water and the Solent; pass close to the great ocean liners and container ships; walk the teak decks; relax in the saloon with a wide range of refreshments including tea / coffee; a range of Titanic bottled beers; wine and snacks, available on all trips. 

At Mayflower Theatre...

The most fantasmagorical musical of all time has landed in Southampton where it opens its UK tour at Mayflower Theatre. 

A brand-new production of this much-loved family favourite stars Adam Garcia (Wicked, Kiss Me Kate, Coyote Ugly) as Caractacus Potts, Liam Fox (Emmerdale) as Grandpa Potts and Charlie Brooks (The Ocean at the End of the Lane, EastEnders) as the Childcatcher.

Directed by Thom Southerland (Titanic, Parade), choreographed by Karen Bruce (BBC’s Strictly Come Dancing, The Bodyguard) and designed by Morgan Large (Newsies, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat), this ravishing award-winning musical is bursting with unforgettable songs by the Sherman Brothers including Toot Sweets, Hushabye Mountain, Truly Scrumptious and of course the Academy Award-nominated title song, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.

Based on Ian Fleming’s timeless story for children and later made into the famous 1968 film, in Chitty  Chitty Bang Bang we meet absent-minded inventor Caractacus Potts who restores a broken-down old racing car with the help of his children Jemima and Jeremy. Soon the family discover the car has magical powers, and along with the delectable Truly Scrumptious and Grandpa Potts, they end up on a fantastical adventure to far off lands. Their heart-warming journey makes Chitty Chitty Bang Bang a fun-filled hit for all the family.

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is at Mayflower Theatre until May 12. 

At Nursling and Rownhams Recreation Ground...

Traditional community event Nursling and Rownhams May Fair is back on Monday after a break of five years. 

Between midday and 4pm, enjoy a circus skills tent, amusements, a barbecue, pizza and curry club! 

Compered by DJ Andy, the fair will also feature games, stalls, competitions and a visit from Sibley's historic coal truck. 

Take part in a crockery smash, enjoy JM School of Dance and their talented team and take part in a zumba session. 

There's crafts galore and entertainment from the Grove Place Choir and Nursling & Rownhams Community Band.