From lighthouses to seafood and from cultural delights to seafaring, there's so much to do in Hampshire this weekend. 

Here's our top five tips of family fun events to keep you entertained on Saturday and Sunday (July 13 and 14).

In Southampton...

(Image: Dieter Valerius)

Forty 8ft decorated lighthouses including a giant astro robot are in place on the streets of Southampton (and Cowes) ready for a large scale free family-friendly art trail to get underway this weekend. 

Plus, there are another 40 'little lights', designed by local schools and community groups, which make up Light the South.

It's all part of the latest public art trail to grace the streets of Southampton, aiming to shine a light on and raise money for Southampton Children's Hospital.

The free walking trail will guide visitors through some of the most well-loved and historic landmarks on the route over the school holidays until September 1, also providing a welcome boost for local businesses.

Sculpture designs include an interactive installation from the University of Southampton’s Electronics and Computer Science Department, a giant astro robot from the future, as well a Lighthouse with a magnificent red and white rose mosaic illustrating an instantly recognisable symbol of the city.

In Hoglands Park...

(Image: Art Asia)

Get ready for a day filled with colour, rhythm and culture as the celebrated Southampton Mela Festival returns.

Tens of thousands of visitors can expect a varied line-up across three stages as the festival, which promises to be a feast for the senses, takes over Hoglands Park on Saturday between 11am and 10pm.

Highlights include a high-energy performance from the Bhangra Headliners, a spectacular showcase of traditional and contemporary sounds from The Khan Brothers and Bollywood and Sufi melodies performed by the enchanting Pooja Angra and Karan Rana.

In Lymington...

(Image: Newsquest)

The Lymington Seafood Festival 2024 looks set to be a corker! 

A chefs demo stage is being hosted by TV foodie Chris Bavin and is where all the best local chefs will be on show.

Bath Road Park will be packed with delicious stands selling pretty much every fishy delight and bars stocked with the best local craft beers.

Organisers welcome the recently launched Lymington Gin and English sparkling wines with Hattingley Valley.

You’ll also be rocking to Motown, blues, rock and pop with some of the South Coast's best bands taking the stage.

In Romsey...

(Image: Beggars Fair)

Music and dance returns once again to Romsey when the 30th Beggars Fair takes over the town on Saturday. Expect to see, hear and enjoy eighty plus acts spread over 20 plus venues.

Throughout the streets and in official venues all around the town, the best of local musicians bring you an eclectic mix of Folk, Jazz, Blues, Soul, Rock, Bluegrass, Classical and other musical genres.

Also expect Morris dancing and other displays.

Aboard SS Shieldhall...

(Image: Darryl Morrell)

Shieldhall's volunteers are looking forward to once again taking Southampton’s heritage steamship down Southampton Water (and beyond!) 

The ''Steam to the Solent Cruise' on Saturday between 3.30pm- 7pm will see Shieldhall pass five Cruise ships in Port, and later on the water – the Ventura, Nautica, Sky Princess, Iona and Virtuosa.

This is always great fun as Shieldhall acknowledges the vessels in time honoured fashion with the sounding of horns and whistles. And usually the cruise ships will respond!

Shieldhall will then head out to ‘See the Solent Forts’ on Sunday between 12 noon and 6pm in the Eastern Solent, passing close to the cruise ships Norwegian Prima, Queen Anne, Queen Mary 2 and Regal Princess. Constructed during the reign of Lord Palmerston when there was a threat from Napoleonic France, guests will hear a detailed history of the Forts and their many appearances on TV, including Doctor Who and The Sea Devils.