A special event will shine a light on community work in Eastleigh.

The Eastleigh Community Showcase, taking place on October 12, will celebrate the charities, groups, and voluntary organisations that play a vital role in the area.

The free event, hosted by Community First and supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, will take place from 10am to 2pm at Pavilion on the Park.

The showcase will help groups promote their services, recruit new volunteers, and share their achievements.

Community First, a leading voice in Hampshire’s voluntary sector, provides advice and guidance for other voluntary groups and delivers key services such as transport in Eastleigh.

Tim Houghton, chief executive of Community First, said: "We are incredibly proud to host the Eastleigh Community Showcase, an event celebrating the amazing work that local groups and volunteers do every day to support the community.

"We invite everyone to come along, get involved, and discover the many ways they can contribute to and benefit from the vibrant community we have here in Eastleigh."

More than 50 local organisations are attending the showcase including Age Concern, Autism Hampshire, Eastleigh Spitfires, Eastleigh Youth & Community Trust, Hampshire & Isle of Wight Wildlife Trust, Hamble Conservation Volunteers, and Solent Mind.

A range of organisations will attend the showcase (Image: Supplied) Councillor Paul Bicknell, Eastleigh Borough Council’s cabinet member for regeneration (north) and social policy, said: "We’re very proud to be working in partnership with Community First.

"Our community organisations, charities, and voluntary groups are the lifeblood of the borough and make a huge contribution to the lives of local people.

"I hope as many people will get involved in this event to learn about the amazing work these organisations do, and how they can get involved."

The Kingfisher Hall will feature music, dance, and performance, including baton twirling, dancing, a show choir, and a flute orchestra.

Taster sessions with the Cycles4All group, based at the Pavilion on the Park, and archery demonstrations are among the activities lined up for the event.

The first 30 minutes of the event will be kept quieter, without performances or loud music, to ensure that everyone feels welcome and comfortable.

Additionally, a quiet breakout room will be available throughout the day.

The Blackbird Café at Pavilion on the Park will be open for refreshments.

For more details and to see the event timetable, visit the Community First website.