What's On
Fontwell Park Racecourse has unveiled an exciting new, enhanced family raceday experience, featuring more entertainment than ever before – all at exceptional value.
The Fontwell Family Festival Raceday, coming to the course on Sunday 7th September 2025, promises a unique mix of thrilling jump racing and free family entertainment, making it the perfect way to round off the summer holidays.
Whether you’re a racing enthusiast or simply looking for an unforgettable day out with the kids, the family festival delivers amazing value, excitement and fun for everyone.
Guy Pridie, Executive Director at Fontwell Park Racecourse, comments: “We’re so excited to welcome families from across the South Coast to our inaugural Family Festival Raceday here at Fontwell. Our family days are always hugely popular, but this year, we’ve gone all out to create a true festival atmosphere – combining the excitement of top-class jump racing with a full day of free family entertainment. From funfair rides and live performances to our great value family ticket, we’ve designed the event to be accessible, memorable, and packed with fun. A great finale to the summer holidays, we can’t wait to welcome families from across the region to enjoy the unique energy of the day.”
Key highlights include:
- Free Family Entertainment– Enjoy traditional fun fair rides, face painting, a live entertainment stage, magic shows, and more – all free of charge!
- Kids Go Free– Children aged 17 and under enter for free when accompanied by a paying adult.
- Exciting Jump Racing– Cheer on your favourites in a full card of thrilling jump races throughout the afternoon.
- Wet Weather Guarantee– If it rains anytime from when the gates open until the last race, racegoers can claim a free return ticket for another raceday.
- Early Bird Drinks Offer– Enjoy 50% off selected drinks within the first hour after gates open.
To ensure the event is as family friendly as possible, a family ticket costs just £25 for 2 adults and up to 6 children. This includes all entertainment and activities on the day as well as the racing.
With more entertainment than ever before, this year’s inaugural Family Festival Raceday promises something for everyone.
Don’t miss out, book your tickets at https://www.fontwellpark.co.uk/whats-on/fontwell-family-festival-7th-september-2025
What's On
🔥 The legendary Syd Lawrence Orchestra – Britain’s most revered, recorded, televised and celebrated big band – is storming into Fareham Live for a night of pure swing magic!
🎷 From packed concert halls to stages across the world, this iconic orchestra continues to thrill audiences of all ages with the timeless sound of the swing era. Directed by the internationally acclaimed Chris Dean – world-famous trombonist, vocalist, and musical director – this show is bursting with energy, elegance, and BIG BAND EXCELLENCE.
👥 The show features dazzling soloists, powerful vocalists, and one of the hardest-swinging rhythm sections you’ll ever hear. Expect jaw-dropping arrangements of the greatest hits from Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw, Tommy Dorsey, Woody Herman, and Ted Heath – with a sprinkle of Sinatra, Bennett, and Ella to really set the night alight.
🎶 And here’s what makes it even more special: the orchestra is buzzing with a new generation of young, exceptional musicians – bringing fresh fire and flair while staying true to the magic of this timeless music.
The Syd Lawrence Orchestra
Founded in 1967 by trumpeter and arranger Syd Lawrence, The fabulous Syd Lawrence Orchestra has been thrilling audiences in Concert Halls, Theatres, TV Shows and Music Festivals all over Great Britain and Continental Europe for over 50 years.
Renowned for it’s exciting blend of high octane Big Band Swing and Classic Dance Music, the Orchestra’s repertoire ranges from the wartime million sellers of the legendary Glenn Miller through the era of the great Count Basie Orchestra to the hit songs of Frank Sinatra and Ella Fitzgerald. Count Basie himself described the Syd Lawrence Orchestra as “So good it should be BANNED!”.
The Orchestra, directed since Syd’s retirement in 1996 by Chris Dean, has a repertoire of over 2,000 classic Big Band arrangements including; Glenn Miller’s “Moonlight Serenade” and “In the Mood”, Tommy Dorsey’s “I’m Getting Sentimental Over You” and “Opus One”, Benny Goodman’s “Sing, Sing, Sing”, Artie Shaw’s “Begin The Beguine”, Woody Herman’s “Blues on Parade”, Ray Anthony’s “Mr Anthony’s Boogie” , Duke Ellington’s “Satin Doll”, Bert Ambrose’s “Night Ride”, Count Basie’s “April in Paris” and “Splanky”, Charlie Barnet’s “Skyliner”, Stan Kenton’s “Peanut Vendor”, the “Trumpet Blues” of Harry James, “I’ve Got My Love To Keep Me Warm” of Les Brown, the hits of Billy May and Ted Heath’s “Hot Toddy”.
🎟️ Book now: https://trafalgartickets.com/fareham-live-fareham/en-GB/event/music/syd-lawrence-orchestra-tickets
📍 Fareham Live
📅 Friday 10 October 2025
🕗 Showtime: 7:30PM
What's On
Explore the vibrant world of folk at Weald & Downland Living Museum with Roots & Rhythm, a family-friendly celebration of music, folklore and art on Saturday 9th August 2025 from 10am-8pm.
Visitors of all ages can immerse themselves in folk culture’s rich and colourful traditions as the Museum’s grounds transform into a hub of storytelling, live performances, and hands-on workshops.
Discover an array of folk music on the main stage, from celebrated artists such as Cara Elin, Jon Wilks and the Goblin Band. The Museum will be filled with the sounds of folk with acoustic music performances across the site, including historical music played on traditional instruments. Tap your toes to the folk beats or join Folk Dance Remixed at the main stage, where folk music and street dance collide.
There will also be interactive workshops throughout the day to learn about local folklore and rituals, from crafting a flower headdress, raw clay seed bomb making, roadside puppet crafts and printmaking demonstrations to hearing local legends and medieval tales from storytellers.
Stroll across the extensive grounds of the Museum and encounter folklore characters such as the Green Man and Fairy Queen as well as meeting the travelling Museum of Roadside Magic.
Later in the day, secure your spot on the picturesque Greenways Field to enjoy live music on the main stage including traditional English folk songs from guitarist Jon Wilks and ending with a headline performance from the acclaimed Goblin Band, known for their unique blend of traditional folk and medieval music incorporating various instruments like strings, squeezeboxes, hurdy gurdy, flutes, horns, bells, and whistles.
Keep refuelled with delicious food and refreshments all day and into the evening, including offerings from on-site food and drink vendors. Alternatively bring your own picnic to enjoy.
An all-day event brimming with folklore-inspired activities and live entertainment, Roots & Rhythm promises something for every member of the family to enjoy. Let the rhythm guide you through a day of tradition, creativity, and community spirit.
Tickets are priced at £30 for adults and £15 for children (Under 5s go free). Find out more and book your tickets at: wealddown.co.uk
What's On
Top Broadway director Kathleen Marshall stages the classic musical Top Hat at Chichester Festival Theatre this summer
Filling the stage with elegance, glamour and swing, Chichester Festival Theatre’s eagerly awaited summer musical is Irving Berlin’s classic tap extravaganza Top Hat. The musical equivalent of a finest vintage champagne – effervescent, elegant and exhilarating! – Top Hatboasts some of Hollywood’s greatest songs: the immortal Cheek to Cheek, Let’s Face the Music and Dance, Top Hat White Tie and Tails and Puttin’ on the Ritz.
When Broadway star Jerry Travers arrives in London to open a new show, he crosses paths with model Dale Tremont. Instantly smitten, Jerry vows to abandon his bachelor life to win her – but the path of true love never does run smooth…
Based on the classic 1935 film which starred Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers, the stage adaptation’s original West End production won the 2013 Olivier Award for Best New Musical and the Evening Standard Award for Best Night Out. This brand-new production will be directed and choreographed by multi Tony and Olivier Award-winner Kathleen Marshall,whose recent production of Anything Goes wowed audiences and critics in London and on TV.
‘I’ve only been to Chichester once but it was such a magical place,’ says US-based Kathleen. ‘There’s something very special about summer festival theatres. Whether people have come for the weekend or the evening, there’s something joyous and festive – as the name suggests!
‘I’m a huge Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers fan. Their most famous movies came out during the 1930s Depression, when people needed to be transported away from the harsh realities of everyday life, and I think we need that sense of glamour, wit and romance today.’
Someone once described musicals as ‘an engine for happiness’; why is tap such an exhilarating form of dance to watch?
‘In Anything Goes we used to joke that we should sell tap lessons at intermission!’, Kathleen laughs. ‘There’s something about the unison and energy of ensemble tap numbers that’s cathartic; it adds a percussive element to the existing orchestration.’
What can audiences look forward to about Top Hat, apart from the glorious music and dance?
‘We want to deliver what people love about the film, but also something fun and fresh. What I also love about Top Hat is that it’s a farce. There’s all the mistaken identity and the high stakes and the ticking clock: how are all the elements going to come together to give us the big satisfying ending that we want? That makes for a delightful evening – it’s a great romantic comedy.’
Top Hat runs at Chichester Festival Theatre from 14 July – 6 September; book at cft.org.uk.
What's On
The D-Day Story is the only museum in the UK dedicated to telling the story of the momentous events of 6 June 1944, told through the personal accounts of the people who were there.
Their stories are brought to life through stunning audio-visual presentations and interactive displays alongside iconic objects from the museum’s collection.
At the museum your visit starts on-board Landing Craft Tank (LCT) 7074, the last preserved landing craft that took place in D-Day, landing on Gold Beach. LCT 7074 is also home to two of the museum’s tanks a Sherman Grizzly and a Churchill Crocodile.
Inside the museum the collection looks at the personal stories of those involved. In thePreparation galleries you can learn more about the planning that went into Operation Overlord, while D-Day and the Battle of Normandy looks at 6 June itself
The final part of the museum is the Legacy gallery, where veterans share their stories, andyou can view the impressive 83 metre Overlord Embroidery which depicts D-Day and the Battle of Normandy in 34 hand stitched panels.
Throughout the school holidays the museum has a packed family activity programme, there are trails you can enjoy from Spot the Gustav pigeons or take part in Resist! our family trail inspired by the French Resistance.
Plus there is the family audio guide, designed to engage with children and young people, something that is important to Normandy veterans who are keen that their stories are not forgotten. The whole family can experience the tour together, and it is included in the museum ticket price.
For more information, visit theddaystory.com
Win a family ticket to The D-Day Story
T&Cs
Ticket for up to two adults and up to three children
Tickets not valid on 22, 23, 24 August, 11 November, 24, 25, 26 December 2025 or 27 January 2026.
www.scottjoyntpictures.com
www.scottjoyntpictures.com
What's On
Looking for the perfect spring day out? Gunwharf Quays is the ultimate destination for a fun-filled, family-friendly day this spring. From shopping to dining, and entertainment to stunning views, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
Shop ‘Til You Drop
Gunwharf Quays is home to over 90 premium outlets, offering everything from fashion to home goods, all at up to 60% off RRP. Whether you’re updating your wardrobe for spring or picking up something special, the wide range of stores offers something for everyone.
Dining Delights
After a busy morning of retail therapy, treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of Gunwharf Quays’ many restaurants and cafes. From relaxed bites by the water to indulgent meals with stunning harbour views, lunch or dinner has never been so enjoyable.
Fun for All the Family
This spring, there’s no shortage of entertainment at Gunwharf Quays. Take the kids for a movie at the Vue Cinema or challenge them to a game of bowling. Looking for something outdoors? Enjoy a stroll along the waterfront, or take in breathtaking views from the Spinnaker Tower – the perfect adventure for all ages.
Celebrate with Stunning Views
Gunwharf Quays is situated on the beautiful Portsmouth Harbour, providing a scenic backdrop for your day out. The waterfront location offers a relaxing and picturesque environment, ideal for family photos or simply enjoying the spring sunshine.
