As usual, there is plenty to do in Winchester in August. Celebrating summer in style, Winchester has much to offer families this month, including all-weekend festivals and smaller children’s day workshops. Taking full advantage of what is set to be a glorious British summer, we have selected our top picks for families in Winchester in August 2022.
Carfest South
26th – 28th August
Carfest is the largest family fundraising festival in the UK and in August it comes to Winchester. Created by car-enthusiast Chris Evans, Carfest combines an appreciation of cars with an appreciation of music and has a reputation for being a great event for families.
There’s a great array of food outlets to satisfy a wide range of tastes, as well as a lot of kid’s entertainment. Activities include kid’s yoga, bedtime stories, silent disco, crafts and creativity experiences and even a kid’s driving school! As well as some children’s shows too.
They’ll also be performances from James Blunt, Rag’N’Bone Man, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Jack Savoretti, Seasick Steve, Kaiser Chiefs, Tom Odell, Paloma Faith and many other chart-toppers and a few tribute acts too.
Plus, of course, they’ll be car shows.
Weekend camping tickets and day tickets can be purchased here.
Gin And Music Festival
28th August
If cars and music aren’t your thing then maybe gin and music will be more to your taste. The White Horse, in Otterbourne, will be home to the Gin and Music Festival on 28th August from 1pm. Keep your fingers crossed for a sunny day because this will take place in the beautiful pub garden where they’ll be face painting for the kids and a play area too. Meanwhile, you can sample some local gin and you can all enjoy some great live music.
You are very welcome to bring your own picnic or you may rather indulge in their appetising wood-fired pizzas.
Children’s Jewellery Making Class With Suzannah Key
15th August
Children, aged 9+, can enjoy making their own jewellery in this fully-equipped workshop at Winchester Makers. Running from 11am until 2pm your children will be kept occupied under the expert eye of their tutors and will learn the art of jewellery making. By the end of the session, each child will have created or personalised their own silver ring or pendant.
At £65 per child, this isn’t the cheapest way to spend a few hours but all tools and materials will be provided and children will learn a unique skill. Additionally, they’ll leave with a new and sentimental piece of jewellery to treasure.
Find out more and book here.
Cinderella In The Garden
21st August
Enjoying live theatre is a truly magical experience at any age, but doing so in the sunshine is even more special. Open-air theatre is a lovely way to make the most of the good weather and experience the power of storytelling on the stage.
This August the Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings you Cinderella, a story as old as time but unique in every telling. Taking place in the Winchester Cathedral Lower Deanery Garden, the production promises laughter and awe as they take you on a journey to a faraway kingdom. Bring a picnic or purchase sandwiches and snacks in the grounds but don’t forget a blanket. The performance begins at 7pm and dressing up is strongly encouraged.
Book your tickets.
Magic Show & Magician’s Workshop
24th August
Magic comes to Winchester City Museum this month with a spectacular magic show by magician Tony Charles. And that’s not all. After the show, you can enjoy a magic workshop where you will get the opportunity to learn magic tricks and try your hand at being a magician yourself. Perfect for families and suitable for all ages, the performance and workshop are included in the cost of admission to Winchester City Museum.
Medieval Knight Training
17th August
This month Winchester Museum will be visited by Brother Roland, a medieval knight returned from Jerusalem. He comes to tell children and their families about the history of medieval battlefields, of life as a knight and the crusades. In this medieval knight training workshop, children will learn directly from Brother Roland and even get the opportunity to try out his armour and create their own knight persona. Again, this engaging educational workshop is included in the cost of admission to Winchester City Museum.
