Alton’s BIG Weekend 14th – 16th July 2023
Come and join us for a bumper weekend of community events in the Public Gardens.
We kick off this Friday 14th July with a Teddy Bears Picnic and Storytelling with Pumpkin Pantos from 5.30pm. Join Red Riding Hood and her friends for a magical storytelling evening. You’ll be transported to a world of wonder and imagination. The event is free to attend and don’t forget your picnic, a blanket and of course your favourite teddy bear!
On Saturday 15th July from 10.00am – 2.00pm is Alton’s summer ‘village’ fete, sponsored by HSDC Alton, with Live Music from Encore Choirs and South Berks Concert Band, Alton in Bloom summer show competition, free children’s activities from Mini Explorers, Zumba with Hampshire Dance Fitness, family fun fair rides, tasty street food, a bar, Acorns Coffee plus lots and lots of fun fete style games and stalls!!! There will be something for everyone. Admission to the event is free.
It is not too late to join in, so why not enter the ‘Alton in Bloom’ summer show for the chance to win a garden centre voucher!
To register in advance please complete the online form https://forms.gle/iYCnWdW3FujUFMGN8 or register on the day. Bring your entries to the Alton Town Council awning between 10.00am and 11.00am, ready for the judging to take place at 11.30am. It is free to enter.
The categories are…
Incredible Edibles:
1. Super Homegrown Veg/Fruit (heaviest or longest)
2. Wonkiest/weirdest fruit and veg – let’s celebrate the non-perfect too!
Flower Show:
1. Best Rainbow Themed Floral Display – adult and children
2. Children’s Garden on a Plate
Bake Off:
1. Best British Bake – traditional cake category
2. Junior Bake Off (under 18)
Creative Categories:
1. Best fruit & veg sculpture / carving – adult and children
2. Most Imaginative Recycled Container – adult and children
Thank you very much to HSDC Alton for sponsoring this year’s Summer ‘Village’ Fete in the Public Gardens. Principal & CEO Mike Gaston said:
“It is fantastic to be part of Alton Town Council’s Summer ‘Village Fete’ as a sponsor. We are delighted to support this key event as it is an excellent way to draw the local community together celebrating all that is local”.
To end the weekend this Sunday, make sure you come and celebrate ‘Earth Friendly Living’ at Alton’s Eco-Fair. Aiming to repeat the tremendous success of their first Eco-Fair two years ago, Alton Climate Action Network (ACAN) and Alton Town Council (ATC) have again come together in partnership to offer an exciting event for all the family with interesting stalls, exhibits, live music and a range of free activities for children.
Dawn Nelson, a well-known professional storyteller, will be connecting young people to nature with stories and special craft sessions. There will be insect face-painting, a poetry workshop, and Singing for Nature for the under-10s. Several schools have contributed to an exhibition on the themes of nature & wildlife.
There will be stalls for plant-based food, wildlife charities and various local environmental groups. Anita from Hampshire HawkWalks will be there with her beautiful hawks.
Alton’s Repair Café, Resurrection Furniture, Community Share, and Action on Plastics will all come together in the Re-use Zone.
The bandstand programme will include the voices and music of young people concerned about the climate crisis, the Alton Concert Orchestra under Chris Gardner at 12.00pm, followed by Nature Warrior Rock band The Lürxx.
Don’t miss it – there will be something for everyone!
The Public Gardens, Alton, Hampshire, GU34 1EN is located just off the High Street is easily accessible on foot or by bike but there is ample pay and display parking for anyone needing to drive.