🦇 A member of Hampshire Bat Group will be leading a walk to discover the bats inhabiting Itchen Valley.

The evening starts with an informative talk about the nocturnal mammals, followed by a short walk through our woodlands with detectors to listen out for the different species flying around.

Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

This event is suitable for children aged 6yrs+

Adults: £10, Children: £7

This event is fully booked.

✨ Step into a world of nature-inspired creativity with willow artist Jacquie from Willow and Crafts as she guides you through creating a willow dragonfly.

This workshop you will craft your very own willow dragonfly to add fun to your garden or an indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a first-timer, the workshop will suit all skill levels.

The dragonfly incorporates the corn dollie weave.

What is a corn dollie?
The corn dollie was traditionally used create crafts  to celebrate the harvest season and bring good luck for the coming year. They come in various shapes and designs, each holding a special meaning and folklore, sometimes dating back to ancient times.

 The dragonfly can be placed on sticks or hung, they look lovely placed in plant pots or outside to welcome wildlife into the garden 

About the Artist

⏰ Times: 1.30pm - 4pm

🧍 Age: Suitable for ages 14 yrs+

☕ Refreshments: Hot drinks and water are provided.

🪙 Cost: £35

✨ Step into a world of nature-inspired creativity with willow artist Jacquie from Willow and Crafts as she guides you through creating a willow dragonfly.

This workshop you will craft your very own willow dragonfly to add fun to your garden or an indoor space. Whether you’re a seasoned crafter or a first-timer, the workshop will suit all skill levels.

The dragonfly incorporates the corn dollie weave.

What is a corn dollie?
The corn dollie was traditionally used create crafts  to celebrate the harvest season and bring good luck for the coming year. They come in various shapes and designs, each holding a special meaning and folklore, sometimes dating back to ancient times.

 The dragonfly can be placed on sticks or hung, they look lovely placed in plant pots or outside to welcome wildlife into the garden 

Learn more about the Artist

⏰ Times: 10.00am - 12.30pm

🧍 Age: Suitable for ages 14 yrs+

☕ Refreshments: Provided

🪙 Cost: £35

🦇 A member of Hampshire Bat Group will be leading a walk to discover the bats inhabiting Lakeside Country Park.

The evening starts with an informative talk about the nocturnal mammals, followed by a short walk through our woodlands with detectors to listen out for the different species flying around.

Please wear sensible footwear and weather appropriate clothing.

This event is suitable for children aged 6yrs+

Adults: £10, Children: £7

🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.

🌿 Weave a little magic – branch weaving workshop! 🌿

Step into the world of creative-nature-inspired branch weaving! Using a sturdy foraged branch as your loom, you’ll weave a beautiful, textured artwork with colourful yarn, and maybe even a touch of woodland magic. This relaxing and mindful craft is perfect for beginners and seasoned crafters alike.

£12

🌺 Join Iris Hill to explore free flowing watercolour techniques inspired by seasonal flowers. Whether you’re a beginner or looking to refine your skills, this workshop is the perfect opportunity to bring vibrant flowers to life on paper.

What You’ll Learn:

• Techniques for Painting Flowers: From soft petals to bold blossoms, learn how to capture the delicate details of springtime flowers using watercolour.

• Colour Blending: Master the art of blending soft, pastel tones for a gentle, spring-inspired palette or make your flowers pop with rich, vibrant hues.

• Brush Control: Explore brushwork techniques to create fine lines, smooth washes, and texture to mimic the beauty of nature.

• Composition and Design: Learn how to arrange your flowers, balance the elements, and make your watercolor compositions stand out.

💐 Suitable for beginners and those who want to spend an hour nurturing their creativity. Brush-up on your painting skills!

10am - 11am | 11.30 - 12.30pm | 1pm - 2pm

£20

About the Artist

Lisa Gardner is a watercolour artist inspired by the natural world, the connection between breath and brushwork and the utter joy that can be found when paint meets the canvas. From her studio on the artwork under the name Iris Hill - an homage to her Nan, the woman who lit Lisa’s creative flame and helped it burn bright.

🧶 Craft and Natter is a monthly session offering you the chance to be creative and meet people for a chat in our spacious new community room.

🍃 Print, embellish & create – leaf printing workshop!

Step into nature’s art studio and discover the beauty of embellished leaf printing! In this hands-on workshop, you’ll transform real leaves into works of art by printing their intricate patterns onto paper or fabric—then take it to the next level with hand-drawn details, stitching, and more!

£12

A 7km guided walk along the Rail Trail to Hamble village and back along the coast path and through Royal Victoria Country Park 

Part of the walk is along the shingle beach so walking sticks may be useful.

Meet at Mount Pleasant Playing Field car park

We will be stopping at Hamble Quay for a comfort break or you may bring your own refreshments.

Celebrating Big Green Week with nature, action, and community!

Join us for GreenFest 2025, a day packed with eco-friendly fun, hands-on activities, and inspiration for a greener future! Whether you're passionate about sustainability, nature, or simply looking for a fantastic day outdoors for all the family, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Come along, connect with your community, and take action for a healthier planet. Let’s celebrate Big Green Week together!

Free entry for those who walk or cycle to GreenFest!
£5 entry - included in your car parking fee

Eco-market traders

☀️ Come and spend a relaxing few hours learning how to make Cyanotypes by harnessing the power of the sun.  

What is a Cyanotype?
Cyanotype is a photographic printing process that produces a blue print. It is a simple and inexpensive process that was originally used to reproduce architectural plans and drawings. Today, cyanotype is often used as a creative printing process by artists and photographers.

What you’ll create
You’ll create a series of permanent blue prints on paper from local flora, fabrics and photographic negatives using light sensitive chemicals. Combining art and science the process is easy to learn and suitable for beginners or those with experience. Once you’ve learnt the basics it’s also easy to carry on creating at home.

📍The Hide

📅 Sunday 13 July

⏰ 10am - 12.30pm

💰 £35

What’s included?

Refreshments, all materials, aprons and gloves are provided.

Learn about Kate’s work

🌿 Sammie is a forager, folk herbalist and storyteller who will lead you through the edible, medicinal and magical plants that flourish around us at this time of year.

Sammie’s passion is to share the mythology and folklore that nature is steeped in to help people get to know these incredible edible harvests on a deeper level. 

What will be covered in the workshop?

• Culinary ideas

• Medicinal properties

• Safe identification

• Toxic look a likes

£30 per person

About Sammie

🕺ABBA BY MOONLIGHT at Itchen Valley🕺

Friday 8 August 2025

🕺ABBA by Moonlight’s faithful recreation of ABBA’s signature harmonies and iconic looks makes for one electrifying live performance. Expect to hear all the greatest hits, including Dancing Queen, Mamma Mia, Waterloo and many more!

🪩 Decked out in full disco costume, ABBA by Moonlight combines stunning vocals, talented live musicians, and a uniquely beautiful outdoor setting to make one unforgettable concert.

😎 Come along with family and friends, picnic in picturesque surroundings before grabbing your dancing shoes and get ready for the party of a lifetime at Itchen Valley Country Park.

This event has sold out.

FAQ’s

🔑 Gates open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.30pm

🪑Please bring your own rugs or low-backed seating. Refreshments will be available to purchase on the night.

🚗 If you are travelling by car, we encourage you to car share where possible, parking is included in the cost of your ticket

⛅ Outdoor performances will continue in all but the worst of weather, be sure to dress accordingly. All tickets are non-refundable. In the event of cancellation due to exceptionally bad weather or other extenuating circumstances alternative arrangements shall be made. For carer ticket enquiries please contact us. Accessibility varies, please enquire with the venue for details.

About Music by Moonlight

Founded by experienced outdoor event organisers Chapterhouse Theatre Company and now in their fifth year of touring, Music by Moonlight brings the songs you know and love to life in some of the UK and Ireland’s most beautiful outdoor venues including castles, gardens, and heritage sites.

Featuring talented tribute bands specially chosen not just for their outstanding musical ability and showmanship but also their remarkable resemblances to the original artists, Music by Moonlight open-air concerts are a “Family friendly funfest” (The Times) and the perfect way to spend a summer evening.

🐺 Come on a musical journey of plotting and scheming with folklore’s most notorious villain - the Big Bad Wolf. Living in exile in the Deep Dark Wood, he parties and plays rock music every night with his cronies, far away from the goody-goody townspeople of Fairytaleville.

But whatever happened to Little Red Riding Hood? Did the Three Little Pigs go on to have a successful music career? And is the Wolf really as bad as he seems? Following the success of their 2024 production of ‘The Secret Garden’, The Plandits are back on the road with this brand-new musical show bursting with live music, silliness and laughs for the whole family.

🚪Doors open 4.15pm

🎭 Performance begins: 5pm

🍦Interval: 20 minutes

🎟️ Tickets:

• Adults £18

• Children: £12

• Under 3’s: FREE

• Family ticket: £55 (2x adults, 2 x children)

Celebrate the end of summer with friends, music, great food, and drinks!

Join us for our second Summer Sundowner – the perfect way to soak up those golden evening rays. Bring your friends, relax with a refreshing drink, and enjoy delicious food while listening to live music from:

The Skylarks

This talented trio brings classic hits from Bowie to The Bangles, The Beatles to Queen. With soaring harmonies, acoustic guitar, and cajon.
Band members Andy, Vicki, and Alan have been performing together for nearly a decade, creating a feel-good sound that’s guaranteed to get you singing along.

The Hedgehogs

Bringing a warm, rootsy vibe to the stage, the acoustic duo of Natalie Fisk and James Carey—blend folk, blues, and Americana with stunning vocal harmonies.

Based in Southampton, they’ve been charming audiences across Hampshire for years with their upbeat, soulful sets.

🎟️ Tickets £6

🚪 Doors open 6.30pm

🎶 Music starts 6.45pm from the Skylarks then 7.30pm from The Hedgehogs

FAQ’s

Where is the event held?
The Summer Sundowner takes place outdoors in the Marketplace, just behind Highwood Barn.

Is food and drink included in the ticket price?
No, food and drink are not included in the ticket price. Refreshments (including alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks) will be available to purchase separately throughout the evening.

Is the event suitable for young children?
We recommend this event for ages 7 yrs+

Do I need to bring my ticket?
Yes, please have your ticket confirmation ready to be checked on arrival. You can show it on your phone or bring a printed copy.

Should I bring my own seating?
Yes, we recommend bringing your own chairs or picnic blankets so you can relax and enjoy the evening in comfort.

What happens if it rains?
The event will go ahead in most weather conditions. We’re crossing our fingers for sunshine, but please dress appropriately—bring coats, blankets, and umbrellas just in case!

Can I bring my dog?
Unfortunately, dogs are not permitted at this event