Lorelei Reddin

Families can receive reduced-price admission to several New Forest attractions through the Great British Summer Savings scheme, which includes a temporary VAT cut on theme parks, farms and other attractions. Paultons Park, Beaulieu, Exbury Gardens and Longdown Activity Farm are participating, with discounts available alongside expanded seasonal programmes featuring new rides, exhibitions, gardens, animal encounters, theatre, music and family activities.

Dog Man: The Musical, based on Dav Pilkey’s bestselling children’s book series, will tour the UK with performances at Fareham Live from October 23 to 25 and Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from June 3 to 5 the following year. The show follows Dog Man, George and Harold, and their battles against Flippy the cyborg fish and Petey the evil cat. The book series has sold more than 70 million copies worldwide and been translated into 48 languages, while a DreamWorks animated film was released in 2025. The musical premiered off-Broadway in 2019 and will have a London season at the Southbank Centre before touring.

Ferocious Dog’s upcoming performance at the Wickham Festival will mark their final appearance there as part of their farewell tour before disbanding in November. Lead singer Ken Bonsall plans to retire to spend more time with family, and the band views Wickham as a meaningful stop, having moved up the billing over multiple years. The tour will continue with shows in Southampton and conclude in Nottingham. Bonsall expects the Wickham performance to be emotional for both the band and fans as they say their goodbyes.

A deteriorating surface water pipe beneath a home in Lyndhurst has left residents facing structural risks, sewage contamination and ongoing distress as Southern Water disputes ownership and responsibility for repairs. MP Sir Julian Lewis criticises the company for abandoning planned fixes and warns of a looming major accident, while neighbours condemn the lack of planning and accountability. Southern Water maintains the pipe is a private drain outside its network, while investigations involve multiple agencies including Hampshire County Council and water regulators, leaving the situation unresolved.

Choreographer Matthew Bourne’s acclaimed production The Car Man will appear at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre from September 16 to 19. Loosely inspired by Bizet’s Carmen, the show is set in a 1950s Midwestern garage-diner and follows a story of desire, betrayal and revenge. Bourne highlights the production’s distinct narrative, cinematic influences and renewed relevance, noting that it returns to UK touring after more than a decade with a new generation of New Adventures dancers.

Crib in Southampton has extended its weekend opening hours to 2am following a planning victory and introduced a new Nashville‑style southern chicken menu created by owner Sharon Snober and chef Mofasa. The bar has seen strong customer feedback, boosted by World Cup promotions and increased orders through delivery platforms. Alongside its bottomless brunches, cocktails and beer selection, Crib continues to attract visitors with shuffleboard and has launched VIP e‑shisha sessions, while offering a private hire area for events.

An independent New Forest brewery, Vibrant Forest, is touring UK festivals and sporting events with its horsebox bar, showcasing its bestselling and special edition beers. Founded by Kevin Robinson and managed by Ryan Dack, the brewery aims to expand its community-focused presence while sponsoring regional events including the South Coast Wine Festival and the Hythe Raft Race.

A retired Southampton paramedic received the King’s Medal for long service and good conduct after more than 32 years with the ambulance service. Praised for his dedication and contributions, including delivering babies and serving as the Queen’s personal paramedic, he reflected on his career with pride. Now working part‑time in sports medicine, he remains active in the community and continues to mentor and support others.

Southampton’s Mela Festival returns on July 18–19 with two days of free multicultural performances, workshops, food and entertainment in Hoglands Park. Organised by Art Asia, the event features drumming sessions, arts activities, roaming performers, exhibitions and live shows from groups representing global traditions. Art Asia’s chief executive emphasises the festival’s role in celebrating the city’s diversity and fostering community connection.

A Southampton bar, Orange Rooms, is offering 50 percent off all drinks before, during, and after England’s World Cup semi-final match against Argentina, with the venue promoting large screens and an immersive viewing experience. Fans are encouraged to arrive early due to expected high demand, and bookings are available online.

A newly released image shows the flying DeLorean finale featured in Back to the Future: The Musical, which will run at Southampton’s Mayflower Theatre in summer 2027. Co‑creator Bob Gale praises the production’s advanced stage illusions and the impact of the flying car effect. The Olivier Award‑winning show is scheduled to appear from June 8 to July 3, 2027.

Mottisfont will host a Pokémon‑themed play zone as part of the National Trust’s Summer of Play, offering mini games, trading card activities and interactive sessions for families. Additional themed areas include outdoor games, creative play spaces, and an under‑fives zone. The site will also feature outdoor theatre performances of Sherlock Holmes & The Hound of the Baskervilles and The Jungle Book. The partnership aims to encourage families to explore nature and enjoy shared outdoor experiences.

Tony Singh reflects on his culinary career, highlighting the seasonal menu he presented at a Hampshire supper club featuring Scottish and British produce. He discusses signature dishes, early inspirations, and proud moments including receiving an MBE and cooking for the royal family. Singh describes his approach to crafting intimate dining experiences, the influence of his Sikh upbringing, and future plans to open a new restaurant on Isla. He also comments on trends in independent dining and his hopes for greater support of small restaurants.

The Beaulieu River summer party featured 1980s‑themed attractions including movie-inspired time‑travel cars, a RoboCop walk‑around character and retro games, followed by a performance from tribute band Wild Boys. The event introduced its first charity duck race, raising £788 for Blood Cancer UK. Local food vendors and the Boatyard Bar supported the celebration, which brought together the Buckler’s Hard Yacht Harbour community for music, food and socialising.

A group of bikers supporting The Cedar School led a celebratory arrival for six school leavers on prom day, accompanied by decorated vehicles and welcomed by the school community. Festivities included refreshments, family gatherings, an ice cream van, pizza lunch and a disco. Some students who had been at the school since early childhood will now move on to local colleges, and the school will appear in an upcoming prom supplement.

A newly rebranded Southampton pub, The Queen Mary at Ocean Village, is attracting strong crowds during the World Cup with its large capacity, extensive screens, and American-style menu. Marketing director Connor Fraser highlights repeat bookings and aims to build a community hub. The pub plans to expand its sports offerings with Sky and TNT ahead of the new football season and will introduce a permanent locally sourced menu along with upcoming events. The Grade II listed building has a long history and several former identities as a pub.

The Foodies Festival returns to Winchester from July 17 to 19 with celebrity chefs, live demonstrations, masterclasses, artisan markets, and performances from major music acts including Boyzlife and Gareth Gates. The event features cooking theatres, dessert showcases, competitive cook-offs, kids’ activities, and a large shopping village highlighting food trends and local producers.

A stage adaptation of The Lion Inside will run at Mayflower Studios in Southampton from August 28 to 30, bringing puppetry, music and storytelling to audiences. Based on the bestselling book by Rachel Bright and Jim Field, the production is directed by Sarah Punshon with music and lyrics by Eamonn O’Dwyer, promoting themes of confidence and self‑esteem for children.

Jo Tessem anticipates an evenly matched World Cup quarter-final between England and Norway, highlighting the clash between strikers Harry Kane and Erling Haaland. He expresses confidence in both teams and plans to support Norway. England advanced after a tense win over Mexico, while Haaland led Norway to victory over Brazil. Tessem believes the winner could contend for the tournament title, though he views France or Argentina as strong favourites.

Seventeen Southampton FC players who served in the British Army during the Battle of the Somme are profiled, with seven losing their lives in the 1916 conflict. The account details their military roles, the circumstances of their deaths or survival, and highlights individual actions such as Edward Bell’s bravery, which earned him the Military Cross. Survivors and the broader context of footballers’ involvement in the First World War are also noted.

Chef Andrew Du Bourg shares the method for his Braised Octopus Carpaccio, served with red pepper sorbet, compressed watermelon sangria, balsamic molasses, romesco purée and fried Padrón peppers. The award‑winning chef, known for high‑profile culinary experience, will present dishes at the upcoming Foodies Festival in Winchester. The detailed recipe outlines each component from preparation to finishing elements.

A £1 competition offers a modern Winchester family home valued around £800,000, along with a Porsche Cayenne GTS, a Volkswagen Golf GTI, and £100,000 in cash, with an alternative option to take £730,000. The offer forms part of BOTB’s latest Dream Home Competition and highlights the property’s design, sustainability features, and desirable location.

Authorities removed caravans, mobile homes and other unauthorised structures from agricultural land in Soberton after a decade of ignored enforcement notices and a High Court injunction. The South Downs National Park Authority and Winchester City Council led a three‑day operation to clear the site, citing harm to the protected landscape. Officials said the action allows the land to regenerate and concludes a long-running effort to stop unauthorised development.

The final weekend of Southampton Summer Sessions concluded with concerts headlined by Deacon Blue and The Lightning Seeds, following earlier performances from Frank Turner, Bowling For Soup, Amy Macdonald, Alex James, Paul Weller and The Beach Boys. The events drew large crowds and showcased a wide range of musical styles across the festival’s third annual run.

A highly positive review praises Porters Steakhouse in Southampton, highlighting a curated tasting menu featuring dry‑aged beef, seasonal produce and standout Wagyu dishes, particularly the A5 Japanese Wagyu. The service, led by owner Tony Lawbuary and chef Oskar Beim, is commended for being knowledgeable and welcoming. The experience is described as exceptional, surpassing well‑known competitors and offering a memorable dining journey for steak enthusiasts.