Andover Museum

Having been shut for a long period of time, it will be great to go out and see the town’s museum once again following lockdown.

Andover’s museum features a variety of fascinating displays on the history of the town, while the Museum of the Iron Age looks at the story of Danebury Hil Fort – but more on that later.

Whether it’s an exploration of scandals in Andover, or a look at the industrial heritage of the area, there’s plenty to enjoy, as well as a café to grab a bite to eat.

For more information, visit: https://www.hampshireculture.org.uk/andover-museum

Hat Fair

After being cancelled last year, the outdoor arts festival is planning a big comeback for 2021.

Running since 1974, and originally designed as a busking festival, the event is not about headwear – though there’s likely to be plenty on show – and is instead features a variety of performances, with the name coming from the tradition of tipping with coins placed in a hat.

Located in Winchester, international street performers, dance, circus, music and local community performances will be performing as planned between July 2 and 4.

Initially conceived as a busking festival, Hat Fair takes its name from the tradition of the audience showing their appreciation by putting money in the hat at the end of the show.

The festival is family friendly and for more information, visit the website here.

Danebury Fort walk

While we’ve all spent plenty of time doing our daily exercise recently, post-lockdown will still be an opportunity to enjoy the splendour of the local area. Not too far outside of Andover, Danebury Fort offers a mix of history and spectacular views that are perfect for a relaxing walk.

It’s just off the A343, with its own car park located off Kentsboro. After parking up, head up the hill and through the gate, where information signs can tell you and your family all about the history of this hill fort, thought to have been built some 3000 years ago, and in use until 100BC.

Hampshire County Council also has a story, Danger at Danebury Hill Fort, which can be downloaded here, to entertain any little ones making the journey with you.

For full directions, click here

Hampshire Food Festival

With a variety of events taking place all across the county, including in and around Andover, the Hampshire Food Festival is due to make its comeback this year after being postponed.

It’s destined to be a grand affair, being both the postponed 20th festival and the 30th anniversary of the organisation behind the event, Hampshire Fare.

A programme of fairs, fetes, picnics, parties and pop-ups, farm and vineyard tours, cocktail and cookery skills workshops, street food and world-class chef demos, and more are planned across the year, with a mix of paid and free events.

For more information on the festival, please click here.

Andover Armed Forces Day

Andover’s celebration of the those who serve in the military is due to return on Sunday, June 27 following the pandemic.

Now into its fifth year, the event often features a range of displays and activities including live music, performances and military equipment, while a fly-past is normally a staple of the festival.

It forms part of a national celebration of the armed forces, and is due to take place from 10am to 6pm.