A bumper weekend of free community events is being held in Alton's Public Gardens today (Friday), tomorrow and Sunday.
Today (Friday) there is 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. Don't forget your picnic, a blanket and of course your favourite teddy bear.
Tomorrow from 10am to 2pm is Alton’s Summer ‘Village’ Fete, sponsored by HSDC Alton, with live music from Encore Choirs and the South Berks Concert Band, the Alton in Bloom summer show competition, free children's activities from Mini Explorers, Zumba with Hampshire Dance Fitness, family funfair rides, tasty street food, a bar, Acorns Coffee and Cake plus lots of fun fete-style games and stalls. There will be something for everyone.
Visitors can enter the free Alton in Bloom summer show for the chance to win a garden centre voucher. Register online at https://forms.gle/iYCnWdW3FujUFMGN8 or on the day. Bring entries to the Alton Town Council awning between 10am and 11am for judging at 11.30am.
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 – adults and children2. Children's Garden on a Plate
Bake Off:1. Best British Bake - traditional cake category2. Junior Bake Off (under-18s)
Creative Categories:1. Best fruit and veg sculpture/carving – adults and children2. Most Imaginative Recycled Container – adults and children
HSDC Alton principal and chief executive Mike Gaston said: “It is fantastic to be part of Alton Town Council’s Summer ‘Village' Fete as a sponsor. We are delighted tosupport this key event as it is an excellent way to draw the local community together celebrating all that is local.”On Sunday visitors can celebrate ‘Earth Friendly Living’ at Alton’s EcoFair.
Aiming to repeat the tremendous success of their first Eco-Fair two years ago, Alton Climate Action Network and Alton Town Council 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-tens. Several schools have contributed to an exhibition on the themes of nature and 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 midday, followed by nature warrior rock band The Lürxx. Don’t miss it – there will be something for everyone.
The Public Gardens are located just off the High Street and are easily accessible on foot or by bike, but there is ample pay and display parking for anyone needing to drive.