1 In Portsmouth...

THE world's premier 10-mile running event returns to Portsmouth this Sunday.

Its course is steeped in history, dating as far back as 1212 and features charity cheering points, boost zones, bands on the run and unrivalled support from local residents and spectators.

The scenic route will take runners past the Royal Navy's current and most famous ships on the planet.

Events suitable for different age groups are to take place across the whole day.

Whether you see yourself as a runner or a spectator, the bustle of the unmissable annual event is a perfect date to pen in for a family outing.

For more information, visit the Great South Run website.

2 In Southampton...

SLEEP under the stars this Friday in an inspirational charity event.

In hope to raise awareness of homelessness in the UK, Go! Southampton will host a night of 'rough sleeping' in Guildhall Square.

Families are invited to raise money and take part in the sponsored event that is to be guarded by security all night.

Fantastic food will be provided and live bands are to perform in the first half of the evening, before participants bed down for the night in Guildhall Square in the second half.

For more information, visit the Go! Southampton website.

3 In Southampton...

RELEASE your inner Harry Potter fan and experience the world-renowned fictional sport of Quidditch this weekend.

Invite your friends and family along to Wide Lane Sports Ground, part of the University of Southampton to witness the highly competitive game.

'The Battle Royale' tournament will take place over both days of the weekend, with some of the best teams from the south coast battling to become the champions.

Whether you're a family of Harry Potter enthusiasts, or just love to try something new, this unique event is certain to entertain and may even spark a new hobby.

4 In Winchester...

JOIN Marwell Zoo's resident wizard in an exclusive flying course this Saturday and Sunday. With broomsticks at the ready, take your family to the zoo for a magical day out.

The wizard will ensure all participants are confident 'flyers' and earn their level three broomstick licence.

Then, visitors will be invited to join Esme the scary witch for some creepy story telling in the Haunted Hall.

Sessions run at 11am, 1pm and 3pm and are of no extra cost to the general admission fee.

Children can create their own spellbinding wand during the session for an extra £1.

5 In Winchester...

BROADCASTER and historian Dr Janina Ramirez will be headlining a series of historical talk in the King Alfred Chamber at Guildhall Winchester this Saturday.

Along with several other expert speakers from across the world, she will lead a one-day symposium dedicated to exploring the great churches of the city at the time of the Anglo-Saxons and Normans.

This unforgettable and educational day is one for all ages who enjoy learning about the past.

Talk times and speakers affect the prices of tickets, which can be purchased by calling Hampshire Cultural Trust on 01962 678140.

Full day tickets are available for £65.

6 In Winchester...

THIS weekend will see a very special festival taking place in Winchester.

The city's Speakers Festival is to bring some of the most exciting speakers from the country together for a two-day event at the Discovery Centre in Jewry Street.

Among those to give talks is John Crace, the Guardian’s parliamentary sketch writer and Peter Hitchens, the controversial Mail on Sunday writer.

Events are priced £12.50 each. A single day pass costs £45 and a two-day pass for all talks costs £65.

Tickets and a full brochure detailing each event can be found on the Winchester Speakers Festival website.

7 In Southampton...

HAVE a go at a self-guided Bird Aware Migration Trail around Royal Victoria Country Park this weekend.

The whole family can enjoy this exploration trip through the grounds of one of Southampton's most beautiful spots.

Trails are available from the Park shop between 10am and 3.30pm.

If you can muster a team spirit strong enough to complete the trail, a prize will be awarded.

Each trail costs £2 and there is no need to book - just turn up and enjoy the individuality and pride as you complete the mini expedition.

Normal parking charges apply.

8 In Southampton...

TWIST and shout with your family this Saturday, as the one of the leading The Beatles tribute bands comes to the Sarisbury Green Community Centre.

The Silver Beatles will 'Come Together' for a one night only performance at the venue.

Although slightly late, the event is family friendly and the band have appeared at Liverpool’s famous ‘ Cavern Club’, headlined the BBC’s ‘Children in Need’ marathon and played to the likes of Madonna, Blur and Robbie Williams at the ‘MTV’ awards in Milan.

Tickets are £15 and can be purchased from the community centre's website.

9 In Southampton...

CALLING all dog lovers.

A guide dog demo team is coming to West Quay this Sunday.

They will demonstrate how the dogs are trained and explain a lot of information about the extensive process that is crucial to the modern world.

Plenty of service dogs will be on hand to meet.

The group are also looking for new volunteers to work with the animals, meaning this could be a chance to begin a new experience.

Between 11am and 5pm, they will be in the shopping centre, happy to talk to anyone interested.

Email katie.gain@guidedogs.org.uk for more information.

10 In Southampton...

FREE books are being given out this Sunday in a one-day-only Book Bonanza event at the Third Age Centre, Cranbury Terrace.

Between 12pm and 3pm, book lovers and families are invited to the centre to take whatever books and old craft projects they wish.

It is free to enter as the centre are organising their stock cupboards and need help to clear some space.

There will also be the chance to have a hot drink and chat to staff and other event-goers.

Note that this is not an opportunity to donate books.

Contact booksforfree.soton@gmail.com for more information.