Five things to do in Hampshire this weekend - July 15/16

Here's our pick of five of the best things to do.

Southampton Mela Festival...

The Southampton Mela Festival returns to Hoglands Park on Saturday for a spectacular showcase of world-class performances and cultural delights.

The festival, deeply rooted in the community for more than two decades, brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate unity, diversity, and creativity.

Experience the Indian Classical Music of Pandit Sanju Sahai, groove to the energetic beats of Bhangra Artists Foji Gill, Happy Singh, and Shin DCS, as they bring the vibrant Punjabi folk dance to life and be enchanted by Rakhi Sood's TMC Dancers' captivating Bollywood Dance, showcasing the essence of Indian cinema through rhythmic movement and vibrant costumes.

Foodies Festival - Winchester...

Foodies rejoice! North Walls Recreation Ground will play host to the biggest celebration yet of top chefs, tasty food, delicious drinks and live music. 

Watch MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred and top local chefs cooking their signature summer recipes in the La Española Chefs Theatre..

Learn how to make show-stopping cakes in The Cake & Bake Theatre with Great British Bake Off stars including 2022 winner Syabira Yusoff.

Sample new wines, champagnes and cocktails in The Drinks Theatre. Eat delicious street food from around the world. Taste new flavours. Meet artisan producers. Have fun all day with chilli eating competitions and food challenges! Kids join in the fun at The Kids Cookery Theatre.

Attractions include Scouting for Girls and Sophie Ellis-Bextor, alongside Shelina Permalloo.

Beaulieu Village Fete...

From Mickey Mouse to Tinker Bell, come dressed as your favourite character to celebrate 100 years of Disney at Beaulieu Village Fete on Saturday (July 15). 

Take part in a fancy dress parade and prizes will be given for the best children’s Disney-themed costume.

BBC senior weather presenter and journalist Alexis Green will hopefully bring sunshine when she opens the fete at 1.30pm on the lawns of Palace House, by kind permission of Lord and Lady Montagu.

Getting fun and games underway, there will be a carousel, bouncy castle and traditional games including Bowling for a Pig to keep young fete-goers entertained.

Morris dancers, maypole dancing and cheerleading all feature in the entertainment line-up. The fun dog show returns by popular demand, with best trick, agility and the ‘dog the judge would like to take home’ categories.

Enjoy a glass of Pimm’s or Prosecco with strawberries and cream, or refreshments from the barbecue and tea tent. Stalls galore will sell homemade cakes, produce, bric-a-brac, jewellery and books.

Lymington Seafood Festival...

This popular three-day event brings together Hampshire’s very best food and drink producers.

Now in its seventh year, the event boasts over 80 market stalls, family entertainment and superb music – including Saturday night's Tina Turner tribute headliner.

Expect all things fishy on the menu at the event, which enjoys incredible views over the Solent.

Rock the Pier, Hythe...

Rock the Pier returns for another full day of music for all the family.

The event will feature The Soulcatchers, Trav Cats, Dodgy Jammers, Tamina Ting, The One-offs, Wire-JD, The Doodle Cats, Twangdillo, Sophie-Louise Penwill, and Katie-Ann.

Music then continues at The Lord Nelson Pub with China Lake, Wire-JD and Jarmin.

The waiting room pop up café will be running, tickets for HPHA's grand summer draw with amazing prizes will be on sale and the draw will take place towards the end of the event. There will also be a Summer Market in Hythe Village centre that day, so there'll be lots going on.