Exbury Gardens will once again come alive with the sound of music with the return of its popular festival featuring three days of top retro acts.
The Exbury Festival of Music in August, headlined by 21st Century Queen is the highlight of a packed summer visitor programme featuring everything from hands-on workshops and family activities to open-air theatre, as well as over 200 acres in full summer colour to explore.
Set in the gardens from August 21 to 23, the festival will see live performances under the stars from the spectacular tribute to Freddie Mercury and Queen, as well as 80s Anthems by Moonlight and Motown by Moonlight.
Throughout the summer holidays, visitors can also enjoy a wide array of family-focused events including donkey days and the chance to meet these gentle animals on July 24 and 29 and August 5, 11, 20 and 28.
Running across multiple dates from July 25 to August 29, popular hands-on create and craft family workshops are perfect for creative young visitors and include making a butterfly house, wind chime, dream catcher or hanging basket.
There will be classic garden games around the gardens from July 24 to September 2 for families to enjoy together.
Unleash your inner artist at pottery sessions on July 29 and August 5 and 6.
Walks through the grounds with an alpaca on August 4 and 7.
Create beautiful woven pieces using natural materials in a willow leaf bowl workshop on August 1.
On August 9, 13 and 30, marvel at majestic birds of prey up close during falconry days.
Sunday, August 10 in Devoted to Dogs Day, a dog-friendly day out with shows, activities, and plenty of wagging tails.
Join Exbury’s gardeners for hydrangea tours celebrating these iconic blooms on August 15 and 16.
Enjoy the Look Twice artists’ exhibition July 19 to August 17, and then from August 23 to September 7, the Solent & Southern Art Collective Exhibition.
Head of operations Robin Savill said: “As well as our packed events programme, we’ll have seasonal colour across the gardens for visitors to enjoy. The herbaceous borders near Exbury House will be in bloom, exotic plants in the Sundial Garden, the contemporary Centenary Garden and hundreds of elegant hydrangeas. You can also explore our beautifully landscaped woodland by the Beaulieu River, over 20 miles of scenic pathways, and our famous steam railway."
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