Winchester Brew - 22nd January '26

January in Winchester has been doing that thing where it’s technically “daytime” but everything still looks like it’s been put through a grey filter. The antidote this week is unapologetically bright: the Van Gogh exhibition at Winchester Science Centre, complete with a genuinely massive sunflower display (4,381 of them, for anyone who enjoys big numbers and bigger petals).

Beyond that, it’s a wonderfully mixed bag out there: sharp theatre and big laughs, talks that go from local history to the psychology of trauma (and serial killers, if you like your curiosity with a side of chills), live music across town, film nights in secret-ish rooms, plus hands-on workshops, choirs, yoga, and even a home match to shout at in the fresh air.

As always, if you know of an event coming up that should be on Winchester’s radar, send it our way. A link and the basics (what, where, when, price) is perfect, and we’ll do our best to include it in a future issue.

🌻🖼️🌻 Step into Vincent’s vivid world, Winchester Science Centre. Immerse yourself in the most visited multisensory experience in the world as his masterpieces come to life, giving you the sensation of being amongst his paintings.

This is no ordinary art exhibition. Van Gogh’s works have been exhibited and admired for over a century. But never like this. In a feeling that is simultaneously enchanting, entertaining and educational, you will find yourself interacting with art in ways never imagined.

When: From Thursday 22nd January until 22nd March

Where: Winchester Science Centre

How much: £30

A curated list of events from the next seven days. We try to only include events that still have availability, though things can sell out quickly so best to check ahead. Cheapest adult ticket price option shown unless otherwise stated.

🎭 The Judas Kiss, Chesil Theatre, till Saturday. At the height of his career, Oscar Wilde finds himself prosecuted for ‘gross indecency’. With only hours before the police arrive to arrest him, he faces a life-altering decision: flee England and avoid imprisonment - or stay and risk everything for love and principle. £18. WAITLIST ONLY

🍶 Sake Tasting, Kingsgate Wine & Provisions, at 6:00 PM. A tasting of 6 Sake's with Tom Wilson, the co-founder of Kanpai London - the UK's first Sake Brewery, making award winning Sakes. Tom will share his knowledge and passion about this ancient and wonderful beverage. £40

🖼️🎤 Artists at The Arc: Reframing Value Through Contemporary Print, The Arc, at 6:30 PM. Artist Talk with Dr. Tori McLean MA RCA, MSDC

🎤 Seed Talks: The Psychology of Trauma & Emotions, Winchester Science Centre, at 7:30 PM. Explore the impact of trauma on our everyday regulation of emotions and discover strategies to develop better control. £17.50

🎤 Hampshire History Midweek Musings - James Freeman 'Introducing King Alfred Buses, Then and Now', The United Church, at 7:30 PM. Join James Freeman—lifelong bus enthusiast and former CEO of Reading Buses—for a fascinating journey through the history of Winchester’s iconic King Alfred buses. £12

🎤 Scummy Mummies: Hot Mess, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:30 PM. Mums' Night Out! Helen and Ellie are back with a brand new comedy show that will have you laughing till you wee. From menopause to mansplaining, teenagers to Tinder, no subject is safe. Featuring brand new songs, sketches, stand-up, and of course, sparkly new catsuits… It's a big Scummy party! £19

🎶🎓 Ukulele Improvers, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 12:00 PM. Ukes for All host a series of intermediate ukulele classes. There’s no complicated theory or having to practice scales and things like that. Simply learn by playing songs in a friendly and relaxed environment and having a lot of fun. £13.50

🎶 Polly Gone Wrong: Album Launch Party, The Nutshell, at 7:30 PM. Three voices, no instruments, just the odd stamp of a clog or the ripping of paper - Polly Gone Wrong have been bemusedly delighting audiences since 2018 and have recently supported This is the Kit, Jesca Hoop and been featured on a Sam Lee track. £13

🎶 Totally Blondie, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:30 PM. Expect a blistering performance from one of the highest regarded professional tribute bands currently working in the UK. £16

🎶 Punk TV, The Railway Inn, at 8:00 PM. Punk TV are a Punk and New Wave covers band, dedicated to keeping the fire and passion of the '77-82 UK scene alive. Old enough to know better, young enough not to care... band £10

🎬🍷 Film Society: Let the Right One In (2008), Cabinet Rooms, at 9:00 PM. Shhhh... don't tell everyone but we show films downstairs in our Foreign Office. You'll have to hurry if you want to book though. There's only ten seats and spaces can sell out fast. Drink included. £15

🪖 Wargaming at the Museum, The Royal Logistics Corp Museum, from 9:30 AM. See the delicately painted models set amongst custom made terrain to bring to life some of the most famous battles from history…and prehistory. The models are the product of hours of work by local Wargame enthusiasts, who will be on hand to talk to the public about their work and how to get involved.

🧘 YSC at Thrive & Wild, Kings Worthy, at 8:00 AM. Start your weekend off with some Yoga Social Club time in their new slot at Thrive & Wild. Optional supervised soft play sessions as well for the little ones. £10

🧑🏼‍🏭🎓 Copper Bowl Workshop with Emily, The Colour Factory, at 2:00 PM. Pop along to Emily’s workshop in the new studio and learn how to transform a simple sheet of copper into a functional vessel, a handmade bowl. This workshop will take 3 hours; all materials are included but you have the choice to purchase additional pieces of metal. £75

🎶 Be a Chorister Open day, Winchester Cathedral, at 2:30 PM. Calling all girls in Years 5, 6, and 7! Have you ever wondered what it’s like to be part of a world-class choir? Join us for a free event at Winchester Cathedral and experience the life of a chorister.

⚽ Winchester City FC vs Swindon Supermarine, Hillier Way, at 3:00 PM. Come and support the Citizens in their next home match. £13.50

🎶 Hornblower Down, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. The band's repertoire includes a range of different musical styles - from rock to pop, punk to funk, new wave to rap, via a bit of reggae - sometimes in the same song! Only one thing is certain: see them live and you’ll have a good time! £9

📚🤝 Winchester’s Writing Group: Writing session, The South Downs Social, at 10:00 AM. This is the regular meet up for Winchester Writers’ Group. Come along to get to know a friendly group of fellow writers. Chat about writing and ongoing projects. Share ideas and advice. We're doing an hour of writing this week, so please bring a laptop. There will be an optional chance to read work to the group at the end.

🧶 Needle Felting | Scene in a Hoop, BellaCrafts, at 11:00 AM. Begin the year gently with our January needle felting workshop. In this relaxed, welcoming session you’ll create a miniature felted scene inside an embroidery hoop, using soft wool and simple needle felting techniques. £35

👰🏻 Bridal Crafting Workshop, Winchester Royal Hotel, at 1:00 PM. Planning your dream wedding on a budget? We are delighted to be working with Ali Greenwood the founder of AG Creative Wedding Stationery. Ali will be running our first wedding crafting day with us. Learn how to make your own wedding pieces, Confetti cones, favours, and more all for you to take home with you. £25

🎬🍷 Film Society: Walk the Line (2005), Cabinet Rooms, at 3:00 PM. Shhhh... don't tell everyone but we show films downstairs in our Foreign Office. You'll have to hurry if you want to book though. There's only ten seats and spaces can sell out fast. Drink included. £15

🧘 Sunday Sundown Self Care Sessions, Elevate Fitness Studios and Cafe R0st, at 5:00 PM. Think relaxed Ibiza evenings, think relaxing yoga, think about time after class with your community. Finish your weekend by joining us for a calming yoga session followed by chilled socials. £10

🎶🎤 Roots open mic night, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. Winchester's longest running open mic night. Free entry every Monday. Signups from 7.30pm, music from 8.00pm.

🤝 Drop-in engagement event with Winchester City Council, The Courtyard, Guildhall, from 3:00 PM. Winchester City Council is inviting residents to attend a public engagement event about the next steps and potential future options for the former leisure centre site. There is no need to book. Just pop along, find out more, ask questions and tell us what you think.

🎬 Winchester Film Society: Santosh, Winchester Science Centre, at 7:00 PM. Newly widowed Santosh inherits her husband’s job as a police constable in rural India. When a girl’s body is found, she is pulled into the investigation under the wing of charismatic feminist inspector Sharma. A deeply political and painfully human film, in a world ruled by corruption, sexism and inequality. £8

🎤 The Psychology of Serial Killers with Jennifer Rees, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:30 PM. Join expert forensics lecturer Jennifer Rees to explore one of Forensic Psychology's most troubling topics. During this talk, you will discover how serial killers are classified. What are the differences between lust killers like the BTK (Bind, Torture, Kill) Killer and visionary killers such as David Berkowitz (Son of Sam)? £26.50

🧑🏼‍🏭🎓 Minimalist Earrings Workshop with Emily, The Colour Factory, at 2:00 PM. Join Emily at her workshop in Winchester, Hampshire to create at least two different pairs of stud earrings in silver; she will introduce you to a wide variety of techniques and equipment in a short period of time in order for you to take away two finished pieces. £9

🎤 My Life with Kenneth Williams, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:30 PM. In a dazzling display of impeccably honed stage craft, Benson gives an unsparing portrayal of the tormented comic genius, lurching from hilarity to self-pity in public and in private. A captivating raconteur in his own right, Benson has many tales to tell of his time as 'the man who does Kenneth Williams' and the adventures he has had since in an unconventional career. £15

🎶 The Railway Sessions, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. The Railway Sessions returns with two fantastic artists coming to The Railway for their first time! Lilla Shy and Tom Bright. £12.5

Got an event we should feature in the Winchester Brew? Click the button below and add your event details!

Could your home be their forever place?

A bit of froth to end on…

Did You Know? The letters in “Winchester” add up to 19 points in Scrabble - before any bonus squares. And if you managed to play it using all seven of your tiles, you’d likely pocket the extra 50-point bonus too. As for whether it’s “legal”… we’ll leave that argument to your dictionary (and your opponents).

Brain Teaser: A bus has 12 passengers. At the next stop 5 get off and 2 get on. How many people are on the bus? Last week’s answer: The letter E.

Till next time,