Winchester Brew - 4th September '25

After the recent heatwave, the past few days of rain, blustery winds and odd flashes of sunshine have been a reminder that the seasons really do turn quickly here.

The good news is that autumn in Winchester means festivals - and plenty of them. From the upcoming Poetry and Jazz Festivals to Winchester Green Week and Winchester Heritage Open Days, the next few weeks are looking full of reasons to get out and about. (We’ll cover those in future issues as they come up.)

For now, here’s your hand-picked guide to what’s happening this week in the city and surrounding villages - a mix of gigs, food, art and family-friendly events that (as far as we know!) still have space, to keep the calendar lively, rain or shine.

If you enjoy this issue or find it useful, please do pass it along to a friend or neighbour and encourage them to sign up. The more people in the loop, the better. 😀

One story we think you’ll care about.

What’s the news? Have you noticed these collection boxes in shops, bars and restaurants across the city?

Spare Change for Lasting Change is a scheme co-ordinated by Winchester BID and Winchester City Council to support vulnerable people in the city. Donations made via the boxes are given to Winchester Beacon and Trinity Winchester to fund their vital work supporting people facing homelessness.

If you see one in a business around town, then take a moment to donate your change, or scan the QR code. Every donation really does helps those in need.

Our featured pick of the events this week.

What: “Summer’s not over till we say it is! 🎉 Join us Saturday 6th September for our End of Summer Party with DJ Steve Middleton spinning from 6pm ‘til late! Expect good vibes, dancing, and a proper send-off to the season 🪩 🕺🏼

Alongside our usual cocktails, we have some fun specials for the night 🍸”

Message @generalstore_winchester to book your table.

When: Saturday, 6th September - 6:00 PM till Late

Where: 30-01 The Square, Winchester.

A curated list of events on in the next seven days in Winchester and surrounding areas. 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 where available.

PYO Flowers, Stem and Green Flower Farm, Worthy. Pick Your Own (PYO) bucket of our beautiful blooms and to enjoy the surroundings of our three acre flower farm and a cup of tea and cake. Friday 5th 10am to 3pm, Sat 6th 10am to 4pm. https://www.stemandgreen.co.uk/pages/pick-your-own

Winchester School of Art MA Degree Show 2025, Winchester School of Art. This free-to-attend show features exhibits from our graduating, Masters-level students on our taught postgraduate programmes. Weds 3rd to Sun 7th https://www.southampton.ac.uk/wsa/news/events/2025/07/winchester-school-of-art-ma-degree-show-2025-.page

Sherlock Holmes: The Hunt for Moriarty, Theatre Royal Winchester. A thrilling adventure based on the work of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, The Hunt for Moriarty is a world premiere combining powerful performances, a haunting soundscape and innovative design for an exhilarating theatrical experience. Thurs 4th to Sat 6th. https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/sherlock-holmes-hunt-moriarty

Death Cafe Winchester, The Cabinet Rooms, at 5:45 PM. Death Cafe is an opportunity to talk openly about death and dying. There is no agenda, no speakers, just what participants want to talk about. https://winchestercelebrant.co.uk/death-cafe-winchester/

Book Launch - ‘Ultimate Obsession’ by Dai Henley, The Arc at 7:00 PM. Dai will be in conversation with award-winning author, Johanna Barnard, discussing his new thriller and his writing process, including his writing routine, how he gets his ideas and his route to publication. https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/book-launch-event-ultimate-obsession-dai-henley

Ukulele Beginners Course, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 10:30 AM. Ukes for All host a 12 week course of beginner ukulele classes. Go from absolute beginner to playing your favourite songs in a matter of weeks. £150 https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/ukulele-beginners-course

CountryMusic Month: Harry Budd, The Cart and Horses, Kings Worthy at 6:30 PM. Embrace your inner Nashville soul and join us for our first ever country music month, here at the Cart & Horses! https://www.thecartandhorses-kingsworthy.co.uk/events

Bling Your Boots Workshop, The Arc, at 6:30 PM. For Adults, includes a glass of wine, but bring your own boots! £38 https://www.arcwinchester.org.uk/event/arc-after-dark-bling-your-boots-colette

Folk Saves The Day - Fundraiser, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. Fundraising show for The Railway Inn featuring three fantastic touring folk musicians from the Hampshire area! Support your local music venue by attending or donating to the crowdfunder! £15 https://railwayinn.pub/shows/folk-saves-the-day-the-railway-inn-charity-fundraiser-2025-09-05

London Concertante - A Night at the Opera, Winchester Cathedral, at 7:30 PM. Join acclaimed ensemble London Concertante for an unforgettable evening of opera classics, all set in the magical atmosphere of Winchester Cathedral illuminated by candlelight. £22.25. https://www.winchester-cathedral.org.uk/event/london-concertante-a-night-at-the-opera/

Jam Night, Projects Winchester, at 7:30 PM. Get up and join in. Or sit back and relax. We serve beer, food, wine and good times. It's advisable to book a table as it can get very busy. https://www.instagram.com/p/DOIyPbbjVSH/

Frontier Sapiens - Open Air Cinema, Itchen Valley Country Park, at 7:45 PM. Adventure, cultural and environmental films highlighting incredible stories of human endeavour - all shown in an outdoor cinema. £17.50 https://www.frontiersapiens.com/southampton-itchen-valley-country-park

The Alresford Show, Tichborne Arms, from 8:30 AM to 6:00 PM. This one-day event brings the community together with a full day of farming fun, family entertainment and rural celebrations. £20 https://alresfordshow.co.uk/

World Cuisine Cookery Class: Fish and Chips, Lainston House, at 10:00 AM. Forget takeaways – learn how to make a delicious fish and chips dinner from the comfort of your own home! £99 https://www.exclusive.co.uk/cookery-school/classes/world-cuisine/world-cuisine-fish-and-chips/

Littleton and Harestock Show, Littleton Recreation Ground, from 12:00 PM. This Show, part of village life since 1921, is a traditional village fête attracting several thousand visitors from across Hampshire. The Show features showcase arena events, field games, stalls and fantastic local food and drink. We thank you for supporting your local show and we hope you join us this year and have a great family day out. https://www.lhshow.org.uk/

Georgian Style & Society Walking Tour, The Broadway, at 2:30 PM. A look at some of Winchester's buildings that date from the Georgian era. £12 https://winchestertouristguides.com/

Winchester City FC vs Frome Town, Hillier Way, at 3:00 PM. Come and support the Citizens in their next home match. £13.50 https://www.winchestercityfc.co.uk/whats-on

End of Summer Party, General Store, Winchester at 6:00 PM. Summer’s not over till we say it is! 🎉 Join us Saturday 6th September for our End of Summer Party with DJ Steve Middleton spinning from 6pm ‘til late! Expect good vibes, dancing, and a proper send-off to the season 🪩 🕺🏼 https://www.instagram.com/p/DOB7NRGCAq8/?img_index=1

Echoes of Summer: Sopranos in Concert, St Paul’s Church, at 7:00 PM. Join us for an evening filled with duets, arias & songs by Hampshire based artists! Favourites by Mozart, Puccini, Strauss, and more… £15 https://www.eventbrite.com/e/echoes-of-summer-sopranos-in-concert-tickets-1441914839099

Canned Pineapple, The Railway Inn, at 7:30 PM. A band of brothers waggin’ out; Canned Pineapple is the result of interplanetary telekinesis between the great beyond and the great norm. £9 https://railwayinn.pub/shows/canned-pineapple-2025-09-06

Winchester Craft and Gift Market, Winchester Guildhall, from 10:30 AM. We are using the King Charles Hall, a magnificent hall with beams and original features which provides the perfect backdrop to one of our stylish Mynt Image Craft and Gift Markets. https://www.ukcraftfairs.com/craft-events/25756/winchester-craft-and-gift-market

Twyford Waterworks Open Day, Twyford Waterworks, from 11:00 AM. The whole site will be open for you to explore and enjoy, with as much as possible in operation PLUS visiting exhibits AND a 'Twyford 125' exhibition. https://www.twyfordwaterworks.co.uk/opendays

Rejoice, Joyful Voices! Bach w/ Trumpets and Timpani, St Paul’s Church, 3:45PM. The Bach Winchester Voices team up with outstanding soloists and a professional period band to perform cantatas BWV 30, 34 and 120 - each of which involve trumpets and timpani! https://www.bwv.org.uk/future_events

Winchester College Treasure Tour, Winchester College, at 1:30 PM. Explore the treasures of Winchester College’s collections, including works of art and rare books that are not normally on public display. £15 https://www.winchestercollegeheritage.org/whats-on/treasures-tour/

The Making of a Murderer 2: The Real Manhunter, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:30 PM. In this all-new show, Colin Sutton; who the ITV drama series 'Manhunt,' played by Martin Clunes, is based on, will talk you through his remarkable career and what it is like to chase and catch a serial killer in a unique and one-off night at the theatre - for true crime fans and theatre goers alike. £24 https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/makings-murderer-2-real-manhunter

Locally Grown Laughs Talent Night, Theatre Royal Winchester, at 7:00 PM. Come along to a night of fresh, homegrown hilarity at our Locally Grown Laughs Talent Night a comedy showcase that proves the funniest stuff doesn't come from far away! It’s unfiltered, unprocessed and 100% organically funny. £8 https://www.theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk/whats-on/locally-grown-laughs-talent-night

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

Could your home be their happy place?

Every week we’ll recommend a walking or cycling route in or near the Winchester area.

Some fun to end on…

Did You Know? Winchester Cathedral is the longest medieval cathedral in Europe, boasting an impressive overall length of 558ft.

Riddle Me This: The person who makes it, sells it. The person who buys it, never uses it. The person who uses it, never knows they're using it. What is it? Last week’s answer: Silence

Number Puzzle: What is the number that when spelled out has its letters in alphabetical order? Last week’s answer: 61

Till next time,