SouthseaScene

Portsmouth Guildhall is throwing open its doors on Saturday 14th August, 11am – 5pm, to welcome people back into the city’s premier Concert and Events venue and give a sample of some of the performances, activities and workshops that the venue and its creative partners have to offer throughout 2021/22, and to celebrate the city’s creative economy. SAMPLED, a FREE event, will offer something for everyone including live music from LMSUK Media, the chance to get creative in a craft & design workshop with The Maker’s Guild, circus skills with The Parenting Network and a samba workshop with UVG – The Urban Vocal Group. In a taster of the Guildhall’s Games Fest and Portsmouth Comic Con events, there will be the opportunity to play new and retro board and computer games with partners Dice and Game Over and the chance to meet some of your favourite superheroes and characters with GoGeek Events. If you’ve always wanted to be the star of the show, now is your chance as you can take you...

Portsmouth's annual fireworks display at King George V playing fields will take place on Wednesday 6 November. The children's funfair opens at 4pm and the bonfire will be lit at 7pm. The fireworks display will start at 7:30pm following the countdown from Deputy Lord Mayor of Portsmouth. This year's display has been supplied by Pains Fireworks and there's also stalls selling hot food & refreshments. Cllr Steve Pitt, Portsmouth City Council's Cabinet Member for Culture and City Development said: "The fireworks display is always popular and attracts lots of people from across the city so get there early to enjoy the spectacular display." Visitors are asked not to bring their own fireworks or sparklers to the display for health and safety reasons. Travel: Car parking will be available at Lakeside for £2 which will be donated to the Rotary Clubs of Southsea Castle, Portsmouth and Southsea and Rotaract. Please avoid crossing Western Road which is a h...

The Spring Arts and Heritage Centre is feeling green-fingered this February with its Glorious Garden Family Festival. Get involved in some of the opportunities taking place across Havant Borough and help your family have fun, get creative and get their imaginations growing! First, why not pick up one of the 1000 free craft packs available now from libraries and community venues across the borough. The packs contain everything your child will need to make their very own flying friend at home – will they make a bumblebee, a ladybird or a butterfly? Then, why not pop-in to one of The Spring’s ‘A Bug’s Party’ garden pop-ups? They are perfect for a fun family afternoon out - shrink down to bug size and get busy like a bee, wiggle like a worm or spin like a spider to celebrate the garden’s Queen Bee! These events are free for everyone and there is no need to book in advance – just come along at any time and stay as long as you like. The events are 2-4pm each day on: Saturday 10 February...

Just finished reading a book entitled "Love, Nina" and really enjoyed it. The title caught my eye as my niece is called Nina. Written by Nina Stibbe, the book is a series of letters she wrote to her sister at home detailing her time working as a nanny in London. Her language is fun and it makes a very effective autobiography. By putting in some conversation in dialog format she avoided awakward description and kept the story fresh and honest. It's an interesting read and as a student of creative writing I find the style interesting. Dialogues are hard unless you have a very good command of personalities and tone of voice of various characters. Have a read, it's funny in most part and a very diverting read.

My latest National Trust magazine has just arrived, full of information on the various properties and activities they are offering this summer. Here are my favourites for the ones near us The Great British Dog Walk (really?) at New Forest Commons Sunday 21 May, 11 am to 4.30 pm Fun for the family promised with adult tickets costing £10, available from 01844 348101 Family trail at Hinton Ampner Saturday 27 May - Sunday 4 June, 10 am to 5 pm Explore the grounds during the half-term holiday Suggested donation of £1 Rose season at Mottisfont Throughout June The roses will be in full bloom and there will be free talks with the gardeners at 2 pm daily Feast Festival at Waddesdon Manor 17-18 June, 10 am to 5 pm Experience music, dance and interactive theatrical performances while enjoying fabulous food and drink. Entry £5 for adults and £2.50 for children 30-hour record Millathon at Winchester Mill 17-18 June, 10 am to 4 pm Watch the millers attempt a new record of...