ALTON is planning to bounce back from a year of lockdown and restrictions by holding a summer of events.
The town council is at the centre of the initiative to get Alton buzzing again.
It has helped initiate a string of events which is hoped to breathe life into a community that has been starved of fun and laughter.
Saturday, June 19
The Community Fayre themed open-air market, in the Public Gardens, 10am to 2pm.
Celebrating Alton’s amazing community spirit by showcasing what local clubs, societies, sports teams, charities and volunteering opportunities there are in the area.
The Repair Café will run in the awning from 10am to 12.30pm offering free repairs and advice.
If you would like to apply for a pitch at any of the themed markets (free for charities/non-profit groups or £10 for commercial) contact Emily-Jane Messenger at Alton Town Council by emailing [email protected]
Saturday, June 26
BioBlitz, King’s Pond, 9am to 3pm.
Come and help wildlife experts carry out a real scientific survey known as a BioBlitz.
The BioBlitz is a race against time to create a snapshot of the variety of life found in a specific location – this time at King’s Pond.
Wildlife experts and the wider public will work together, within 24 hours, to find and identify in the area as many species of plants, animals and fungi as possible.
The Hampshire Bio Records Centre will be on site to record what is identified during the BioBlitz, forming a genuine scientific survey of the King’s Pond site.
This event is an informal and fun way for young people and other members of the public to learn alongside experts, and share and develop their enthusiasm for nature.
Booking will be essential to participate in field study identification groups and walks. It will be available soon from www.alton.gov.uk
There will also be wildlife and nature information stalls on the lawn including an interactive family nature station from Gilbert White’s House, and information on how to join the new Friends of King’s Pond conservation group and the Local Action for Nature (AVLAN).
Saturday, July 3
Alton’s Beer Mile & Market, in the Market Square from 11am to 4pm.
There will be a beer market, stalls and mobile bars from local breweries and Gorilla Gin distillery, a German sausage stall, plus live music and morris dancing in the Market Square.
The beer market will be running alongside the new Beer Mile walk, the lockdown brainchild of Barnaby Duff.
This event is being organised by Alton Beer Festival and Alton Town Council, with profits being donated to local charities. For more information visit www.altonbeerfestival.org.uk
Saturday, July 10
The LAST Last Night of the Proms, Public Gardens, gates open at 6pm.
This is the last-ever Alton Last Night of the Proms open-air concert brought to you by Alton Concert Orchestra, in partnership with Alton Town Council. The musical theme is The Best of Alton’s Proms featuring favourite pieces chosen by the orchestra along with the traditional second-half songs where we invite audience participation with flags as a fun way to end the evening.
So bring your picnic hampers, deckchairs and blankets and enjoy the last Last Night of the Proms in the beautiful setting of the Public Gardens.
Sunday, July 11
Alton’s Eco-Fair, Public Gardens, 10am to 4pm.
A fun and informative event, Celebrating Earth Friendly Living. This is organised by Alton Climate Action Network (ACAN) in partnership with Alton Town Council.
There will be live talks from eco-experts, live music, a refill and re-use area, stalls from local eco-groups and delicious vegan catering from Farnham Community Farm.
For more information visit www.altonclimatenetwork.org.uk
Saturday, July 17
Alton’s arts and culture-themed open-air market, in the Public Gardens, 10am to 2pm.
The market will show off local art, craft and performing arts, and celebrate our rich local culture and heritage, with demonstrations by local clubs, information on our local attractions and stalls from artists, photographers and crafters.
Amery Hill School will have an art exhibition of its pupils’ work in the awning.
Alton Morris will be dancing at 11am and South Berks Concert Band will be performing from the bandstand between noon and 2pm.
If you would like to apply for a pitch at any of the themed markets (free for charities/non-profit groups or £10 for commercial) contact Emily-Jane Messenger at Alton Town Council by emailing [email protected]
Saturday, August 7
Creative and crafty-themed open-air market, in the Public Gardens, 10am to 2pm.
There will be family ‘have-a-go’ craft and creative activities for the community to try, organised by the Home-Start Hampshire volunteers in the awning, alongside stalls from local crafters and artists.
We are looking for more knitters and crocheters to take part in yarn bombing the Public Gardens. So far a small group of volunteers have come forward to join in the fun but we are still looking for more – email Emily-Jane Messenger at [email protected] for more details.
If you would like to apply for a pitch at any of the themed markets (free for charities/non-profit groups or £10 for commercial) contact Emily-Jane Messenger at Alton Town Council by emailing [email protected]
Saturday, August 21
Re-use and Upcycle themed open-air market, in the Public Gardens, 10am to 2pm.
This will feature the ACAN Repair Café which will be offering repairs, advice and maintenance for general household items in the awning from 10am to 12.30pm.
It will be alongside the Resurrection Furniture pre-loved stall and other stalls selling vintage, retro, upcycled and recycled items, as well as products to assist you to re-use and recycle.
If you would like to apply for a pitch at any of the themed markets (free for charities/non-profit groups or £10 for commercial) contact Emily-Jane Messenger at Alton Town Council by emailing [email protected]
Saturday, September 4
All Things Local-themed open-air market, in the Public Gardens, 10am to 2pm.
This market will be the finalé and celebrate All Things Local. It will feature the Alton In Bloom awards that recognise our community efforts to make Alton bloom this year and the town mayor’s tea party thanking volunteers within our community in the awning.
Dementia-Friendly Alton will host its Forget Me Not walk around the gardens in the morning.
n Please support our town by shopping locally when you visit Alton and its events. For more information on the events visit www.altonevents.com