Step through gates usually closed to the public and discover a world of colour, creativity and quiet inspiration at St Barbe Open Gardens 2026.
FREE ENTRY & FREE PARKING
Get ready for a fantastic day out for all ages at The Summer Spectacular! Bring your friends, your family, and your picnic blankets for a jam-packed day of fun, music, and community spirit right in the heart of Lymington.
Visit our event website www.summer-spectacular.com
Jousting with The Knights of Royal England
Experience the thrill and pageantry of medieval times as the Knights Of Royal England bring their spectacular jousting and mediaeval entertainment to our event, showcasing dazzling displays of skill, galloping horses and heroic challengers in full armour that have made them one of Europe’s premier jousting troupes with over 20 years’ experience. Their performance echoes the deep heritage of the New Forest and Lymington, where centuries of history - from ancient Norman manors to salt-making marshlands - are woven into the landscape, and where stories of knights and medieval life have long captured the imagination of locals and visitors alike.
Massive Car Show
With several hundred cars on display, it’s a must-see for motoring fans of all ages.
Ferret Racing
Get ready for fast-paced fun with Ferret Racing by Southern Ferrets! These lively and mischievous animals will dash down the track in a series of thrilling races that are sure to entertain the whole family. Pick your favourite, cheer them on, and enjoy this unique and light-hearted spectacle!
Skate Jam
A free to enter jam style competition with prizes for a wide range of age groups and skill levels – from young children to semi-professional riders, pro scooter demo headlined by Smith & Feeble, with featured riders from their team, and support from Prevail Skatehouse (Poole), Dogg Scooters, and Root Industries, all bringing along their own pro riders to showcase top-tier talent on the day, Free coaching for all ages across scooters, skateboards, and BMX, delivered by the team and guest coaches from Entity BMX and Level Up Salisbury. Live MC hosting by local rider and national scooter champion Cameron Glasspool.
Dog Show
Live Music Stage
Enjoy performances from four amazing music groups throughout the day – the perfect soundtrack to your picnic!
Come and Try a New Sport
School Sports Day Races
Food & Drink Traders
From tasty street food to refreshing drinks, there’s something to satisfy every craving.
The Little Craft Shack - Art & Craft Stalls
Browse a wonderful selection of local handmade goods and creative treasures.
Coles Family Fairground
Thrills and laughter guaranteed with fairground favourites for all ages!
Don’t miss this incredible community day – Summer Spectacular has something for everyone!
Follow the event on Facebook for all the lasted information.
Lymington will come alive with festive cheer on Friday 28th November as the town celebrates its Christmas Lights Switch-On event, marking the start of the Christmas season with music, entertainment, and over 100 beautifully decorated Christmas trees lighting up the streets.
From 4pm, St Thomas Street, the High Street and the Quay will be transformed into a sparkling Christmas trail. Visitors can enjoy a packed evening of live performances, family entertainment, and late-night shopping in Lymington’s independent shops and boutiques.
The festivities centre around St Thomas Church, where the official light switch-on will take place at 6pm, led by the Town Mayor. The town will feature two large illuminated Christmas trees, one outside St Thomas Church and another on the Quayside, creating a magical trail of light through the town.
Main stage outside St Thomas Church:
4:00pm – Event opens
4:30pm – 4:50pm Swish of the Curtain Theatre School – Lymington
5:00pm – 5:30pm Highcliffe Charity Players - Christmas medley
5:40pm – 6:00pm Lymington Choral Society – Community carols and blessing the crib
6:00pm – Christmas Lights Switch-On with the Town Mayor
6:00pm – 6:15pm St Thomas Church bell ringers
6:15pm – 7:00pm - The Fifinellas bring Christmas with a vintage twist.
7:15pm – 8:00pm Christmas Jazz
Inside St Thomas Church, visitors can enjoy the annual Christmas Tree Festival hosted by the Friends of St Thomas Church, showcasing over 70 trees decorated by local organisations and community groups.
Adding to the festive spirit, the Lymington Town Band will perform outside the United Reform Church, filling the High Street with classic Christmas tunes.
The High Street will be bustling with funfair rides, seasonal food and drink stalls, and local traders offering plenty of Christmas gift ideas. Visitors are encouraged to stroll down to the Quay, where shops will stay open for late-night shopping and the waterfront tree will sparkle across the marina.
To make the evening even more inviting, free parking will be available in all NFDC car parks (excluding on-street parking).
The Town Mayor said:
“The Christmas Lights Switch-On is one of Lymington’s most loved traditions. It brings families, friends, and our wonderful community together to celebrate the start of the festive season. This event truly helps to make Christmas special in Lymington.”
Come along and enjoy an evening full of light, music, and festive fun as Lymington celebrates Christmas in style.
Get ready for a fantastic day out for all ages at Picnic in the Park! Bring your friends, your family, and your picnic blankets for a jam-packed day of fun, music, and community spirit right in the heart of Lymington in Woodside Park.
Annual Christmas lights switch on with entertainment, carol singing, fairground, festive food and drinks, late night shopping, and free parking in New Forest District Council Lymington Town car parks.
Event Opens at 16:00
Outside St Thomas Church:
16:30 Coda Ukulele Group
17:20 Carol Singing and blessing of the crib
17:45 Mayor switches on the lights
17:50 Highcliffe Charity Players - Christmas Songs
Outside United Reform Church
17:30 - 19:30 Lymington Town Band
Event ends at 20:00
Part of Lymington Afloat
This event is designed for young people and their families. We are excited to welcome a variety of local marine businesses who will be joining us for the evening. The focus will be on training, apprenticeships, and career guidance, including opportunities for internships and work experience. The event will showcase the wide range of jobs available in the industry.
Lymington Afloat is organised by St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery
https://www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/whats-on/exhibitions/current-exhibition/mark-test-page/about/
A talk by Rob and Tom Humphreys.
Entry £5 at the door but free to St Barbe Friends and Lymington Afloat sponsors.
Talks take place on Fridays at the Baptist Church, opposite St Barbe
Part of Lymington Afloat
Aimed at those who have responsibility for careers advice, this is a fantastic opportunity to meet the marine industry specialists who can tell you what help and information is available about careers in engineering, design, architecture, hospitality and all other aspects of working in the marine industries.
Two time slots are available; 4:30pm - 5:30pm and 6:00pm - 7:30pm
There will be maritime industry representatives offering advice and information and short introductory talks by:
Keith Longman - Introduction to marine industry skills and apprenticeships
Paul Harris - Maguire Boats
Emma Humphrey - Graduated Berthon marine engineer apprentice
Gareth Griffiths - Yacht skipper
Matt Cory - Maritime architect (Laurent Giles)
Manj Mahey - British Marine (TBC)
Lorna Wagner - Maritime UK Solent (TBC)
(speakers subject to change)
Location: Berthon Boat Company, The Shipyard, Bath Road, Lymington, Hampshire, SO41 3YL
Free sign up for this event is required
Lymington Afloat is organised by St Barbe Museum and Art Gallery website
A talk by Steve Billet, chair of the local RNLI branch.
Talks will take place on Fridays at the Baptist Church, opposite St Barbe
Entry £5 at the door but free to St Barbe Friends and Lymington Afloat sponsors.
The prime aim is to give the young of all ages – particularly those with the least opportunities to access the river – an opportunity to get afloat, whether by visiting an historic ship, trying their hand at a waterborne activity, or just taking a gentle cruise.
A second aim is to attract more visitors to follow the Town Trail and to take advantage of the retail and hospitality businesses along the way – particularly those making a special offer.
Dip into the town trail section of the brochure and you can find plenty of ideas.
A selection of all the activities is given below:
Take in the Lymington Afloat exhibition at St Barbe Museum at ½ price.
Have a go at rowing or kayaking in the upper reaches.
Visit the Royal Navy, Coastguards and the RNLI by the Town Quay.
Enjoy the demonstrations, food and free boat trips at the two clubs.
Visit a WWII Motor Gun Boat and High Speed Launch on the HM Pontoon.
Watch the fun at the Sea Water Baths or at the Sea Angling Club.
Link to Trail Map shows you where to go or ask a marshal in a pink vest.
Most special activities and visits will start at 10 am and wind down around 4 pm. Retail and hospitality venues will be open longer. Coral Star and Puffin Billi will work their regular timetable. Check with the organisers for further information.
Each event organiser will take account of the weather and adjust plans as necessary. Your safety is paramount. Please follow instructions from marshals, boat operators and safety coordinators. You must be honest in answering questions about your experience afloat.
Read the individual entries and see whether you should book in advance e.g. kayaks, LYC sailing trips or powerboat trips. Wear suitable clothing and footwear if you wish to take a boating trip or a guided walk on the Lymington Nature Reserve. Lifejackets, where required, will be supplied by the activity organiser. The Sea Water Baths will publish their special weekend programme on their website.
We will alert you to the weather forecast and any last minute changes to the programme on the Lymington Afloat website. The marshals will be briefed to answer your questions and to help ensure that you and your family have a wonderful time.
Christmas Light Switch on along High Street with food and drink stalls, children amusements, carol singing and Father Christmas in his sleigh.
Coronation Parade, Children’s Fun Races, Kiddies Funfair, Bottle Tombola, Charity and Community Stalls, Petanque and Croquet ‘Come and Try’, Sprites Shoot Out, Dog Show
Piped Music throughout the High St
Santa in his Sleigh Outside Corals
Festive Stalls and Shops
Santa’s Grotto
Hot Food and Drinks
Fair Rides
Entertainment
Craft, Food and Gift Stalls
Friday 25th November
Lymington High Street
4.00pm – 8.00pm
Hot and Cold Food and Drink Stalls
Family Amusements & Rides
Free Car parking (All day in NFDC car parks)
Free Inflatable Toboggan Ride
6.00pm Choir and Crib Blessing at St Thomas Church
6.15pm Christmas Light Switch On
6.30pm Arrival of Santa in his Sleigh
The Town Council, in collaboration with Lymington Community Centre and the Lymington Rotary Club are putting on a FREE full fun packed day of activities. This event will take place on the 5th June 2022 from 11.00am -4.00pm at Woodside Park, off Ridgeway Lane where FREE carparking for the event will be available.
The aim of the event is bring together the local community and families to celebrate together the Queen’s 70 years on the throne and will have a full programme of things happening throughout the day to keep everyone busy.
This currently includes:
Children’s Fun races - think egg & spoon, hula hoop, three legged, wheelbarrow….
Children’s Craft Tent organised by St. Barbes Museum
Open Air Jubilee Thanksgiving Service at 11am
Live Bands to include – CODA Ukulele Band (12.00-12.45pm), Empty Frets (1.00-1.45pm), Magikat (2.00-2.45pm) and Free-Wheelers (3.00-3.45pm)
Dog Show (registration from 11.30am)
Coles Funfair
Croquet “Come & Try” sessions
Lymington Sprites
New Forest Academy of Dance performance
Amazing raffle prizes - £1.00 per ticket
An assortment of hot and cold food & refreshments available to buy your picnic from, or bring your own picnic along. Ranging from burgers & Chips, Creperie, Thai, Pizza, Focaccia, BBQ, Paella, cream teas & cakes, ice creams, Pimms, Coffees and Teas and the infamous Hop on Inn.
A range of local community & charity stalls
Please bring your own chairs and blankets to sit on throughout the day.
Lymington Open Gardens 2022
Sunday 29 May 2 pm – 6 pm
14 gardens, including four new ones - and don’t forget Woodside Park
Plant stalls
Teas with home made cakes
Admission via programme, £7.50 per adult obtainable now from St Barbe Museum + Art Gallery, or from any participating garden on the day
Website: https://www.stbarbe-museum.org.uk/whats-on/events/community-events/
LYMINGTON ARTS GROUP will hold its Annual Exhibition and sale of original paintings at ART ON THE GREEN, MILFORD ON SEA.
Saturday 21 August - Sunday 22 August 10am to 5pm.
Free entry, ample parking, a warm welcome to all.
Contact Pauline Stephens 07944 962120 for further details
https://lymingtonlifeboat.co.uk/
The Nova Foresta Classical Players return to bring us a glorious program of inspirational music including Elgar's timeless Cello Concerto and Mahler's epic first symphony, the 'Titan'.
Tickets available from Oxfam, New Milton or www.ticketsource.co.uk/nova-foresta-classical-players
Lymington and Pennington Town Council 2021
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