As football fans reel from England's defeat (although let's not forget the third place play-off tomorrow), this fabulous English summer continues unabated. So let's regroup and celebrate the very special local community spirit for which our nation is renowned...
Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest Newsletter 17 July 2026 Sign up to receive as weekly e-newsletter direct to your email inbox. Weekly What's On Friday 17 July 2026 Fanfare for the Fete As football fans reel from England's defeat (although let's not forget the third place play-off tomorrow), this fabulous English summer continues unabated. So let's regroup and celebrate the very special local community spirit for which our nation is renowned. Set within the stunning grounds of Palace House by kind permission of Lord and Lady Montagu, tomorrow's Beaulieu Village Fete will bring together residents, visitors, local organisations and volunteers, and promises a lovely summer's afternoon of entertainments and activities for all ages. The fete is organised by the Beaulieu Common Good Foundation and all net proceeds support good causes across the local community - more detail here. Bring your canine companion for the fun dog show (there will be water everywhere and plenty of shade too) and enjoy plentiful refills for humans at the Pimms tent! This year's theme is book characters so appropriate attires are anticipated, and the special guest who will open the fete at 12.30 is acclaimed actress and author Sophie Ward - perhaps better known for her distinguished career in film, television and theatre, Sophie is also an award-nominated novelist and writer. This is a truly lovely, quintessentially 'English' village fete with a very special atmosphere... BEAULIEU VILLAGE FETE SAT 18 JULY For the Dementia Community The word 'festival' conjures up community and positivity! It's defined as: 'a special day or period of celebration. People gather for fun, food, music, or cultural traditions. Festivals are community parties that bring people together to enjoy life.' Which is a rather lovely way to look dementia too, with the people unlucky to get it nevertheless making the most of their lives, long after diagnosis. In this spirit Linden House, Lymington's own dementia care home, is hosting its very first Dementia Friendly Festival, also tomorrow, between 11am and 3pm, for people living with dementia together of course with the people who care for them. The day will consist of activities such as music making, crafting and gardening, and entertainment including singalong favourite songs and a classic cars showcase; also the opportunity to talk with people from local community services and be provided with helpful information and support for the future. Accompanying all this will be refreshments and delicious BBQ food. If you need some quiet moments away from all the excitement there will also be some calmer spaces set aside. DEMENTIA FRIENDLY FESTIVAL SAT 18 JULY Surprise: Opera in the Garden! The news from Louise at Hammersley Homes is that last month's wonderful Music & Opera Weekend at Kingfishers raised an incredible £42,246 for Hammersley Homes and The CODA Music & Arts Trust. Louise offers heartfelt thanks to generous host Amanda and the many people and businesses who helped make it such a success, from volunteers to everyone who bought tickets: "You filled Kingfishers with music, laughter, friendship and kindness, creating memories that will stay with us for a very long time." The new news from Louise is also wonderful and a big surprise: there's to be another beautiful event in the garden of Kingfishers before the summer is out! On Tuesday 18 August, the Scherzo Ensemble, one of the UK’s most innovative touring opera companies, will be performing Mozart's Così fan tutte - The Essential Cut . Mozart’s much-loved comic masterpiece has been condensed into a lively, entertaining performance that captures all the wit, romance and glorious music of the original. This promises to be a very special experience. And this time all the proceeds will be for Hammersley Homes, which means that every penny will help provide safety, friendship and loving care for adults living with enduring mental health challenges in the New Forest. Book your tickets, bring your picnics, see you there! COSI FAN TUTTE AT KINGFISHERS TUES 18 AUGUST Wonderful Wine - from the New Forest! One of the 'benefits' of climate change if we can say that, is that viticulture in England, especially in the south, is becoming ever more feasible. English wine is becoming ever more a thing - and desirable! On our own doorstep B58 Winery at New Forest Fruit is launching its first ever ‘B58 Experience Day' on Saturday 25 July and it has a story to tell. This special 'Experience' begins with a guided tour of the vineyard, is followed by a talk by founder Sandy Booth, and leads on to a tasting in the winery of three award-winning English wines, with of course the opportunity to buy, too. The 'Experience' will take place 3 times throughout the day and tickets to include tour, talk and tasting are £15. Spaces are limited so to ensure the best experience - book now! B58 WINE EXPERIENCE TALK, TOUR AND TASTING SAT 25 JULY Other News and Events Back on the subject of dementia, this week came news too of recent fundraising success at Priestlands School in Lymington. Thanks also to the support of a number of local businesses and individuals, with their Triathlon Challenge Year 9 at Priestlands raised more than £4,200 plus Gift Aid, for Dementia UK. Those involved thank everyone who helped make it such a memorable success. In their words: "together, we've shown what can be achieved when a community comes together. Thank you!" A reminder that this summer's FREE community festival in Woodside Park is also now only two weekends away: on Sunday 2 August it's the all day Summer Spectacular, with a spectacular array of activities and entertainment lined up including something for everyone - see panel above for a taster! Meanwhile there's yet another festival in store: next weekend is Turfsfest (aka the Turfs Beerfest) at the Turfcutters Arms. Brilliant live music throughout the weekend is also free, and the range of beers on offer will be spectacular too! As the holidays start to get into full swing - and see section School Summer Holiday Events below, don't forget there are MANY more events than I have space to do justice to here, listed in the full Events Calendar. Best wishes Jane
