IT IS the early May bank holiday weekend and that means the events calendar is jam-packed with family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. 

From gardening to the circus, there's something for everyone big and small.

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Bank holiday dates in 2022


Here are some of the events taking place across Hampshire this weekend:

BBC Gardeners' World Fair Spring at Beaulieu

  • When? Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 1 
  • Where? National Motor Museum Beaulieu

Basingstoke Gazette: BBC Gardeners World will returnBBC Gardeners World will return

Set in the beautiful grounds of Beaulieu, this Spring Fair includes Beautiful Borders and The Hillier Experience packed with planting ideas, and stunning floral displays from top nurseries.

The BBC Gardeners' World Spring Fair will be a haven for plant lovers.

Hand-selected for their variety and quality of plants, a selected number of nurseries will present stunning displays as well as an incredible range of plants for sale. With daily talks from the editors, plus special guests each day, there will be practical tips, topical advice.

The BBC Good Food Market will also be offering a tasty mix of artisan food and drink producers and there will be live entertainment at the bandstand.

Spring Steam Gala at The Watercress Line

  • When? Friday, April 29 to Monday, May 2 
  • Where? Mid Hants Railway 'Watercress Line', Ropley

Basingstoke Gazette: The Watercress LineThe Watercress Line

This years Spring Steam Gala event will feature a Goods Trains theme and is a chance to see and ride behind guest engines and our home-fleet locomotives. This years visiting locos are LMS 8F 48305, courtesy of Great Central Railway, and GWR 28xx 2857, courtesy of Severn Valley Railway.

Explore all of the Watercress Line's heritage stations along the 10 mile line, get up close to some of the locomotives, find out more about the restoration projects and enjoy talks and various exhibits.

Chawton Village Walk with Jane Austen's House

  • When? Saturday, April 30 
  • Where? Jane Austen's House, Chawton, Alton

Basingstoke Gazette: The portrait of novelist Jane Austen by James Andrews (Laura Lean/PA)The portrait of novelist Jane Austen by James Andrews (Laura Lean/PA)

This fun, relaxed guided walk will take you back in time, to discover the village Jane Austen knew and loved. Walk in Jane's footsteps and learn about her love of nature, houses and views she knew, and the importance of village life in shaping her writing.

Throughout the walk, short readings from Austen's letters and novels will bring her world to life.

Circus Extreme Southampton at Mayflower Park

  • When? Friday, April 29 to Sunday, May 8
  • Where? Mayflower Park, Southampton

Basingstoke Gazette: Circus Extreme Southampton at Mayflower ParkCircus Extreme Southampton at Mayflower Park

Circus Extreme is be returning to the UK in 2022 as part of its World Tour. A one-of-a-kind performance, that has been five years in the making and features some of the most talented performers in the world.

Merging modern and contemporary styles with extreme stunts and classic clown escapades, audiences will be amazed by the jam-packed Circus Extreme production which features show-stopping performances that will have you on the edge of your seat. 

G4 Live

  • When? Friday, April 29 
  • Where? New Theatre Royal, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth

Having won over the public back in 2004 on the first series of the X-Factor, G4 have since gone on from strength to strength. Now the four-piece continue to blow people away year after year, with their unique style and impactful harmonic vocals; incomparable to any other.

They have to be heard live to truly appreciate the power and passion of their voices!

Having completed five sell-out Christmas tours in consecutive years, G4 will return to theatres in 2022 with their classic hits, including Bohemian Rhapsody, My Way, Nessun Dorma and Creep. Plus, audiences will hear recent heart-stopping tracks from their latest ‘Love Songs’ album.