The country’s largest festival of history and culture returns to Gosport 8-17 September 2023 with a packed programme of free events
for residents and visitors to enjoy. Highlights include an open air screening of “Bedknobs and Broomsticks” at Fort Brockhurst; the first Stokes Road Festival with creative activities, music and dancers; activities and talks around the Gosport Tube, an important Gosport invention which in WW1 enabled flight instructors to talk to trainee pilots.
Some of the 35 new events include illustrated talks on local artist Martin Snape featuring original artworks and old photos of Gosport; “Gosport by Nose”; the connection between Gibraltar and Gosport; Gosport pubs; guided tours of Gosport’s unique Regency garden, with glimpses of Regency ladies; a Hard Hat tour of the Criterion cinema, guided history walks discussing oddities from a dodgy vicar,
the tricks of the Press Gang to brickfields, munitions railway and a hanging tree.
This year’s the theme is Creativity Unwrapped, so there will be demonstrations from two quilting groups, a traditional stained glass craftsman and with the Morse code Mission at the Submarine Museum the chance to create a unique piece of art inspired by those famous dots and dashes!
Twelve events have been designed to appeal to children and families. These include a chance to see: WW2 model ships and military vehicles action; secrets of the deep and diving techniques through time at the award-winning Diving Museum; the unique Hovercraft museum and a visit Busy Boats Bay at the Submarine Museum.
Meanwhile old favourites like Fort Brockhurst; the Institute of Naval Medicine; haunted Keep and Fort Rowner, its museums and aircraft within the Royal Navy training establishment HMS Sultan, self led trail of Bastion no 1; HMS Medusa will be open for all to enjoy. More events include a Powder Monkey Brewery tour in the old Gunpowder Store, a tour around Haslar Hospital, a film of its Closing Ceremony, a walk around Royal Clarence Naval Victualing Yard, the Institute of Naval Medicine, and a WW2 ARP ‘Bunker.’
Terry Rhodes, Chair of Gosport Heritage Open Days said: “Once again, we have a terrific range of events, most of which are led by volunteers who have a wonderful passion for their subject and greatly enjoy sharing their knowledge with visitors. All events will reflect the rich and diverse cultural heritage of Gosport and its communities. Our printed Programme will be circulated around 20 August, but visitors to our website: www.gosportheritage.co.uk can decide upon which events.
Heritage Open Days (HODs) is brought to you by the National Trust, supported by players of People’s Postcode Lottery and run by thousands of local organisations and volunteers, HODs brings people together to celebrate their heritage, community and history.
