Festival at the Fort, a joyous family weekend of free arts and cultural fun in the historic setting of Fort Brockhurst, returns this July, following the huge success of last year’s event.

The festival is part of the Gosport Cultural Education Project, which aims to celebrate arts, culture and heritage alongside the children and young people of the area. The festival is a collaboration between Hampshire Music Education Hub and The Grange Festival – and is set against the backdrop of the historic Victorian fort. Last year’s festival worked with more than 1,250 young people from local schools and welcomed more than 2,250 community members, family and friends.

For the first time, festival goers can witness the Band of HM Royal Marines, from nearby HMS Collingwood, which more commonly performs at prestigious national events and in front of royalty.

The full programme is as follows:

WEDNESDAY 2 JULY

RHYTHM & MARCH 6PM (Doors open 5.30pm), FREE
Featuring the band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Collingwood – an evening of music followed by local secondary dance students joining them for a performance on the parade ground.

THURSDAY 3 JULY

YOUTH PROMS 6PM TO 9:30PM (Doors open 5.30pm), FREE
Featuring Gosport and Fareham Youth Orchestra. Bring your own picnic, blanket or foldable chair and enjoy an evening of music.

SATURDAY 5 JULY

FAMILY FUN DAY FROM MIDDAY, FREE
Try activities from circus skills workshops to crafting.

FARMYARD CIRCUS 1PM, FREE
Expect a daring riot of astonishing acrobatics and juggling using hay bales. Featuring a boot-slappin’ live score, this production tells an uplifting tale of overcoming our differences.

MUSIC AT THE FORT 3PM TO LATE, FREE
Young local bands and musicians showcase their talent on the main stage, with Quay West Studios. Food and drink available to purchase.

Members of the media are invited to attend by prior arrangement, by emailing corporate.communications@hants.gov.uk.