A participant meeting to discuss and consult on an upcoming festival was held in Romsey.

A recent meeting at Romsey Town Hall saw dozens of residents attend to discuss with committee members the launch of the Romsey Festival 2026.

The festival, now in its 14th year, is set to kick-off on Saturday July 4 and end on Sunday July 19, hosting a fortnight of special events including music, art, drama and more.

Chair of Romsey Festival Committee, Neil Gywnne, led the meeting where he discussed the plans for this year, including promotion, how to register events and what residents can expect to see.

Melanie Hayden, member of Flautissimo, said: “We love to perform in Romsey so we decided we would like to do a concert. We have taken part in Romsey Festival for around two years and it’s great seeing all the different events- particularly concerts as I’m a musician. The Beggars Fair is amazing too.”

Flautissmo is one of the many concerts being held during the festival, taking place on July 10. Other events registered so far include art exhibitions, church tours, bell ringing demonstrations, nature walks and more.

Mike Ball, member of Romsey Male Voice Choir, said: “There’s a wide variety of things we enjoy about the festival. It’s the whole ethos and a time where the town really comes alive – more than it already is. There are always some fantastic events, I would like to introduce a ‘Poems and Pints’ night, which I think would be a success.”

A launch event for the festival is set to take place on July 3 at the town hall, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Currently, 62 events are registered to take place during the festival, at venues such as Romsey Abbey, local churches, gardens, halls, and various open spaces.

A familiar staple of the festival, the Beggars Fair, will be occurring alongside planned activities on July 11, bringing in more than 100 free music and dance acts to over 20 venues around the town centre.

Romsey Festival organisers, whose work is supported by local volunteers, are keen to showcase the vast pool of talent within the town and the surrounding areas, which are not only ready for applause but invite participation as well.

A week preceding the festival, a Volunteer Fair, backed by the town council, will be held to boost recruitment and support for community groups involved in the festival.

Romsey Festival began in 1984 and has grown in size and popularity over the years.

Article, by Eve Thompson, first published in Hampshire Chronicle