10 things you can get up to in Hampshire this weekend

WITCHES and wizards are being called upon to make magic and mischief with Harry Potter-themed activities on The Watercress Line on October 28-29.

The Mid Hants Railway Watercress Line is bringing back its popular Wizard Weekend event, featuring brand new experiences to celebrate 20 years since the first Harry Potter book was released.

Fans of Potter can dress up in Hogwarts uniform and pose for pictures on the very bridge where Harry received his Hogwarts Express ticket, as well as travel up and down the line with unlimited rides on the Wizard Express steam train in Hogwarts-style carriages.

Fans of the films can even meet real characters, as Gringott’s goblins actors Michael Henbury and Brian Wheeler will be in attendance to sign autographs in the very carriage where Harry first met his new best friends Ron and Hermione in the first Potter film.

Fans of all things magical will get the chance to come face-to-face with creepy crawlies, see an owl, ride on the miniature railway, learn how to make a witch’s broomstick, marvel at magic tricks, and take part in Harry Potter-themed craft activities – all included in the ticket price.

Witches and wizards of all ages are also invited to dress up and take part in a fancy-dress competition. Taking place on both days of the event, Harry Potter prizes are available for the best-dressed adult and child.

Tickets are available to book in advance from www.watercressline.co.uk.

THE Spitfire Sisters and their band return to Winchester on October 28.

They will present Bottled– a soothing tonic to modern day woes such as WiFi, mobile phones and alarm clocks.

This is a chance to enjoy an eclectic mix of songs including tunes from their self-penned album Put Your Phone Away, featuring classic 1940s repertoire and modern songs with a vintage twist.

Tickets to the performance at 7.30pm are £20 from the Theatre Royal website, with £18.50 concessions and £17.50 for schools and groups.

SOUTHAMPTON will be rocking to the sounds of the 60s as Mod musical All or Nothing makes its way to the Mayflower Theatre on October 27 and 28.

The Mods stuck two fingers up at the class-ridden society and its dull redundant culture. They were working-class free spirits who rode sexy streamlined Italian Vespas or Lambrettas.

This quintessentially British musical celebrates The Small Faces with hits like Whatcha Gonna Do About It, Lazy Sunday and Tin Soldier.

Tickets are from 023 8071 1811 or mayflower.org.uk.

WINCHESTER Science and Planetarium’s half term Spooky Science event comes to an end on Monday, October 30. Resident science experts don their imaginary proton packs and myth-bust their way through a cauldron of spooky from 10am every day. Admission is £12 for adults and £8.40 for child.

A MAGICAL, musical adaptation The Gruffalo’s Child is on at Nuffield Southampton Theatres until Saturday, October 28.

Following hot on the heels of The Gruffalo’s sell out tour and West End success comes Julia Donaldson and Axel Scheffler’s award-winning sequel of the picture book, live on stage.

This playful production promises to be a theatrical treat for all the family this half term, featuring songs, laughs and scary fun for children aged three and up – plus plenty of attitude.

One wild and windy night the Gruffalo’s child ignores her father’s warning that no Gruffalo should ever set foot in the deep dark wood and tiptoes out into the snow. After all, the Big Bad Mouse doesn’t really exist… or does he?

Tall Stories are the award-winning theatre company behind previous hits The Gruffalo, Room on the Broom and The Snail and the Whale

Tickets are £12.

and available from the Box Office 023 8067 1771 or online at nstheatres.co.uk.A FAMILY-friendly show at The Berry Theatre in Hedge End will keep youngsters entertained.

Tall Stories presents The Snow Dragon on Saturday, October 28.

Suitable for all aged three plus, this wintry tale follows Billy and his special adventure, made by the company that produced The Gruffalo.

Billy has everything a young goat could need – and more besides. On New Year’s Eve, Billy is looking forward to the annual visit of the legendary Snow Dragon, who will bring him even more goodies, but when Billy bumps into some hungry wolves, New Year’s Day seems a long way off. Tickets: 02380 652333.

AN autumn dance party will be making its way to Winchester Discovery Centre on Saturday, October 28, with the chance to take to the dancefloor for some salsa, swing and jive and more.

All are welcome at the class run by Max and Silvia, whether you have been dancing for years or never before, whether you come with a partner or on your own.

The cost is £10-£12 on the night, which begins at 7.30pm. For information contact 01962 873603.

THE spook-tacular Monster Dash, a 3km inflatable obstacle course, will take over Mountbatten School in Romsey on Sunday, October 29 for a day of Halloween celebrations.

Organised by Wessex Cancer Trust, the course includes eight immense inflatables for supporters to bounce over, squeeze through and slide down.

However, participants need to be careful as there will be Halloween horrors around every turn.

Alongside the spooky fun there will be plenty of entertainment, merchandise stalls and Halloween refreshments on sale.

Ticket prices start from £20 for adults, £12 for children and family discounts are available. Call 023 8067 2200.

RIVERFORD’S Pumpkin Day on Saturday, October 28 is a chance for some quirky Halloween fun for all the family.

It will run from 11am to 4pm at Riverford on Upper Norton Farm in Sutton Scotney, where wellied-up visitors can take part in activities, taste great food, and get a good dose of fresh farm air.

Children’s activities include pumpkin carving, face painting, seed potting, worm digging and more.

There’s also live music, cookery workshops and organic wine and beers on offer.

This is a ticketed event, tickets and more information are available at www.riverford.co.uk/pumpkinday.

TAKE a walk to the top of St Catherine’s Hill. Get some great exercise and one of the best views of the city. Park at Garnier Road car park.