Over 50's festival

The event has gone from strength to strength since it was launched more than 20 years ago.

This year's action-packed programme kicks off on Sunday and includes everything from sequence dancing to pizza making.

Sunday, August 10

Service "Friendship" At St Mary's Church at 3pm.

This will be led by The Rev Canon Bruce Hartnell.

Music will be provided by the City of Southampton Albion Band and the Crescent Singers.

Please stay for tea and coffee after the service.

Monday, August 11

Rendezvous At the Eastpoint Centre, Burgoyne Road, Thornhill.

10am-4pm.

The event will be officially opened by the sheriff Councillor Liz Mizon, pictured, at 10.30am.

There will be a full day of entertainment starting in the morning with the Rex Reynolds music and a few information and charity stalls. The antiques expert, Mr Mulvihill, will be in attendance to value your treasures in the morning.

Hand-held objects only please.

Cost £1 per article.

There will be a demonstration of tai chi from 11am-11.15am.

Lunches will be available from the canteen from noon.

Please order when you arrive. Music during lunch will be provided by Ron Jones. The afternoon has entertainment by Kim Webb and Jane McKinnon Dancers.

There will be bingo as usual to end the day.

Blue Line bus No 18 stops outside the Eastpoint Centre.

St Mary's Stadium Guided tour starts 2pm from the Dell Café under the Kingsland Stand.

Cost £2.50, senior citizens.

Free parking.

Tel: 023 8055 4238.

Scuba Diving at Andark Come along and experience the underwater world in our heated (29 degrees) indoor diver training pool.

We have several dates available, please phone for details. All equipment will be provided, just bring swimwear and an old T-shirt.

Also available "A wet summer's day". A full programme including helicopter underwater escape training, sea survival and discover scuba diving.

We need a minimum of eight people for this experience.

Tel: 01489 581755.

Swimming at The Quays Plus various activities during the week.

Tel: 023 8072 0900.

Bitterne Leisure Centre - Dean Road Provide an extensive range of activities for the over-50s plus social events most days of the week.

Tel: 023 8043 7647.

Tuesday, August 12

Pizza-making at Pizza Express 31 Oxford Street at 10am.

Your chance to learn from this top restaurant's chef how to make, and eat, your own pizza.

Booking essential: Tel: 023 8049 9090 (limited number of spaces).

Walking Tour of Medieval/ Old Southampton A guided tour around western Southampton, including the town vaults.

Meet at the Bargate at 6pm.

Tour lasts approximately one hour and 45 minutes. Numbers are limited. Tel: 023 8057 1858.

Please indicate whether you have a mobility problem.

Visit The Romanse Office - Ariadne House, Town Quay Tours 10.30am and 2.30pm.

Tel: 023 8046 4932. Please call evenings only, not Sundays.

Limited to 12 people.

Tai Chi - Introductory Taster Sessions Swaythling Community Centre, Burgess Road, 11.30am-12.30pm.

Bus stop Bealing Close. Car access at top of Broadlands Road. Free parking. No booking necessary.

Whist Drive St Denys and Bitterne Park Conservative Club, St Denys Road, St Denys.

11am. Cost £1. Car parking available.

Swimming at Oaklands School Fairisle Road, Lordshill, 11am-noon.

Tel: 023 8074 1414.

Swimming at The Quays See Monday, August 11 for details.

Wednesday, August 13

All Day Dance at Southampton Guildhall 11am-4pm.

A teach-in will be taken by Alan and Rosemary Prior followed by competitions for all who wish to enter.

1pm-4pm general dancing.

Refreshments available.

Tickets available from NorthGuild box office.

Tel: 023 8063 2601 or purchase on the door.

Southampton City Art Gallery 11am start.

Behind the scenes tour of the conservation studios.

Learn about the things that affect paintings and see the fascinating techniques used to restore them.

Limited to 15 people. Book places through the Art Gallery Shop. Tel: 023 8083 2203.

Petanque Taster Sessions - Sport Centre, Bassett.

10.30am-12.30pm/2pm-4pm.

Outside Sporting View. Free entry. All welcome.

Heritage Walk - Tour of Old Cemetery Meet outside Lodge House, Main Cemetery Gate, Cemetery Road, 11am.

Stout walking shoes are recommended. Free admission.

Tel: 023 8067 1083.

Over-50s Indoor Tennis David Lloyd I.T.I Lordshill.

10am-noon.

Equipment provided but white soled shoes essential.

Tel: 023 8074 7186.

Swimming at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900 for details.

St Mary's Sports Hall 9.20am-noon, Badminton.

Tel: 023 8022 7579.

Thursday, August 14

Bursledon Brickwork Swanwick Lane (opposite Moody's Boatyard) This site has plenty to offer everyone so come along and find out about the history of brick-making along with our ever popular photographic competition.

11am-2pm. Tea and coffee available. Entry fee £1.50.

Tel: 023 8055 8571.

Skiing at The Alpine Centre - Sport Centre Just come along and try the experience or improve your skills with instruction from our resident ski instructors.

10am-11.30am.

Tel: 023 8079 0970, booking essential.

Swimming at Oaklands School Fairisle Road, Lordshill.

11am-noon.

Tel: 023 8074 1414.

Swimming at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900.

Friday, August 15

Blue Funnel Cruise - Hamble River Boarding 1.30pm sailing from Ocean Village at 2pm. Cost £3.

Tel: Blue Funnel at 023 8022 3278.

Cream tea extra, please order when booking.

Cricket Match The annual challenge match between the Mayor's XI and the Festival XI for the Fred Goater Trophy on the Nursery Ground, Hampshire Rose Bowl in Botley Road, West End.

Start 1pm, spectators welcome. Free admission.

Saturday, August 16

An Introduction to Flat Green Bowling At County Bowling Club, Northlands Road.

10am-noon.

Tel: Jill Meager on 023 8055 1088.

Flat shoes must be worn.

Sunday, August 17

An Introduction to Flat Green Bowling Details as Saturday, August 16.

Monday, August 18

An Introduction to Flat Green Bowling Details as Saturday, August 16.

St Mary's Stadium Guided tour starts from the Dell Café under the Kingsland Stand at 2pm.

Tel: 023 8055 4238.

Cost: Senior citizens £2.50.

Free parking.

Swimming at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900.

Tuesday, August 19

Family History Workshop at the Reference Library Civic Centre Research your family tree.

Numbers limited to 12 people.

Tel: 023 8083 2205.

Walking Tour of Medieval/ Old Southampton Details as Tuesday, August 12.

Tai Chi Introductory taster sessions.

Swaythling Community Centre, Burgess Road.

9.30-11am. Bus stop Bealing Close.

Free car parking. Access at top of Broadlands Road. No booking necessary.

Swimming at Oaklands School Fairisle Road, Lordshill.

11am-noon.

Tel: 023 8074 1414 for details.

Swimming & Fitness at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900.

Wednesday, August 20

We'll Meet Again An afternoon for the more mature audience. A light-hearted look at wartime Britain. Comedy, music and songs with Hits from the Blitz. Guildhall 2.30pm. Tickets at the door £11, Senior Citizens £9.

Petanque Details as Wednesday, August 13.

Visit the Romanse Office Details as Tuesday, August 12.

Over-50s Indoor Tennis Details as Wednesday, August 13.

Swimming at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900.

St Mary's Sports Hall Badminton 9.20am-noon.

Tel: 023 8022 7579.

Thursday 21 August

Bursledon Brickworks Details as Thursday, August 14.

Heritage Walk

Tour of Old Cemetery Meet outside Lodge House, Main Cemetery Gate, Cemetery Road, 2pm.

Stout walking shoes are recommended. Free Admission.

Tel: 023 8067 1083.

Golden Wedding Tea Mayor's Parlour, invitation only.

Swimming at Oaklands School. Details as Thursday, August 14.

Skiing at The Alpine Centre See Thursday, August 14.

Swimming at The Quays Tel: 023 8072 0900.

Friday August 22

New Age Curling at Chamberlayne Leisure Centre New Age Curling is a form of curling but played on smooth flooring.

Tel: 023 8043 7668 if you would like to take part.

Cost: free.

Over-50s Festival Ball Once again we are proud to present an evening of sequence dancing at Southampton Guildhall featuring live music by Larry Green.

8pm-11pm. Tickets £6.

Tel: 023 8063 2601.