Summer Fort Brockhurst Festival in Gosport this July

The Fort Brockhurst Festival features an array of free and low-cost events with the aim to engage and entertain the local community.

Activities kick off from Friday 19 to Sunday 21 July where audiences can enjoy a weekend laden with music, dance and art.

The festival debuts on Friday with music sessions tailored for young children involving acoustic pop renditions performed by live musicians. In the same evening, the Gosport and Fareham Youth Orchestra Pyramid Proms promises live performances from 150 local youth.

A Gosport art workshop (Image: Supplied)

On Saturday 20 July, an open mic session hosted by Quay West Studios starts at 2pm, allowing young talents to shine. As the festival culminates on Sunday 21 July, a family-friendly Ceilidh dance event offers interactive fun for all ages.

Alongside these events, visitors can view a free exhibition showcasing young people's art and textiles in the fort's armoury and a digital project featuring sea shanties by local primary schools.

In kick-starting the festival, a flag design contest is launched inviting youngsters to create a representation of their town. Chosen designs will be enlarged and displayed during the festival.

Gosport choir performing (Image: Supplied)

In facilitating flag designs, the students of St Vincent’s College offer a digital tutorial at https://gcep.hantsmusic.org.uk/flags-at-the-fort/. Entry deadline is 21 June.

The festival is part of the Gosport Cultural Education Project, a three-year initiative with sponsorship from Arts Council England conducted by the Learning at The Grange and Hampshire Music Education Hub.

The objective is to inspire creativity and cultivate hometown pride amongst young individuals, integrating the arts into local schools and colleges.

The festival hopes to become an annual occurrence, promoting innovative art while allowing youth and community groups to express their creativity and future vision.