The sleepy medieval lanes of Bishop’s Waltham are about to roar back to life when a fleet of vintage cars, motorbikes and pushbikes turns the high street into a living museum on Saturday 13 June.
The Rotary Club Summer Fayre will then explode into full colour at the recreation ground, with live music on two stages, a fun dog show, artisan stalls and two spellbinding performances from Bubble Magic. Organisers expect more than 2,000 visitors through the gates before sunset.
Key Points
- ✅ Classic motorcade departs high street at noon, arrives by 12:30
- ⚡ Family event features live music, dog show, artisan stalls and Bubble Magic
- 💡 Entry £5; under-16s free
Children can lose themselves in inflatables and games while parents sample local produce at the food and drink village. Parking at the recreation ground is free, and organisers have pledged to donate profits to local charities including St Peter’s Hospice and the Meon Valley Foodbank.
| Feature | Morning | Afternoon |
|---|---|---|
| Music | None | Live bands on two stages |
| Kids’ zone | None | Inflatables, games, face painting |
| Food & drink | None | Local producers, craft beer, soft drinks |
The Rotary Club has confirmed the motorcade will include 35 registered classic cars, 12 vintage motorcycles and 18 retro pushbikes, all dating between 1948 and 1989. Route marshals will close the high street from the War Memorial to the Co-op from 11:45, reopening at 13:00 once the parade passes.
💡 Pro Tip
Arrive by 11:30 for the best vantage points along the high street; bring cash for raffle tickets and early bird food stalls.
Elsewhere in the Meon Valley, Wickham Community Centre will host its monthly bingo night on Friday 29 May. Doors open at 18:30 with four games at 19:30 for £5 entry. The fully stocked bar accepts card only, and children are welcome when accompanied by an adult.
📋 By The Numbers
- 16 years — Gap between villain Steven J Lockjaw’s last appearance
- 45 minutes — Time allocated for the motorcade to travel from high street to recreation ground
Film lovers can catch Wickham Flicks on the same evening, 18 June, with doors opening at 19:00 and the Leonardo DiCaprio thriller *One Battle After Another* starting at 19:30 for £5.
Bishop’s Waltham Parish Council is calling volunteers to a “Tidy Up the High Street” event on Monday 8 June. Meet outside Costa at 17:30 with gloves, a spade or hoe, and water; high-vis vests and black sacks provided. The parish aims to clear litter and refresh planters ahead of the food fayre on 18 June.
The town’s first evening food fayre, EatSTreat, lands on Thursday 18 June from 18:00 to 20:00. Local producers will line the high street with bites from Hampshire farms and vineyards, while shops stay open late for late-night shopping. Entry is free, with proceeds supporting the Bishop’s Waltham Community Library.
- 🔍 Only 12 parking spaces remain at the Co-op car park for the motorcade; park at the recreation ground or on Southwick Road
- 📊 The Rotary Club has raised £18,000 at past summer fayres, funding defibrillators and youth sports
- ⚠️ Dogs must remain on leads during the dog show to ensure safety
The Wickham Church Fete takes place on Saturday 13 June at Beverley, Southwick Road, between 12:30 and 15:30. Entry by donation; parking is free. Highlights include a silent auction, Pimm’s bar, live music and a children’s entertainer.