Upcoming events, things to do and businesses to support in Lymington and the New Forest
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From Fetes to Festivals
Happy 4th of July! Also known as Independence Day, it's the United States' national holiday celebrating the adoption of the Declaration of Independence in 1776 and the separation of the 13 American colonies from British rule, establishing the United States as an independent nation. What a lot has happened since then.
In Lymington the final countdown is now on to our own 3 day summer Lymington Seafood Festival Friday 11 to Sunday 13 July, which will bring a weekend of food, drink, music and cooking entertainment to the lovely festival venue in Bath Road. Tickets for Saturday are selling out fast but Friday and Sunday tickets are still available; the music line up is fantastic and so is that of top chefs offering live demos. Click here and follow the onward links. And if you're going on Saturday, do watch the finals of the Big Careys Cook-Off!
I'm writing to you this week from France, where another big festival date is imminent. Every year on 14 July, France celebrates Bastille Day with military parades, fireworks, concerts and of course feasting. The date marks the anniversary of the storming of the Bastille by Parisian revolutionaries on 14 July 1789. The Bastille was a military fortress and prison that was a symbol of the tyranny and power of the French monarchy. This uprising became one of the first events of the French Revolution which lasted until 1799; it led to the end of the French monarchy and brought the ideas of freedom and liberty to European shores. It also completely changed the social and political structure of France.
And where better to celebrate France's big day than Le Blaireau: the New Forest's authentic French bistro at Carey's Manor. See below for details!
Meanwhile in other news...
National Recognition for Dance Students
The New Forest Academy of Dance has some lovely success stories to report! Stephanie (14) and Amelie Hoyle (12) have been cast in The Last Rose of Summer, a new one-act musical inspired by Jane Austen’s life and her connection to Southampton which will premier at Southampton’s Mayflower Studios this summer. Ella Von Kaufmann has secured a place at Bird College, where she’ll begin full-time vocational training in Musical Theatre this autumn: a new milestone for NFAD, as Ella becomes the first student to progress from the academy into full-time university-level vocational training. And Quinn Chapman (11), pictured above with Miss Kayleigh, has been accepted into The Royal Ballet School at White Lodge, one of the world’s most prestigious ballet institutions. Out of over 1,300 applicants, only nine boys were accepted to White Lodge this year, placing Quinn among the UK's most promising young dancers.
Have your say to keep the Forest whole in local government reorganisation
We are invited to give our views on options for the district council reorganisation - the next big change which is hurtling towards us, the implications of which it's hard to imagine. The government wants to move away from the long standing two-tier system where services are split between county councils and local district or borough councils. From April 2028 there will be a new council for the New Forest area, larger than New Forest District Council but smaller than Hampshire County Council. This will provide all local government services, including waste collection, planning, housing, environmental health, highways, and licensing. Councils have had to work together to propose new models and there are now three options on the table. NFDC favours the first which would provide a single new council for rural areas serving residents and businesses of New Forest, Test Valley, Winchester and East Hampshire, as 'the only natural fit for the area, our residents and businesses'. Read more detail and see all three options here, then follow the link to the survey to make your views known.
Upcoming event news - and see diary below
Summer camps start next week at Walhampton and at Moyles Court School with Fun in the Forest.
Tomorrow there's another local summer fete to enjoy at Boldre Church & Village Fete and it's Sway Fete & Carnival too.
Happy Weekend everyone!
Best wishes Jane
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CELEBRATING SUMMER AT CAREYS MANOR
Careys Manor Hotel & SenSpa in Brockenhurst have lined up a host of laid-back, flavour-packed events that capture the best of summer in the New Forest: take your pick - and pick several!
Bastille Celebration Dinner at Le Blaireau on Friday 11 July: welcome drinks will be served before you enjoy a carefully crafted three-course meal featuring classic French flavours. As you dine, soak up the lively café atmosphere brought to life by a talented accordion and violin duo: a spirited celebration of French culture and history right here in the heart of the New Forest!
Happy Hour at The Neigh Bar, Thursdays 5–7pm: kick off summer weekends early every Thursday (weather permitting) and tuck into a sharing spread of sunshine-worthy small plates (think salt & pepper squid, burrata with parma ham, and honey-drizzled chippos) and sip on a chilled pitcher of Pimm’s or Aperol Spritz. It’s relaxed, tasty, and the perfect excuse to spend a few hours soaking up golden hour in the garden.
Bottomless Afternoon Tea, available throughout summer: afternoon tea just got a sparkling upgrade. Gather your friends and enjoy 90 minutes of bottomless Prosecco or Nozecco, served alongside a selection of classic sandwiches, freshly baked scones, and delicate pastries. Whether you’re celebrating or simply treating yourself, this is one of the best things to do in the New Forest this summer.
Wedding Open Day, Sunday 13 July 12-4pm: couples are invited to explore Careys Manor’s beautiful manor house wedding venue and enjoy a glass of Prosecco, meet experienced wedding coordinator Françoise Gysemans and her team, and connect with a handpicked selection of trusted local suppliers. No appointment is needed — simply drop in and start planning the perfect day.
Forest Bathing Experience & Wellness Lunch, Sunday 20 July: a chance to slow down with a guided forest bathing experience. Led by Shinrin-Yoku coach Jess, the gentle walk invites you to reconnect with nature through mindful movement, meditation, and breathwork. The day also includes a light wellness lunch, either before or after the walk — a peaceful way to pause, reflect, and recharge.
A Taste of Careys Dining Experience, Thursday 14 August: a special culinary journey the three restaurants - all in one evening. The experience begins with a Champagne reception and canapés, followed by a hosted tour where each course is served in a different restaurant, complete with paired drinks. From the bold flavours of Thailand at Zen Garden, to seasonal British dishes at Cambium, and classic French charm at Le Blaireau, it’s a flavour-filled evening in the heart of the New Forest.
Into the Forest: Guided Walk & BBQ, Friday 22nd August: a guided ecology walk which starts with tea or coffee before setting off on a two-hour journey through the New Forest, led by an expert from Wild New Forest. Along the way, discover the forest’s rich history, diverse wildlife, and conservation efforts. Afterward, return to the hotel for a well-earned BBQ lunch, the perfect way to relax and reflect on your day.
So, whether it’s bubbles, BBQs or celebratory events, Careys Manor has summer sorted.
Read the rest of this week's newsletter here
And check out What's On in the Diary of Upcoming Events!
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