On Winchester Now this week:
- A host of world-class musicians, and exciting new artists and young talented performers are taking part in this year’s Winchester Music Festival, bringing a series of classical music concerts to the city during the long May Bank Holiday weekend from Friday 1st May. Anna O’Brien spoke to the Festival’s Artistic Director and Cellist, Kate Gould about her role and love of this genre of music. You can find the full line-up for this year’s festival at WinchesterChamberMusic.com.
- News-in-brief:
- Police are appealing for witnesses and dash-cam footage, after a serious collision on the A303 near Micheldever. A motorcycle and a grey van collided on the eastbound carriageway on Monday, just before 8 in the morning. The motorcyclist sustained serious injuries. Two men, aged 62 and 40, were arrested on suspicion of causing serious injury by dangerous driving.
- An urgent appeal has been made by Trinity Winchester for donations of men’s clothing. The charity says its clothing cupboard is running low on items, and needs help with goods such as t-shirts, tracksuit bottoms, trainers and underwear.
- A reminder that this Saturday sees the return of the Winchester Mass Cycle Ride, one of the largest events of its kind in the UK. Hundreds of cyclists, of all ages, will ride into Winchester, coming together for a processional lap around the city. That will be followed by a mini cycle festival in the Abbey Gardens at 11am. The event aims to celebrate the joy of cycling, and to encourage more people to get involved.
- Free Park Yoga returns to Winchester next weekend, and will run for 20 weeks. The Sunday morning sessions will start at 9.30 at the Sports Centre. It’s open to all ages, with the aim of improving physical and mental wellbeing.
- An artist has been providing entertainment for residents and visitors in the Cathedral grounds. Harriet Riddell has been bringing her sewing machine into the city, and she stitches artworks while people watch. The sewing machine is powered by a specially made bike, and passers-by are encouraged to take a ride to continue to give her power to create her masterpieces.
- Next year will mark 30 years since the opening of Naomi House in Sutton Scotney, which provides care and respite for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families. In 2010 Jack’sPlace was opened for young people aged 16 to 35. Now changes are taking place, with both facilities being rebranded as “Naomi and Jacks”. An education and training centre is also being set up on the site with the aim of supporting more families in the future. Mary Blaxland spoke to Paul Morgan, Director of Fundraising about why the changes are taking place.
- Shout-outs:
- To two local volunteer-run charities: The Chesil Theatre and The Winchester Musicals and Opera Society, who have been recognised by the National Operatic and Dramatic Association South East for two of their outstanding productions in 2025. The Chesil Theatre has scooped an ‘Accolade of Excellence’ for their first-ever ‘Bare Stage’ production of “Shirley Valentine”, and the Musicals and Opera Society has been nominated for Best Musical (Pre-2000) for their outdoor production of “Salad Days”.
- To everyone who took part in and supported this year’s free Winchester BID Bunny Hop Easter Trail, including local families, businesses and, of course, the bunny-stops at Visit Winchester, The Arc, Winchester and Winchester City Museum. The trail proved a big hit, with 850 trail sheets distributed across the hubs, and hundreds of families and small groups getting involved. In total, 294 businesses took part to help make the event a success for community participants.
- To Edward ‘Ted’ Budgen, who was recently honoured by the Royal British Legion for an incredible 30 years of service as the Standard Bearer for the Itchen Valley Branch. From Remembrance Sundays to local parades, Ted has been a constant, dedicated presence since the nineties. What a wonderful achievement!
- To local author Vanessa Harbour, a Creative Writing leader at the University of Winchester, who just won the 2026 Weald Book Award for her novel “Safe!” This win is extra special as it was voted for entirely by primary school students, who fell in love with her story of courage and survival at the end of WWII.
- To Ollie Skundric on another big boxing win! Having taken on a very tough opponent from Newbury, he came out on top at the Poseidon Amateur Boxing Club Show. Ollie proudly represents the city of Winchester and Winchester University, every time he steps into the ring. And you may know him from Winchester Radio – as he is also one of the students from the University, currently volunteering with us – well done Ollie on your sporting success!
- To the staff and support teams at Peter Symonds College, for putting on a successful Wellbeing Day for students ahead of exam season. The campus buzzed with activities – from animal therapy to the climbing wall, giving students a vital breather before exams start in May.
- To all those taking part in this Sunday’s London Marathon. Whether you’re running for a personal challenge, a worthy cause, or supporting friends and family, we’re cheering you on every step of the way – as will be the many local charities being supported. Enjoy the experience and remember, you’ve already achieved something incredible just by taking part.
