19 What's On - Festive events for the season and into next year

Panto Perfection What's On

Theatre Royal Winchester’s panto favourites, Julian Eardley, Ed Th orpe, and Libby Gore are set to return later this year in the theatre’s traditional family pantomime, Aladdin. Th e trio have previously performed together at Th eatre Royal Winchester in Dick Whittington and last year’s socially distanced panto inspired Christmas show - Four Dames in Search of a Panto. Th is year Julian plays Widow Twankey - his 12th year in Winchester playing a Dame. Julian’s fi rst panto in Winchester was in 2008 when he played Smelle Bottom - which he describes as a ‘role close to my heart!’. Aladdin at Th eatre Royal Winchester runs from Saturday 4 December 2021 to Sunday 2 January 2022. Tickets are available from theatreroyalwinchester.co.uk or call 01962 840

Spotlight on Entertainment Christmas at Cowdray

Presented by Light up Trails, a unique and mesmerising milelong Christmas light trail will shine bright this festive season bringing the magic of Christmas to Cowdray, a historic country estate set in the heart of the South Downs National Park. At this joyful and exciting time of year, visitors to the magnifi cent grounds of Cowdray will be able to walk under starry skies while experiencing the wonder of large-scale light and art installations including a trail emblazoned by millions of LED lights. Along the way, visitors and families alike will be captivated by a series of installations created by international artists. Magical scenes include the enchanting Star Drop Wood, a festive Snow Globe, the awe-inspiring Tree of Joy and Written in the Stars, an opportunity to join in and write personal illuminated messages. Visitors will be able to interact with many of the installations as well as enjoy an array of after dark festivities including joyful music and delicious festive delights from hot food and sweet treats to spicy winter warmers. After dark, the imagination comes out to play and Christmas At Cowdray promises to be a joyous, uplifting experience that revels in the stunning location and will enthral people of all ages. 24 Nov to 1 Jan cowdray.co.uk

Digital Delight

The Watercress Line heritage railway is set to sparkle and shine with the return of the spectacular Steam Illuminations for the festive season - and this year it will be even brighter! Th e unique Christmas light show, which is scheduled to run from 26 November 2021 through into January 2022, will feature thrilling rides on a digital LED passenger steam train, illuminated inside and out with thousands of fully controllable colour mixing lights creating fl ashing patterns. Tickets must be pre-booked and for more information, please 26 Nov to 16 Jan watercressline.co.uk/steam-illuminations

Afun, fi t & fabulous fundraiser: join Motcombe village for a festive 3km run around the beautiful village of Motcombe, Dorset to raise money for Motcombe Primary School. Th e village of Motcombe really knows how to put on a great show, with the phenomenally successful annual Motcombe Village Fête and the hugely popular Great Motcombe Santa Run in 2018 and 2019 attracting hundreds of visitors and raising thousands of pounds for charity. Th e streets and lanes of this beautiful Dorset village will be the stage for runners of all ages, speeds and abilities for a 3km run, jog or walk… in a homage to the great man himself, Father Christmas. Yes, fancy dress is very much part of the fun as hundreds of red hats will bob their way around the course. To up the ante, our mysterious Speedy Santa (like a more eco-friendly version of Th e Stig) will be racing along the course, nipping in and out of the runners - if you manage to catch one of the tags on his belt, you can can exchange it for a prize at the end of the race. Th ere will be some festive favourite tunes to get everyone warmed up and in the mood behind the Motcombe Memorial Hall from 9.30am, before the race gets underway at 10am. For those needing a little breather, why not stop for a selfi e with a reindeer or a little refreshment? Buggies and wheelchairs are welcome (although no bikes or dogs, please) and make sure to bring your support team - there will be mulled wine, mince pies and carols to keep everyone’s Christmas spirits soaring. thegreatmotcombesantarun.co.uk

Photo Credit: 2020’s Steam Illuminations. Photographed by Tony Storey

Th e Great Motcombe Santa Run New Year Treat

The Lighthouse Theatre in Poole show Edinburgh Fringe favourite Louis Pearl who explores the breath-taking dynamics of bubbles, combining comedy and artistry with audience participation and enough spellbinding bubble tricks to keep everyone mesmerised. Tickets now on sale. February 23rd 2022 at 2pm For details of Lighthouse Friends visit lighthousepoole.co.uk