Millbrook and Southampton residents, get ready for a massive day of free family entertainment right on your doorstep! On Saturday 18 July 2026, the neighborhood unites for The Big Day Out 2026, a spectacular community fun day organized by Millbrook Football Club in partnership with the “Love Where You Live” initiative. Taking place at Mansel Park from 11:00 to 17:00 (11am – 5pm), this open-air summer gala brings together local musicians, free sports coaching, action-packed activities, and incredible prize giveaways.
Main Stage Lineup
The Main Stage at Mansel Park will be buzzing with live entertainment all day long, flanked by a dedicated Picnic Zone right out front so you can set up camp and stay for the day:
- LAUR — Live musical performance.
- South Street Music — Live local tunes.
- Shannon B — Live vocal performance.
- Newlands Sign Choir — A wonderful, inclusive community performance.
- And Many More! — Local acts and community showcases keeping the energy high throughout the afternoon.
Special Guest Appearance
Head over to the arena zones for a fantastic meet-and-greet opportunity! Professional boxer Ryan “The Piranha” Garner (WBC International Super Featherweight Champion) will be making a special guest appearance at the event to support the community.
The Big Day Out Activities & Entertainment Zones
The Big Day Out 2026 features an incredible lineup of free activities, interactive areas, and sports zones spread across Mansel Park to keep the whole family entertained throughout the day:
- Inflataplanet: A massive, dedicated bouncy inflatable zone packed with fun structures for the kids to burn off energy.
- GOALS Free Football: Turn up and play with free open football drills, skill challenges, and kickarounds.
- Kestrals Free Basketball: Try out shooting hoops and basketball drills with free coaching mini-sessions.
- Golden Ring Free Boxing: Step up for a free boxing taster masterclass and learn basic pads work and movement drills.
- Performance Arena: A central showcase ring hosting live demonstrations, special events, and the mega Nintendo Switch 2 prize draw.
- Activity & Tradition Stalls: Browse a wide collection of free local activity booths alongside traditional summer fete stalls.
- Emergency Services & Stilt Walkers: Meet local emergency services crews up close, explore their vehicles, and look out for roaming stilt walkers moving through the crowds.
- Food Stalls & Ice Cream Van: Grab a hot bite to eat from local independent food vendors or treat yourself to a cold option at the classic ice cream van.
- Information & Services: Connect with neighborhood associations, local council services, and community network teams ready to answer your questions.
Raffle Prizes & Giveaways
Make sure to grab your raffle tickets on-site! Local businesses have stepped up with an incredible list of prizes to be won:
- A luxury night stay at the Village Gym / Hotel
- 2 tickets to the Salisbury Races
- A £50 meal voucher for the Stag Hotel
- An MOT & service package from Adams Morey
- A 7-day pass to the local gym
- 6 free games at Tenpin Bowling
- Plus many more surprises drawn live at the Performance Arena!
How to Get to Mansel Park Millbrook
Mansel Park is situated in the heart of the Millbrook community, making it very straightforward to access via several transport options:
- By Bus: Take the Bluestar 18 or First City Red 3 routes from Southampton city center. These services stop directly along external corridors like Romsey Road or Wimpson Lane, leaving a short, flat walk to the park fields.
- By Train: The nearest train station is Millbrook (Hants) Railway Station, located roughly a 20-to-25 minute walk or a 5-minute taxi link from the park entrance.
- By Car: Located just off the A33 (Millbrook Road West / Redbridge Flyover). Turn onto Kendal Avenue or Wimpson Lane to head toward the park boundaries.
Where to Park Near Mansel Park
As there is no formal on-site visitor car park inside Mansel Park itself, please plan your journey with these neighborhood parking arrangements in mind:
- Local Precinct Parking: Short-stay parking options are available at the local shopping precincts along Wimpson Lane and surrounding neighborhood hubs.
- On-Street Parking: Residential street parking is available along the streets framing the park (such as Mansel Road West and Windermere Avenue). Please note: Always park considerately without blocking dropped curbs, local driveways, or bus routes.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the city? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest festivals, live music, theater shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What date and time is The Big Day Out 2026?
- The Big Day Out community fun day takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026 from 11:00 AM to 5:00 PM (11:00 – 17:00 BST) at Mansel Park.
- Is there an admission fee to enter Mansel Park for the event?
- No, this is a free community fun day designed for local families and residents to enjoy together.
- What sports activities are available for children?
- The event features free sports coaching and activities, including free football drills with GOALS, free basketball with Kestrals, and free boxing taster sessions with Golden Ring.
- Who is the special guest appearing at the event?
- Professional boxer Ryan “The Piranha” Garner, the WBC International Super Featherweight Champion, will be making a special appearance to support the local community.
- What major prizes can be won in the raffle and arena games?
- Attendees have the chance to win a brand-new Nintendo Switch 2 console in the Performance Arena, alongside fantastic raffle prizes such as a night stay at the Village Gym, tickets to Salisbury Races, and a £50 Stag Hotel meal voucher.