Southampton families and local residents, get ready for a wonderful day of community spirit and summer fun! On Saturday 18 July 2026, the Bitterne United Reformed Church Summer Fair will welcome visitors from across the area. Running from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM, this beloved annual community event offers completely free entry. Celebrating 40 years of the church in the Bitterne Precinct (established back in 1863), the fair features an array of community stalls, fun family activities, a bouncy castle, live performances, and plenty of delicious seasonal treats to enjoy.
Bitterne URC Summer Fair Schedule & Opening Times
The Summer Fair takes place on Saturday 18 July 2026. Please note that timings and specific outdoor attractions are subject to change on the day depending on local weather conditions:
- 10:00 AM: The Summer Fair officially opens. Community stalls, family games, children’s activities, and the cafe are open to the public.
- 11:30 AM: Peak time for browsing stalls and enjoying fresh bacon butties, sweet treats, and games.
- 2:00 PM: The event draws to a close.
Event Highlights & What to Expect
The Bitterne United Reformed Church Summer Fair features a vibrant lineup of local community entertainment and activities for all ages. Here is what you can look forward to at the venue:
- Community Stalls: Discover a fantastic variety of stalls including beautiful handmade jewellery, books from local authors, a traditional tombola, a Grand Draw, and badge-making stations. Local history lovers can also browse historical archives with the Bitterne Local History Society.
- Local Organisation Exhibits: Meet representatives and explore displays from the Southampton Commons and Parks Protection Society, local churches, and the Singing Mammas community group.
- Fun & Activities: Keep the kids active with a giant bouncy castle, face painting, classic jigsaws, and a selection of big board games and family-friendly challenges. Don’t miss the live performances and demonstrations from Superstars Performing Arts!
- Delicious Food & Sweet Treats: Dig into fresh Whippy ice creams, fluffy candy floss, and freshly baked goods. The church cafe will also be serving hot bacon butties, cheese rolls, homemade cakes, and refreshing hot and cold drinks.
Ticket Prices
There are no tickets required to attend this community gathering:
- Admission: FREE entry for everyone!
- Activities & Stalls: While entry is completely free, we recommend bringing some cash along to purchase food, participate in games, buy tombola tickets, or support the local independent stallholders.
How to Get to Bitterne United Reformed Church
The church is situated at the top end of Bitterne Precinct (on the first floor directly above the Iceland store, next to the Holy Saviour Church) in the east of Southampton:
- By Car: Navigate toward 446 Bitterne Road, Bitterne Precinct, Southampton (postcode SO18 5EF). The precinct is easily reached from the A3024.
- By Bus: Bitterne is extremely well-connected by bus. You can catch the Bluestar lines (3, 10, 13, 14, 16, 18, N18, 631) or Xelabus (Hoppa 1, 2, 3) directly to the main Bitterne Precinct bus stops.
- By Train: Bitterne Railway Station is approximately 1 mile away (about a 15 to 20-minute walk up the hill to the precinct).
Where to Park at Bitterne Precinct
There are several convenient public car parks situated just a short walk from the church precinct:
- Angel Crescent Car Park: Located just off the A3024 slip road, offering easy, nearby parking access.
- Peartree Gardens Car Park: Situated conveniently right behind the local Sainsbury’s supermarket.
- Whites Road Car Park: Positioned at the Bitterne end of Whites Road next to the car showroom.
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, theatre shows, and community events happening near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need a ticket to attend the Summer Fair?
- No tickets are required! The event is completely free to enter, and everyone from the local community is welcome to drop in.
- Where exactly is the Bitterne United Reformed Church located?
- The church is located in the Bitterne Precinct (above the Iceland store, next to the Holy Saviour Church) at 446 Bitterne Road, Southampton, SO18 5EF.
- What food options will be available at the cafe?
- The church cafe will be serving freshly prepared hot bacon butties, cheese rolls, delicious homemade cakes, and various hot and cold refreshments. Outside, you’ll also find Whippy ice cream and candy floss stalls.
- What children’s activities are planned?
- Kids can enjoy a large bouncy castle, professional face painting, badge-making, classic jigsaw puzzles, giant board games, and a live performance showcase from Superstars Performing Arts.
- Can I pay by card at the stalls?
- While some larger stalls or the cafe may accept card payments, many independent community stalls and smaller games operate on a cash-only basis. We highly recommend bringing some change along with you.
- How long has the church been in the precinct?
- The church itself was originally established in 1863, and the summer fair celebrates its 40th anniversary of being located in the Bitterne Precinct.