Celebrate the end of the summer holidays as Visit Eastleigh (Eastleigh BID) and Port Solent Car Meet present Eastleigh’s Big Summer Send Off on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2026! Taking over Eastleigh Town Centre, this huge, free-to-attend family day out features a mini car show with iconic TV-themed vehicles, free face painting, live musical entertainment, market stalls, and a colorful community bunting display showcasing six weeks of local creativity!
Event Schedule & Timetable
Schedule and operating times for Eastleigh’s Big Summer Send Off:
- Event Date: Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2026
- Location: Eastleigh Town Centre, Eastleigh (SO50 9FD)
- Organisers: Visit Eastleigh (Eastleigh BID) & Port Solent Car Meet
Admission & Pricing
Entry and activity pricing details:
- Admission: FREE ENTRY for all visitors.
- Face Painting: Free face painting available on site for children.
- Market & Shops: Local market stalls and town centre shops priced individually.
Event Highlights & Activities
What to see and do throughout Eastleigh town centre:
- Mini Car Show: Featuring a display of iconic TV-themed cars and special vehicles presented by Port Solent Car Meet.
- Free Face Painting: Colourful, fun designs for kids throughout the day.
- Market Stalls: Local makers, artisan craft vendors, and bargains galore lining the streets.
- Live Entertainment: Live acts, music performances, and street entertainment.
- Community Bunting Display: Thousands of colourful pieces of community bunting proudly displayed around the town after six weeks of local creativity.
- Local Shopping & Dining: Enjoy Eastleigh’s brilliant local cafes, restaurants, pubs, and high street shops.
Town Centre Amenities & Facilities
Facilities provided in Eastleigh town centre:
- Swan Shopping Centre: Covered shopping mall with indoor restrooms, baby changing facilities, and dining spots.
- Food & Drink: Abundant cafes, bakeries, coffee shops, and family-friendly dining options across Market Street and Leigh Road.
Accessibility & Special Requirements
Access details for visitors to Eastleigh town centre:
- Pedestrianised Streets: Flat, wide, step-free paved pedestrian zones across the main town centre areas.
- Accessible Parking: Dedicated Blue Badge parking bays available in all major town centre car parks and nearby on-street locations.
How to Get to Eastleigh Town Centre
Travel options for visiting the event:
- By Train: Eastleigh Railway Station is less than a 2-minute walk from the town centre, offering direct rail links from Southampton Central, Winchester, and London Waterloo.
- By Bus: Eastleigh Bus Station (Leigh Road) is located in the heart of the town centre, served by frequent Bluestar and First Bus routes across Hampshire.
- By Car: Easily accessible via Junction 12 or Junction 13 of the M3, or Junction 5 of the M27.
Parking Information
Parking options across Eastleigh town centre (SO50 9FD):
- Swan Shopping Centre Multi-Storey Car Park (SO50 5SF): Major covered car park with over 700 spaces located directly in the town centre. Note that Bank Holiday parking rates apply (£2.00 up to 1 hour, £4.00 for over 1 hour).
- Mitchell Road Multi-Storey Car Park (SO50 5RN): Multi-storey parking option nearby, with Sunday/Bank Holiday flat rates (£2.00 up to 1 hour, £4.00 all day).
- On-Street Parking: On-street pay-and-display bays along Market Street, High Street, and Leigh Road are FREE on Bank Holidays.
Discover More Local Events
Looking for more exciting things to do across the region? Check out our complete list of What’s On in Southampton to discover the latest family fun days, car shows, market events, and Bank Holiday weekend entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is Eastleigh’s Big Summer Send Off taking place?
- The event takes place on Bank Holiday Monday 31st August 2026.
- Where is the event located?
- The event is held throughout Eastleigh Town Centre, Eastleigh (SO50 9FD).
- Is there an admission fee?
- No, entry to the event is completely free for all visitors, including free face painting for kids.
- What activities and attractions will be at the event?
- Highlights include a mini car show featuring TV-themed cars, free face painting, live musical entertainment, market stalls, and a community bunting display.
- Who is organising the event?
- The event is organized by Visit Eastleigh (Eastleigh BID) in partnership with Port Solent Car Meet.
- Where is the best place to park in Eastleigh town centre?
- Parking is available at the Swan Shopping Centre Multi-Storey Car Park (SO50 5SF) and Mitchell Road Multi-Storey Car Park (SO50 5RN). Free on-street parking is also available along Market Street and Leigh Road on Bank Holidays.