Netley Abbey Schools Summer Fayre 2026

Celebrate the warm summer season with a fantastic day of traditional games, live music, and family entertainment as The Federation of Netley Abbey Schools Summer Fayre 2026 returns to the village. Taking place on Saturday 13 June 2026 from 11:00 AM to 15:00 (3:00 PM) on the vibrant communal grounds of Netley Abbey Schools, this annual community gathering is coordinated by the Friends of Netley Abbey Infant and Junior Schools (FONAS). Offering a brilliant mix of interactive circus workshops, local food trucks, inflatable obstacle courses, and regional charity showcases, it provides a perfect, welcoming weekend outing for families and residents alike.

Activities and Family Attractions

The fayre packs the school grounds with a diverse lineup of interactive entertainment, live performances, and hands-on animal encounters. Keep an eye out for these featured zones throughout the afternoon:

• Circus & Fire Spectacular: Watch jaw-dropping juggling, balance acts, and dramatic fire stunts performed by Simon Chainey. After the main shows, children and adults can join in on dedicated skills workshops to learn basic circus tricks.
• Live Steel Band Rhythms: Enjoy vibrant, upbeat musical performances across the lawn courtesy of Panatical, the highly regarded Crestwood steel band, bringing a sun-soaked Caribbean atmosphere to Netley Abbey.
• Invertebrate Encounters: Head over to the Bishopstoke Invertebrates stand for an educational, up-close look at fascinating mini-beasts, exotic insects, and unique creatures.
• Energise Sports Zone: Keep the kids active with a high-energy Nerf arena battle and a selection of massive bouncy castles and inflatables running all afternoon.
• Think Scalextric Racing: Put your driving skills to the test on a massive, multi-lane slot-car racing track that offers fast-paced, competitive fun for racers of all generations.

Artisan Stalls and Local Exhibitors

Beyond the main performance spaces, a bustling village marketplace features an impressive variety of external independent makers and beloved community groups:

• Craft & Gift Marketplace: Browse rows of local independent stalls displaying handmade crafts, beautiful jewelry, 3D-printed novelty items, children’s accessories, and freshly baked goods.
• Traditional Fundraising Games: Try your luck at a massive selection of fundraising tombolas—including the Bottle Tombola, Sweet Tombola, Teddy Tombola, and a grand raffle packed with local prizes.
• Community Hub Showcase: Meet with local organizations and learn about regional projects, featuring stands from Bird Aware, St Francis Animal Shelter, Netley Library, Netley Christian Fellowship, Netley Royals FC, and the Netley WI & Netley Nightingales WI.
• Pocket Money Shopping: Drop by dedicated stalls loaded with affordable second-hand books, family toys, and a vibrant collection of summer plants for the garden.

Food, BBQ, and Refreshments

There is no need to pack lunch, as the fayre provides an extensive selection of hot food, sweet treats, and summery beverages:

• The Village BBQ: Enjoy premium, locally sourced burgers and sausages grilled fresh on-site, with all quality meats proudly supplied by Chambers of Hamble butchers.
• The Pimms & Beer Tent: Relax on the grass with a refreshing glass of classic summer Pimms, ice-cold draft beers, or a variety of soft drinks and family snacks.
• Cakes & Sweet Treats: Indulge in an incredible spread of homemade cakes, traybakes, and treats paired with an on-site ice cream van for classic summer cornets.

How to Get to Netley Abbey Schools

The summer fayre is hosted on the main campus at Netley Abbey Schools, Westwood Road, Netley Abbey, SO31 5EL.

• By Train: The school grounds are located less than a 10-minute flat walk from Netley Railway Station, which connects directly to Southampton Central and Portsmouth Harbor lines.
• By Bus: Local bus networks running regular regional services between Southampton city center, Woolston, and Hamble stop frequently along the main Victoria Road, just a short stroll from the school gates.
• By Bicycle: The venue is highly accessible via local cycle paths running along the scenic coastal route past Netley Abbey ruins and Royal Victoria Country Park.

Where to Park

While there is no public visitor car parking available directly inside the school gates on the day of the event, several straightforward village parking choices are available:

• Abbey Hall Car Park: A council-operated pay-and-display car park located nearby off Victoria Road, providing a short flat walking path to the school site.
• Royal Victoria Country Park: Extensive paid parking facilities are situated at the country park next door, offering a beautiful walk through the greenery straight to the school grounds.
• On-Street Parking Notice: Limited public parking is available on surrounding residential side streets. If parking on-street, please park considerately, ensuring local driveways, bus routes, and emergency vehicle accesses remain completely clear.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee to attend the Netley Abbey Schools Summer Fayre?

The fayre is a community fundraising event organized to support the schools. Entry details or any small small coin donation at the gate go directly toward funding equipment and projects for the infant and junior school children.

Are the circus workshops with Simon Chainey free to join?

Yes, the circus skills and interactive workshops following the main performance are open to all attending children and families as part of the day’s entertainment schedule.

Can I pay by debit card or phone app at the stalls?

While some external commercial craft vendors may possess mobile card terminals, many of the traditional school-run attractions—such as the bottle tombola, raffle lanes, plant sales, and second-hand book stalls—operate on a cash-only basis. It is highly recommended to bring loose change along.

Are dogs allowed onto the school grounds for the summer fayre?

As the event takes place on active school fields and features interactive animal zones like the invertebrate encounters, pet restrictions are typically in place. Only registered assistance dogs are permitted inside the school gates for health and safety reasons.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

In the event of typical summer showers, many stalls, the think Scalextric track, and independent craft vendors will move indoors into the main school halls to ensure the fayre goes ahead smoothly.