Unwrap the spectacular gift of shared live entertainment as the fantastic Pop-Up Unwrapped Festival 2026 returns to the coast on Saturday 30 May 2026. Specially curated by the creative teams at The Point and The Berry Theatre, this highly anticipated event sees top-tier theatrical talent spill out of traditional venues and directly into the heart of the community at Netley Abbey Cricket Ground. Running from 11:00 until 15:00, this four-hour boutique festival delivers a vibrant, family-focused teaser of the larger town centre celebrations. Bringing together world-class street theatre, jaw-dropping aerial circus acts, and interactive crafts, it is a brilliant way to kick off the summer season. Best of all, it is completely free to attend, offering local families an enriching and completely accessible afternoon of culture, laughter, and memory-making.
A Hand-Picked Programme of Live Acts
The entertainment lineup at the Pop-Up Unwrapped Festival 2026 features an exceptional mix of national touring companies and celebrated regional artists. Because this is an open-air, non-staged park performance setup, families can get up close to the spectacle. Key confirmed acts performing at Netley Abbey include:
- Pirates of the Carabina – Pirate Taxi: An extraordinary, exclusive-to-Netley highlight. This high-energy production features spectacular aerial circus skills and original live music performed completely in, on, and around a classic mechanical London black cab.
- Squidge & Pop: A mesmerizing, multi-sensory bubble extravaganza. Children can explore unique light-up play stations and watch jaw-dropping tricks featuring giant, shimmering immersive bubbles.
- Juggling Jake: Bringing his trademark blend of clowning, funny antics, high-skill juggling, and lighthearted magic to the green, perfect for keeping toddlers and parents laughing together.
- David McCulloch – Careering Through Time: A special, fast-paced interactive theatrical puzzle show. Audience members must step up to help a time-travelling railway conductor fix a major glitch along the line.
- The Wild Beasts of Silly: A brilliantly chaotic walkabout act by Made by Raccoons, featuring oversized characters, silly call-and-response mantras, and ridiculous dances.
Have-a-Go Workshops and Markets
Beyond the scheduled live performances, the cricket ground transforms into an active creative hub where visitors can shift from spectators to active creators:
- The Green Gallery Willow Weaving: Join prominent local artist Molly Palmrock for a completely free, all-ages drop-in workshop. Learn traditional willow-weaving techniques to help construct beautiful outdoor sculptures.
- Arts and Crafts Market: Browse a lovely rows of independent stalls showcasing handmade gifts, bespoke jewelry, local photography, and contemporary home crafts from Hampshire makers.
- Street Food & Refreshments: Skip packing a lunch and treat the family to a selection of local food stalls serving up delicious hot snacks, artisanal sweet treats, and refreshing summer drinks.
Core Event Schedule
The festival crams an immersive variety of live entertainment into a focused four-hour window, making it a perfect daytime excursion.
| Event Phase | Core Activities & Featured Performances | Running Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Opening | Gates open, Arts & Crafts Market starts, and drop-in Willow Weaving workshops begin. | 11:00 |
| Midday Showcases | Rotating live slots including Juggling Jake, Squidge & Pop bubble arenas, and walkabout acts. | 11:30 – 13:30 |
| Grand Finale Sets | Headline aerial circus displays with Pirate Taxi and interactive theatre puzzles. | 13:30 – 15:00 |
Admission and Booking Status
Organised as a gift to the community by Eastleigh Borough Council and local theatres, accessibility is at the forefront of the event.
- Ticket Requirements: There are completely zero tickets to buy and no digital registrations required. The festival is 100% free and open on a walk-in basis.
- Activity Costs: All featured performances, walkabout interactions, and have-a-go art workshops (including materials) are completely free of charge.
How to get to Netley Abbey Cricket Ground
The event is located at The Cricket Field, Victoria Road, Netley Abbey, SO31 5FA.
- By Car: Accessible via the A3025 from Southampton city centre, heading across the Itchen Bridge toward Woolston and following local links into Netley.
- By Train: Netley Railway Station is situated roughly a 10-minute walk from the cricket ground, offering reliable connections along the local coast line.
- By Bus: Local bus networks provide direct transport links into Netley village, dropping passengers a brief stroll away from the park boundaries.
Where to Park
As the cricket ground does not have a large dedicated public car park, visitors driving down should plan their parking arrangements ahead of time.
- Abbey Hall Parking: Limited parking spaces can be found near the local Abbey Hall facilities.
- Royal Victoria Country Park: Located just a brief walk down the road, this expansive country park offers extensive multi-storey and field pay-and-display parking options, making it a highly reliable backup choice.
Unwrap Creativity in Netley
Bring your picnic blankets and your imagination for a completely free afternoon of open-air wonder. Discover more of what’s on in Southampton and join the festive fun.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Do I need to register or purchase tickets online in advance?
- No, this event is completely non-ticketed. The Pop-Up Unwrapped Festival is entirely free and open to the public on a walk-in basis. Families can turn up at Netley Abbey Cricket Ground at any point throughout the four-hour duration without needing to book a space.
- Are the arts and crafts workshops suitable for young children?
- Yes, the festival features a firm family focus. All interactive sessions—including the “Green Gallery” willow weaving and the multi-sensory bubble stations run by Squidge & Pop—are completely free and specifically designed to engage children of all ages alongside their parents.
- What happens if the weather is poor on the day of the festival?
- As a fully open-air street theatre and circus festival, performance timings may be adjusted in the event of persistent heavy rain or strong winds to ensure safety. Live updates and schedule changes will be posted directly on the social media channels for The Point and Eastleigh Borough Council.
- Will there be food and drinks available to purchase at the cricket ground?
- Yes, a dedicated selection of independent local food stalls and refreshment trucks will be stationed right alongside the arts market, serving up delicious hot meals, summer snacks, and cold beverages. You are also highly welcome to pack and bring your own family picnics.
- Is there parking available directly on-site at the cricket ground?
- On-site parking at Netley Abbey Cricket Ground is extremely limited and largely reserved for event staff and performing artists. Visitors are highly encouraged to utilise public transport or leave their vehicles at the expansive pay-and-display car parks at the neighbouring Royal Victoria Country Park.
