Pack your blankets, chairs, and picnics for an enchanting open-air summer evening as the Stage & Screen Orchestral Picnic Concert comes to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on Saturday 29th August 2026! Featuring the magnificent 70+ piece Symphonic Youth Popular Music Orchestra—bringing together exceptional young musicians alongside professional players and teachers—this family-friendly outdoor concert showcases an eclectic mix of iconic scores from film, musical theatre, and Disney classics.
Event Timetable & Schedule
Planning your visit for the Stage & Screen Orchestral Picnic Concert at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens on Saturday evening:
- Event Date: Saturday 29th August 2026
- Gates Open for Picnics: 6:15 PM BST (18:15)
- Concert Performance: 7:00 PM – 9:15 PM BST (19:00 – 21:15)
- Venue Location: Sir Harold Hillier Gardens, Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, Romsey, Hampshire (SO51 0QA)
Ticket Information & Pricing
Standard ticket pricing and booking guidelines:
- Adult Ticket (£17.00): Standard entry for adults aged 17 and over (Early Bird: £14.00 for bookings made prior to May).
- Child Ticket (£9.00): Standard entry for children aged 2–16 years (Early Bird: £7.00 for bookings made prior to May).
- Under 2s: Free entry for infants under 2 years of age.
- Booking Policy: Tickets are strictly limited for the open-air lawn area, and advance booking is essential.
About the Performers & Repertoire
A high-calibre orchestral showcase celebrating iconic film scores and stage musicals:
- Symphonic Youth Popular Music Orchestra: A massive 70+ piece orchestra bringing together exceptional young musicians, professional players, and music educators for their debut open-air concert in the Gardens.
- Musical Repertoire: Featuring Hans Zimmer’s epic Superman: Man of Steel, a suite of Disney Pixar hits, and sing-along theatre favorites from Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady.
Garden Amenities & Picnic Information
Guidelines for enjoying your outdoor picnic concert experience:
- Picnic Setup: Attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnics, blankets, and folding lawn chairs.
- On-Site Catering & Refreshments: On-site cafes and tea rooms operate within the Gardens offering light refreshments, drinks, and snacks.
- Pet Policy: Assistance dogs only permitted within the Gardens grounds.
Accessibility & Special Requirements
Access details for visitors to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens:
- All-Ability Paths: Well-maintained, all-ability sealed paths route through the main garden sections to the concert lawn areas.
- Accessible Facilities: Dedicated accessible parking bays and accessible toilets are available near the main visitor entrance.
How to Get to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens
The Gardens are situated on Jermyns Lane, between Ampfield and Braishfield near Romsey:
- By Car: Located off the A3090 (Winchester to Romsey) or A3057 (Stockbridge to Romsey). Signposted clearly from the A3057.
- By Bus: Stagecoach 66 bus service runs between Winchester, Romsey, and stops directly at the Hillier Arboretum stop near the entrance. From Southampton, take the Bluestar 4 bus to Romsey Bus Station and transfer to the Stagecoach 66.
- By Train: The nearest railway station is Romsey (approx. 2.5 miles away), where connecting taxis and Stagecoach 66 buses depart regularly.
Parking Information
Parking details for event attendees:
- Complimentary On-Site Parking: Parking is free for all event visitors across designated parking areas.
- Accessible Parking: Designated Blue Badge accessible parking spaces are available close to the main visitor center entrance.
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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 outdoor concerts, family picnics, live shows, and Bank Holiday weekend entertainment near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
- When is the Stage & Screen Orchestral Picnic Concert taking place?
- The event takes place on Saturday 29th August 2026. Gates open for picnics at 6:15 PM BST, and the concert performance runs from 7:00 PM until 9:15 PM BST.
- Where is Sir Harold Hillier Gardens located?
- Sir Harold Hillier Gardens is located on Jermyns Lane, Ampfield, near Romsey, Hampshire (SO51 0QA).
- Who is performing at the concert?
- The concert features the 70+ piece Symphonic Youth Popular Music Orchestra, bringing together talented young musicians alongside professional musicians and teachers.
- What music will be performed?
- The repertoire includes Hans Zimmer’s Superman: Man of Steel, a suite of Disney Pixar hits, and classics from Mamma Mia!, Hairspray, The Sound of Music, and My Fair Lady.
- How much are tickets?
- Standard tickets are £17.00 for adults and £9.00 for children (aged 2–16 years). Early Bird offers (booked before May) are £14.00 for adults and £7.00 for children.
- Can I bring my own picnic, chairs, and blankets?
- Yes, attendees are encouraged to bring their own picnics, blankets, and folding lawn chairs for the outdoor lawn area.
- Is parking free at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens?
- Yes, complimentary on-site parking is available for all event attendees, including designated accessible parking spaces.
- Is the venue accessible for wheelchairs and pushchairs?
- Yes, the Gardens feature well-maintained, all-ability sealed paths leading from the visitor entrance to the main concert grounds.