Young explorers invited to ‘Step into Summer’ arts trail in Andover
Step into Summer returns to Andover town centre on Saturday 25 July, with a free interactive arts trail for children and families to kick off the school holidays.
Organised by the Andover Network of Cultural Organisations (ANCO), families can explore venues across the town centre, take part in activities, collect stamps and solve the secret word to win a prize.
The trail brings together local cultural organisations, each offering a different hands-on experience, from archaeology and poetry to crafts and music.
Join Chapel Arts Studios to take part in poetry and fabric printing workshops inspired by the theme of hope, contributing to a collaborative patchwork installation. Families can also explore the studio's Summer Exhibition.
At Andover Museum of the Iron Age, costumed interpreters will bring history to life as families step back more than 2,000 years to discover life in Iron Age Britain through hands-on activities and demonstrations.
Children can visit Andover Library to sign up for this year's Summer Reading Challenge, Read to the Beat, and enjoy a variety of make-and-take crafts.
At The Lights theatre, visitors can decorate their own crowns to take home, while families also have the option of attending the venue's ticketed Princesses Unite show.
Meanwhile, a pop-up activity space at Unit 53 (the former O2 shop), next to the library entrance, will give children the chance to try their hand at archaeology in mini dig pits and create poetry with artists from Chapel Arts Studios.
The popular Junk Orchestra will also return to the Time Ring in the High Street, creating an interactive playground of sound where children can experiment with music using recycled instruments and materials.
Councillor Phil North, Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, said: "Step into Summer is a fantastic way for families to start the school holidays while discovering the amazing cultural organisations we have here in Andover.
"The trail offers children the chance to get creative, learn new skills and explore different venues across the town centre, all while having fun and taking part in activities that are completely free.
"We're proud to support events like this that bring people together, showcase local organisations and help make our town centre a vibrant place to visit."
Russ Tunney, Director of Chapel Arts Studios (CAS), said: “Step into Summer will be a joyful inclusive day of summer activities for Andover families. There is something for everyone whether you enjoy music, art, reading, history or just taking part in a celebration of Andover's vibrant community.
Ian Grierson, manager at Andover Museum, said: "Step into Summer is a great opportunity for children to experience history in a fun and interactive way, helping to bring the past to life beyond the museum walls. We're looking forward to welcoming families to our Meet the Ancient Britons event with live costumed Iron Age and Roman characters to meet, Time Detective missions to complete and archaeology themed activities to celebrate the Festival of Archaeology. We hope it inspires young explorers to ask questions, uncover new stories and discover more about the history on their doorstep."
Step into Summer marks the start of a packed programme of summer events in Andover. Four Fun Fridays will return to the High Street for its 10th year, with this year's eco-explorers theme celebrating the incredible diversity of life on Earth and our role in protecting it. Every Friday in August, families can enjoy a fantastic mix of free workshops, activities and entertainment, with plenty of opportunities to learn, play and get creative. Pack a picnic, enjoy the fun and make a day of it.
The popular World Street Party brings the school summer holidays to a colourful close on Monday 31 August with a celebration of international culture, dress, food and performance.
Step into Summer takes place on Saturday 25 July, 11am to 3pm.
For full event details, visit https://www.thinkandovertowncentre.co.uk/events/step-into-summer-2026