Key events 2012

April 2012

Southampton SeaCity Museum opening

The Grade II Old Magistrates' Court building in Southampton is being transformed into a new visitor attraction for the city, opening in April 2012 to time with the commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the Titanic disaster. 549 Southampton people lost their lives in the disaster, most of whom were crew who served in the Merchant Navy.

25 May - 26 July 2012

The Best of British Festival

Winchester is proud to be marking the Queen's Diamond Jubilee with a series of special events showcasing everything that makes Britain great. There will be music, dancing, children's activities and of course a street party fit for a queen.

July 2012

Olympic Torch Relay

The Olympic torch is passing through Hampshire on 11, 14, 15 and 16 July 2012.

9 - 15 July 2012

Farnborough International Airshow

Farnborough's Airshow is the largest global event of its kind with over 1,400 exhibitors from the aerospace, defence, space and security sectors and flying displays. 

16 - 25 September 2012

PSP Southampton Boatshow

Annual boat show for families and enthusiasts with plenty of activities, events and entertainment. 

Late 2012

Opening of the new Mary Rose Museum

The hull of the Mary Rose is currently withdrawn from public view as part of a £35 million heritage project to build an internationally-renowned boat-shaped museum at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. She sunk in 1545 and was one of King Henry VIII's favourite ships. 

All year

Dickens 2012

Charles Dickens was born on 7 February 1812 in Portsmouth, and Portsmouth is celebrating his 200th birthday with a series of events, concluding with the Victorian Festival of Christmas at Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. This forms part of a national campaign called Dickens 2012.