Families right across Eastleigh can enjoy free live performances, creative sessions, community activities, and craft and food stalls at the Unwrapped Festival 2026.
Presented by The Point, the festival pops up in three outdoor locations across the borough – Netley Abbey on Saturday 30 May, Eastleigh Town Centre on Saturday 6 June, and Hedge End on Sunday 7 June.
The festival brings the joy of live outdoor performing out into local public spaces, turning local parks into welcoming family entertainment spaces.
The family-focused programme includes hand-picked performances, have-a-go creative sessions, arts and crafts, market stalls and a range of street-food traders.
The highlight of the Festival programme will take place in Eastleigh on Saturday 6 June, when The Point Youth Theatre will start by leading festival-goers on a bubbly, magical tale, en-route to the Grand Opening with Up in the Sky by Autin Dance Theatre.
This brand-new aerial production has been created as part of The Point’s 30th Anniversary celebrations. Built around a striking seven-metre circular structure, six performers leap, spin and soar in an uplifting story of connection and belonging. The performance is being co-created with local dancers from Hampshire Youth Dance Company and ORB Youth Dance Co.
“We’re delighted to be bringing spectacular performances along with hands-on creativity to Eastleigh, Hedge End and Netley Abbey for families to come along and enjoy together,” says Charlotte Cassey, Artistic Director at The Point.
“Unwrapped Festival is open, accessible and welcoming to everyone – simply turn up, take part and enjoy a shared live experience close to your home. “
Other performances at Unwrapped include:
- Pirates of the Carabina: Pirate Taxi – spectacular ariel circus act, taking place in, on and around an old-school London Taxi – Netley Abbey only.
- Squidge & Pop – Multi-sensory experience featuring fascinating immersive giant bubbles.
- Louise Jordan: Would You Could You Be A Spy? – Louise is a songwriter and performer challenge existing narratives around gender and power.
- Bin Rat: The Last Baguette- an outdoor interactive theatre & puppetry show with a rat-astic and realistic look into refuse and recycling – not at Netley Abbey.
Dates and locations:
- Saturday 30 May, 11am–3pm: Pop-up event at The Cricket Field, Netley Abbey.
- Saturday 6 June, 10am–5pm: Main event at Leigh Road Recreation Ground, Eastleigh
- Sunday 7 June, 10am–5pm: Event at Greta Park, Hedge End
For the full and latest programme announcements and updates, visit: thepointeastleigh.co.uk.
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