Festivals & Fairs at South Hill Park
Lift Off Dance Festival
A celebration of dance and musical theatre
Lift Off Dance Festival is the annual dance festival held at South Hill Park Arts Centre since 2000.
The festival aims to offer the chance for everyone to experience dance as a participant, performer or audience member – and bring together those new to dance, or taking their first steps on stage, with those already established in the world of professional dance as a teacher, performer or choreographer.
Initially started by Bracknell Forest Council, South Hill Park took full ownership of the festival under the artistic direction of Lena Dee from 2005. It has grown over the past 2 decades to encompass a wide range of dance styles, ages, and abilities – as well as reaching far beyond Berkshire.
Each year the festival hosts several stunning dance performances by the local community and professional dance companies, alongside a variety of dance masterclass workshops, Dance on Screen cinema events, live dance performances broadcast from around the globe, and dance-inspired exhibitions.
Professional dance companies who have performed their own evenings’ work during the festival include; StopGap, Tavaziva Dance, Sonia Sabri and Jasmin Vardimon – to name just a few.
Whether you are a seasoned performer or theatre goer, or new to the world of dance, there is something to interest all tastes. It’s a truly great way to experience the art form. For more information see our dedicated Lift Off Festival page.
Festival of Food and Music
The Festival of Food and Music is South Hill Park’s opportunity to showcase a wealth of musical talent, as well as a range of food and drink stands, in the beautiful grounds of South Hill Park.
From tasty Thai and real ale, to BBQ food, craft stalls and a children’s play area – there’s something for everyone.
Music performances take place throughout the weekend whilst visitors enjoy the delicious food and drink. A fantastic and unmissable event for all ages – no need to book tickets in advance; just turn up on the day and bring the sunshine!
Entry is FREE, but please note that stall holders will charge for food, drinks or activities.
This years festival is from Sun 7 – Mon 8 May. For more information please visit the Festival of Food and Music page.
Summer Craft and Food Market
New for 2023, the Summer Craft & Food Market is a FREE to attend, two-day event.
Enjoy some of the UK’s best food produce, alongside some handmade arts and craft stalls. This will be a free-to-attend event, open 10am-5pm, each day, throughout the whole of the South Hill Park mansion. This is an indoor market where you can buy directly from the sellers exhibiting with us.
Around forty artists join us from all over the country to show their fine foods and designs. Foods will include: jams, chutneys, cheeses, wrapped bakery and confectionery.
For more details of this year’s event, from Sun 27 – Mon 28 Aug, please go to events listings and search for ‘Fair or Festival’ in the categories filter.
We are particularly seeking applications from sellers of wrapped and sealed produce, e.g. jams, chutneys, cheeses, wrapped bakery and confectionery.
Please note, we will not be accepting applications from hot food and fast food sellers.
Ideally, applicants should hold relevant food safety certification and/or evidence of suitable food hygiene training.
Applications will be open until 6pm on Friday 3 April 2023 and you will be advised of the outcome by Monday 8 May 2023. Please do not send any payment at this stage – if your application has been successful, you will be sent an invoice for your stall fees to be paid no later than eight weeks prior to the market.
This application form is specifically for stall holders wanting to exhibit for the full weekend.
Craft and Design Fair
The South Hill Park Craft & Design Fair is a FREE to attend, two-day event.
Enjoy some of the UK’s best handmade crafts throughout the South Hill Park mansion, and Wilde Theatre foyer, for two days in mid-November and buy directly from the artists exhibiting with us.
Around forty artists join us from all over the country to show their designs and chat with visitors. We always welcome a range of new faces, as well as a host of regulars we all know and love, including our own visual arts tutors.
For more details of this year’s event, from Sat 11 – Sun 12 Nov, please go to events listings and search for ‘Fair or Festival’ in the categories filter.
Please note, this is an indoor fair. We are unable to accept applications for food or drink-based stalls, or pitches requiring gazebos.
Applications will be open until 6pm on Friday 1 May 2023 and you will be advised of the outcome by Monday 3 July 2023. Please do not send any payment at this stage – if your application has been successful, you will be sent an invoice for your stall fees to be paid no later than eight weeks prior to the fair.
This application form is specifically for stall holders wanting to exhibit for the full weekend.
Wedding Fair
Join us for our free Wedding Fair.
Discover a range of local wedding suppliers, showcased throughout the mansion. From cakemakers and photographers, to florists, jewellers, accessories, bridal wear, transport and entertainment.
Our wedding coordinators will also be on hand to take you on a guided tour of the facilities or to discuss your individual requests to ensure a truly magical experience for you both.
South Hill Park is based in a Grade ll listed Georgian mansion house surrounded by beautiful parkland. With picturesque Italian gardens, a lake, elegant rooms and many original features, both inside and outside the mansion, this truly is a gorgeous setting for your special day.
For more information on the 2024 fair on Sun 14 Jan, and to apply to exhibit, please visit here.