A rainy local street scene with umbrellas, warm lights, and cosy indoor plans

Top Picks

Rainy Day Picks This Weekend

11–12 July Near Wexcombe

Not every listing gets a golden ticket

We check the usual frankly silly number of local websites, then look for events that feel rainy-day friendly: cinemas, theatres, talks, workshops, galleries, concerts, cosy venues, and anything less likely to involve standing in a muddy field making brave weather noises.

Happening Saturday 11 July to Sunday 12 July.
Picked for Wexcombe, not somewhere halfway across the county.
Only Local Gems and Curated venues make the cut, because standards are still a thing.
Listings with proper descriptions get bumped up the list. Three words and a shrug will not do.

Our 10 picks near Wexcombe

RPA - Golden Ticket1

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Swindon Arts Centre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

17 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
RPA - Golden Ticket2

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Wyvern Theatre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

17.6 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community

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RPA - Golden Ticket3

RPA - Golden Ticket

at Tanwood Youth Theatre

This show is ideal for those young people who want to really shine and have their own moment on stage and also for those young people who would love to perform but just feel really nervous and anxious. We perform in an informal, gentle, nurturing and supportive environment with our usual rule, you don’t have to perform if you don’t want to. Some of our previous performers' parents said, "Mila has had a go at the golden ticket show twice and she really enjoyed it. It was a great first experience on the stage, super supportive and encouraging. No one was forced to do anything they didn’t want to, and it was a really nice informal with no pressure. The perfect size stage too". "Clara absolutely loves doing the golden ticket show. She’s done it twice and each time she’s had such a confidence boost after performing in a supportive and non pressured environment. Since the last one she hasn’t stopped talking about what song she wants to sing next time (it changes every time she hears a song she likes )"

18.5 milesSun 12 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Jekyll & Hyde4

Jekyll & Hyde

at Salisbury Festival

Step into the shadows of Victorian London, where science meets obsession and love battles darkness. With a soaring pop-rock score by Frank Wildhorn and Leslie Bricusse, this gripping musical reimagines Robert Louis Stevenson’s iconic tale of duality and desire. Follow Dr. Henry Jekyll, a brilliant scientist whose quest to cure humanity unleashes a terrifying alter ego - the savage Mr. Hyde. Torn between two women and haunted by his own creation, Jekyll’s descent into madness is as thrilling as it is tragic. A gothic masterpiece packed with passion, suspense, and unforgettable music, Jekyll & Hyde promises a night of drama, danger, and dazzling performances. Conceived for the stage by Steve Cudden & Frank Wildhorn. This amateur production is presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International. All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTIShows.co.uk

19.9 milesSat 11 Jul15:15
Local gemSee the details→
Community
Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course5

Pointing: Theory & Practice – Two-Day Course

at Wheelwright's Bookshop

A two day course, covering all elements of lime pointing, ideal for anyone looking to learn about the use of lime; whether you’re a listed building owner, an architect, surveyor, or a builder who has not worked with lime previously. Course information: · You’ll learn the history and tradition of this craft, balancing theory and practical examples with demonstrations. · Uncover an in-depth knowledge of the lime cycle; from calcining to matured lime putty, manufacturing, conservation ethics and principles – plus on site practical examples. · We’ll address all aspects of proper lime pointing/repointing practice, from correct raking out & preparation, mortar choices and applications, to after care and finishing techniques. · You’ll also get the chance to do conservation repointing on a listed structure/building. On the second day of the course, we’ll produce a “Hot Lime” mortar used on site. Other useful information: · Tea, coffee and biscuits will be provided free of charge · Lunch will pm. · An option to purchase tool bundle will be offered booking *The tool bundle is not compulsory you’re welcome to bring your own tools and PPE .However, you will need these items to effectively participate in this course. Tool bundle includes: · A stone pick (for raking out) · A plastic hawk and selection of pointing tools · Waterproof site gloves · Safety glasses · Sturdy site bucket · Sponge · Simple spray bottle · All other materials are included in course price

21.6 milesSat 11 Jul10:00
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)6Free! (worth double-checking)

Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling)

at Cornerstone Arts Centre

Join our Ebru for Beginners Workshop (Turkish Marbling) class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Credit to Melek Ali Oglou for the images. Minimum age: suitable for children, but all children must be accompanied by an adult at all times Free to attend, but booking encouraged as spaces are limited Ebru, or Marbling Art, is a traditional Turkish art form that involves creating colourful patterns on water, which are then transferred onto paper. These patterns often include flowers, lattice designs, and symbolic motifs such as crescents and moons. Join this interactive workshop to create your own beautiful, marbled patterns using this traditional technique. Once dry, you can take your artwork home.

24.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
African Drumming Workshop7Free! (worth double-checking)

African Drumming Workshop

at Cornerstone Arts Centre

Join our African Drumming Workshop class at Cornerstone Arts Didcot! Join Kato from Oxford Drum School for a fun, hands-on African drumming workshop. Learn traditional rhythms, develop your musical skills and experience the joy of making music together. Suitable for a range of ages and abilities, these energetic sessions are free to attend, but advance booking is essential. The workshops are free, but reservations are necessary as spaces are limited. Parents/carers must stay with children throughout. Session 1: 10.10am–10.55am (School Years 1–3) Session 2: 11.15am–12pm (School Years 1–3) Session 3: 12.45pm–1.45pm (School Years 4–6) Session 4: 2pm–3pm (School Years 7+)

24.9 milesSat 11 Jul
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
Canopy Management Workshop8

Canopy Management Workshop

at Bluestone Vineyards

Have you ever wanted to learn how to care for your own vines? Or how vines in England and other countries are looked after? Then come and join Bluestone Vineyards for an interactive session of Canopy Management. We will start with a short theory session with Molly, our Tasting Room Manager, in which we will understand

11.1 milesSat 11 Jul£35.00
Local gemSee the details→
Workshops & Classes
Salisbury Craft Beer Festival9

Salisbury Craft Beer Festival

at Salisbury Festival

Craft beer. Real cider. Tasty food. Live music. Sunshine*. In collaboration with Dark Revolution Brewery, Salisbury Craft Beer Festival is BACK bigger and better for 2026. Soak up the summer vibes in the beautiful ground of Salisbury Arts Centre, whilst sampling a range of carefully curated beers from the UK and beyond! New for this year; a live music stage, or for those who prefer a quieter pint, visit our new preview session on Friday afternoon. * Sunshine subject to availability.

19.9 milesSat 11 Jul12:00
Local gemSee the details→
Festivals & EventsFood & Drink
So Ceroc Beginners Day10

So Ceroc Beginners Day

at SO Ceroc- Dance classes and events for adults in Chandler’s Ford

After the workshop you will immediately have a repertoire of core beginners moves and you’ll be able to dance to music at any event, such as:- · Ceroc Basics · Most of the Beginners Moves · How to link moves · Turning and spinning · Freestyle techniques Suitable for anyone who is a Ceroc Beginner and those that have never danced before. It’s ideal if you have just started and wish to 'kick start

24.9 milesSun 12 Jul£10
Local gemSee the details→
Dance

More Top Picks

Keep the good ideas rolling

If this page has done the trick, there is more where that came from.

Round-upFamilies This WeekendTen family-friendly picks with proper details, decent venues, and no mystery listings that leave you guessing.Round-upFree Things This WeekendA smarter list of local free picks for the weekend, chosen for quality, clarity, and the sort of detail that saves a wasted journey.All PicksBack to Top PicksSee all our curated round-ups in one place.