FESTIVAL lovers can now see what events will be held at a popular event this summer, organisers have revealed.

The Romsey Festival committee announced in May the event will launch on Friday, July 2 and run through to Sunday, July 18.

The much-loved event will open with a flag-raising ceremony at Romsey Abbey on July 2, with a packed programme of events lined up for festival-goers.

Most of the events will be in person, but with "reduced numbers" in a bid to stop coronavirus spreading, vice chair of Romsey Festival, Mark Edgerley, said.

Some of the things visitors can look forward to are concerts and recitals in Romsey Abbey, music events at the Plaza Theatre and walks that explore Romsey and its surrounding villages.

A spokesperson for the festival detailed what other events will be waiting for culture fans to enjoy.

They said: "We take pride in delivering something in the festival for all ages and abilities, constrained by COVID guidance, but still filled with the enthusiasm and joy the people of Romsey and District expect from our festival.

"Hampshire Calligraphers have an exhibition in The Abbey, 'Calligraphic Kaleidoscope', and will open every day.

"Romsey Signal Box will be the start of a walking trail for 5-11 year-olds taking families around the railway heritage of the town.

"Romsey Local History Society is running their popular 'Historic Town Centre' tours; a small charge applies and tickets are available from the festival website.

"For those interested in the flora and fauna of the area, guided walks will be available around Romsey’s waterways and Fishlake Meadows."

They added: "The Mountbatten Gallery at Lee will open from 10th to 17th with an exhibition – 'A Time to Reflect'.

"The Beggar’s Fair Team will join the festival with an online event on Saturday, 10th July.

"Romsey Methodist Church have an exhibition of textile panels by Jackie Parkinson on the same day.

"Concerts at Sir Harold Hillier Gardens are events brought forward from 2020 and are already sold-out."

The festival will close with the Romsey Mayor’s Picnic in the Memorial Park, followed in the evening by a service in the Abbey, on July 18.

Most of the events are free to attend and some need to be pre-booked.

Organisers have also stressed the programme is "subject to variation" as coronavirus guidance is revised.

Details of the events can be found on the Romsey Festival's website by visiting www.RomseyFestival.org.