The borough was abuzz at the weekend as crowds gathered despite soaring temperatures in Eastleigh town centre and Hedge End for Unwrapped Festival 2023.
The event was organised by The Point and The Berry Theatre and supported by Eastleigh Borough Council, Arts Council England, Eastleigh Local Area Committee and Hedge End Town Council.
Thousands congregated in Leigh Road Recreation Ground on Saturday and Greta Park on Sunday to enjoy the family-friendly atmosphere and free performances from some of the country’s best outdoor companies.
Headliners Ghetto Fabulous travelled all the way from Manchester with their Family Catwalk Extravaganza, which delighted audiences of all ages with its unashamed expression of diversity and individuality.
Crowds were also left in awe at the daring acrobatics at great heights of both Trash Cat Productions’ Street Cat Strut and Brainfools’ Lucky Pigeons despite the ominous threat of rain throughout Sunday’s performances in Hedge End.
There were plenty of laughs and excitement for the festival’s walkabout performances too, with Fully Booked Theatre’s String and Strong’s Game-athon and Squidge and Pop’s bubble-based activities a big hit, while Murmuration Arts provided a heart-warming soundtrack to the day with their mix of theatre and live music in The Owl and the Pussycat.
Saturday also saw performances from The Point’s own companies – HYDC, ORB, Point Ensemble and The Collective – as well as the University of Southampton’s hands-on science roadshow. Local food vendors had long queues, especially for ice creams, and there were plenty of community stalls to browse including The Sorting Office’s popular makers’ market.
The Point’s focus now turns to its Summer Social programme of live music, outdoor yoga, family activities and much more beginning with an outdoor storytelling performance of Astrid Lindgren’s Pippi Longstocking on Saturday 17 June.
The Point Eastleigh and The Berry Theatre are owned and operated by Eastleigh Borough Council.
