ANNUAL EVENTS
Southampton Solent Rotary holds five big events throughout the year, each raising funds for different charities and at the same time entertaining the people from the Solent area.
SOLENT GARDEN & CRAFT FAYRE
The Solent Garden and Craft Fayre began in 1999, and every year has grown to be something better. Over the past 20 years we have raised tens of thousands of pounds for Rotary charities, whilst supporting small businesses who attend to sell their wares.
Visit the SGCF website to see what is happening in 2024!
THE FABULOUS 40s GARDEN PARTY
The Fabulous 40s Garden Party has been run almost every year since 2007. Starting as an idea by former Southampton West Rotarian William Penny to raise the public profile of Southampton West Rotary, the 40s Garden Party offers something for everyone - from fans of Swing music and dance, to 1940s reenactors, and lovers of all things 1940s! Over 15 years the event has raised thousands of pounds for local charities. 2023 is set to the the biggest Garden Party yet!
Music is provided by the south coasts premium big band, the amazing Swing Unlimited Big Band. Songs come from the vocal harmony band The Fifinellas. The jitterbug, boogie woogie, jive and other 1940s dances are demonstrated, and audience participation encouraged, by The Lindy Club! We are looking forward to seeing you all again on Sunday 25th June! Put it in your diary today!
FAMILY FUN DAY
Held at The Concorde, Eastleigh, the Rotary Family Fun Day was begun in 2021 by Southampton West Rotary to engage with the new North Stoneham Park Estate opposite The Concorde. With Covid cancelling The Fabulous 40s Garden Party for a second year, the Fun Day was the next best thing.
With games, bric-a-brac, tombola and music and dance entertainment, the Fun Day attracted hundreds of people from the local community.
In 2021 the money raised from the event funded a new defibrillator for The Concorde, which now hangs outside the entrance to the venue. The raffle raised money for Jean's House and further funds were raised for Abby's Heroes and the Breast Cancer unit at Southampton General Hospital. In total over £3,100 was raised. It was decided to repeat the event in 2022 with funds being raised for Abby's Heros.
THE 70s CLUB
Held every spring and autumn at The Concorde, the 70s Club refers to the year that Southampton West was founded. The event is a music and quiz evening, whereby members of Southampton Solent Rotary and the public can join the club for a monthly donation, and have the chance to win a cash prize on the night.