The Queen Victoria Christmas Festival: 7 - 11 December
To celebrate the arrival and naming of Cunard's newest ocean liner Queen Victoria, a magnificent Christmas is in store for Southampton. With traditional festivities for all the family in the form of a Victorian themed market and fair, carol singers and cheeky characters, a Christmas Carnival and a fireworks display.
We are very Amused!
The festive season in Southampton will be exciting with the arrival of Cunard's new ocean liner - Queen Victoria and to honour this great occasion there will be the Queen Victoria Christmas Festival in Mayflower Park with a Victorian theme. So step back in time and enjoy the festivities between the 7 & 11 December.
Meet a mixture of colourful characters including street urchins, drunken sailors in port for the night with many a tale to tell, chimney sweeps, colourful dancers and musicians in festive spirits and if you are lucky, you may be introduced to Charles Dickens or even HRH Queen Victoria herself!
Buy that unique Christmas present at one of the many stalls.
Join in with the carol singing or discover what Southampton was like in Victorian times
'Consider yourself at home' and relax for a while and soak up the atmosphere in the local tavern
Enjoy the mulled wine, roast chestnuts, toffee apples and a whole lot more festive refreshments
Let off steam and a scream on the traditional fair rides
Come in Victorian dress - although her majesty has no objection to more modern, warm attire
And that's not all - there's more!
De'light' in the Christmas Carnival
On Friday 7 December do not miss the best light show in town. A fantastic carnival and lantern procession will leave the Civic Centre at approx 6.00pm and parade to Mayflower Park.
Watch the Official Naming Ceremony on a large screen
Although access to the ship Queen Victoria is for invited guests only, you can still be part of the prestigious naming ceremony by HRH The Duchess of Cornwall accompanied by Prince Charles, by watching the action broadcast live on a large screen in Mayflower Park. The ceremony is due to take place at 3.30pm on Monday 10 December
See Queen Victoria set sail to a shower of colourful fireworks
A celebration for all!
Come and wave Queen Victoria off on her maiden voyage as she leaves Southampton water to a colourful backdrop of a spectacular firework display. The best viewing point is from Mayflower Park. Fireworks are scheduled to start at 5.10pm on Tuesday 11 December
Opening Times
Friday 7 December: 5.00pm - 10.00pm
Queen Victoria ship arrives approx 9.45am, when the ship is berthed it will be viewable from Mayflower Park
The Queen Victoria Christmas Carnival will leave the Civic Centre at approx 6.00pm and arrive at Mayflower Park at 6.45pm
Saturday 8 December: 12noon - 7.00pm
Sunday 9 December: 12noon - 7.00pm
Monday 10 December: 12noon - 7.00pm
The naming ceremony will be broadcast on large screen at approx 3.30pm
Tuesday 11 December: 12noon - 7.00pm
Firework display at approx 5.10pm
Please note all times are approximate
Admission
Entry into Mayflower park is FREE, there will be admission charges for the traditional fair rides
Car Parking
There is no general parking area within Mayflower Park. Please use city centre car parks - Mayflower park is less than 5 minutes walk from West Quay
Disabled Car Parking
There will be free limited disabled parking only within Mayflower Park on a first come, first served basis.
Access to Mayflower Park for disabled parking is via Herbert Walker Avenue - follow the AA signs.
Coach Parking
It is essential that all coach operators pre-book thier visit.
Specific passenger drop off/collection zones and coach parking have been allocated for all pre-booked coaches at a cost of £10 per day/visit.
If you would like more information about pre booking coach parking for Festival visitors please telephone 023 8083 2525
Location
If you are using Sat Nav the post code for Mayflower Park is SO14 2AQ. A map illustrating the area can be viewed below:
View Larger Map
And there's even more!
Victorian Times
Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre. SO14 7LP
Saturday 8 December
10.00am - 1.00pm
Southampton Central Children's Library in conjunction with Museums will be hosting a children's event with a Victorian theme. There will be artefacts to view, costumes to try on and Christmas decorations and cards to make. No booking is required
Victorian Southampton Quiz
Southampton Central Library, Civic Centre. SO14 7LP
Thursday 13 December
7.00pm - 8.30pm
Test your knowledge and win a prize!. This special quiz will be held in the local studies section of the Central Library
For further information on the two events held at the Central library, please telephone the Central Library on 023 8083 2462
Location
A map illustrating the Central Library can be viewed via Google Maps
The Queen Victoria Christmas Festival is brought to you by Cunard, Sea City and Southampton City Council and is supported by Creative Partnerships.
If you would like to contact someone about this page, please send an email to events@southampton.gov.uk
Updated: 10/12/07
Last updated: 23 January 2008
