Crowds flock to Andover for the Summer Wellbeing Fair
Andover High Street came alive on Sunday 22 June as residents gathered for the third annual Summer Wellbeing Fair, a community event filled with activities, advice, and performances designed to support and inspire healthier, happier lifestyles.
This year’s fair expanded into Pocket Park for the first time, giving visitors even more to explore. Families joined in football sessions with CiC Coaching in Community and tested their cricket skills with East Anton Cricket Club, while little ones enjoyed classic children’s games in the sunshine.
Performances from local groups like Uke@Heart, The Memory Choir, Can Dance Will Dance, and Rock Choir brought high energy to the stage. Attendees also got moving with interactive sessions: yoga with Andover Leisure Centre, music and movement with Valley Leisure, and swing dance steps with the joyful Andover Lindy Hoppers.
Highlights of the day included free spine, posture and muscle checks courtesy of Back In Shape, a visit from The Three Bees’ therapy goats, wildflower planting led by Andover Trees United, and a family bike ride with Breeze Cycling to round off the day.
The fair provided a welcoming marketplace for local organisations to share their services and support networks, inspired by the Five Ways to Wellbeing, that are: Connect, Be Active, Take Notice, Keep Learning, and Give.
Councillor Iris Andersen of St Mary’s Ward who attended the event said: “I really enjoyed the Summer Wellbeing Fair. It’s a great opportunity for our community to learn more about the local activities and services available to support their health and wellbeing. From therapy goats to dance performances, there was something for everyone. I even took part in the yoga session and had a taster of the ‘I Can’ therapy—both were fantastic. It was great to see people getting involved and trying out new activities.”
Leader of Test Valley Borough Council, Councillor Phil North said: “The Summer Wellbeing Fair is a brilliant example of community spirit in action. It brings together people of all ages to discover activities and services that make a real difference to their wellbeing. It’s inspiring to see Andover come alive with such positive energy.”
With sunshine, smiles, and a true sense of togetherness, this year’s fair once again proved that caring for your wellbeing can be fun, inclusive, and wonderfully rewarding.