Six different events to try this month

1. Dickens’ Birthday Free Weekend

Charles Dickens birthplace museum, Portsmouth

February 6-7, 10am- ­5pm

Free all weekend

Oliver Twist, Great Expectations and Our Mutual Friend are among the many works of Charles Dickens. To celebrate his birthday, a free weekend event for anyone who would like to go and visit his

birthplace is taking place. On Sunday, three cheers for Dickens will be sounded before readings by members of the Dickens

Fellowship. The musuem is closed till the end of March 2016, so this event is the chance to visit until then.

For more information: www.charlesdickensbirthplace.co.uk/dickens­birthplace/visitor­information

2. Winterfest

Thorngate Halls, Gosport

February 19-20

Prices­ £5­-£8

Gosport’s beer festival is back. This event is once again for over 18’s only and this year there’s a focus on brews from Bath and Bristol, with 30 different

varieties being brought in from the regions. More than 100 real ales, ciders and bottled beers will be on offer for guests at

the event, organised by the Campaign for Real Ale.

All tickets include a programme and festival glass. Live music will be played over the two

days and all money raised will be donated to Macmillan Cancer Support.

For more information: www.portsmouthcamrabeerfestivals.co.uk/gosport­winterfest

3. Alvin and the Chipmunks at Gunwharf Quays

Gunwharf Quays, Portsmouth

February 6

Free event

Event start times: 12:00 ­ 12:30 13:30 ­14:00 15:30 ­ 16:00

Alvin and the Chipmunks have been a big hit since their first movie appeared on our screens in 2007 and its no surprise and

that after three successful movies, they’re bringing out a fourth - Alvin and the Chipmunks: Road Chip.

At Gunwharf Quays, Alvin, Simon and Theodore will be singing, dancing and showing off their moves.

For more information visit: www.gunwharf­quays.com/whats­on/alvin­and­chipmunks­live­show

4. Winchester cocktail week

Winchester

February 1-7

Price: £10­-£15 each wristband

£4 a cocktail

Event start times: 12:00 ­ 12:30 13:30 ­ 14:00 15:30 ­ 16:00

Winchesters top venues are taking part in cocktail week. Each venue is offering a unique cocktail for just £4 when

purchasing a wrist band. Wristband holders will also get the chance to take part in an exclusive cocktail masterclass,

learning all the tricks and tips to make a great cocktail.

Further information: www.winchestercocktailweek.co.uk/

5. Gabrielle Aplin

Pyramids centre, Portsmouth

February 11

Price: £16.50+

Event start time: 7pm

Gabrielle Aplin comes to Portsmouth on Thursday February 11. With her hit single ‘The Power of Love’ getting to number one and it also featuring in the John Lewis Christmas advert, she’s a big attraction.

With three successful albums to her name, its no surprise that her fan base is growing rapidly.

6. The Little Book of Victorian Ghost Stories

Waterlooville Library

February 9

Price:£15 a ticket

Event start time: 7pm

The Dark­encounters are hosting a ghostly night at Waterlooville library. They’re shutting down the lights and firing up the candles as they make this night of pretend seem like a reality.

Each floor will be explored but when the dark­encounters are around you know there’ll be a twist.

Tickets are £15 and available at the library or by telephoning the booking line on 023 9225 2608 or book online at

www.hants.gov.uk/shop