Discover interactive workshops and other activities taking place during Rushmoor Heritage Festival.
50 Years of Rushmoor exhibition
Friday 11 to Sunday 20 September, Farnborough
Explore the people, places, and stories that have shaped Aldershot and Farnborough over the past five decades at the Rushmoor 50 Exhibition.
Marking the 50th anniversary of the borough’s formation in 1974, this vibrant display brings local history to life through five themed sections:
- Farnborough town - its growth, culture, and community
- Farnborough aviation - pioneering flight and aerospace innovation
- Aldershot military - the town’s role as the Home of the British Army
- Aldershot town - civic pride and everyday life
- Rushmoor - shared heritage and future aspirations
Curated and written by leading local historians, the exhibition features photographs and stories from local archives. Drop in and discover your borough’s story.
Cost: Free
Times: Monday to Saturday: 9am to 5.30pm, Sun: 10am to 4pm
Location: Princes Mead Shopping Centre, Farnborough, Hampshire, GU14 6YA
Organiser: Rushmoor Borough Council
Behind the Curtain - Princes Hall backstage tours
Tuesday 15 September, Aldershot
Explore the magic behind the curtain during Rushmoor's Heritage Festival! Discover the stories behind the stage and explore a venue that has entertained generations of Aldershot audiences.
This unique experience offers a rare glimpse behind the scenes of your local theatre, allowing you to discover the hidden workings and fascinating history that make Princes Hall a beloved cultural landmark.
Highlights
- Behind-the-scenes access: Walk through areas usually off-limits to the public, including the stage and technical booths
- Historical insights: Learn about the rich history of Princes Hall, from its construction to its role in the community over the decades, and the many famous faces that have trodden the boards
- Technical marvels: See the equipment and technology that bring performances to life, from lighting rigs to sound systems
Whether you're a theatre enthusiast, history buff, or just curious about what goes on behind the curtain, these backstage tours will offer an unforgettable experience. Don't miss this chance to step into the spotlight and discover the magic of theatre from a whole new perspective!
Cost: Free
Times: Tour 1 - 4pm to 5pm. Tour 2 - 6pm to 7pm
Location: Princes Hall, Princes Way, Aldershot, GU11 1NX
Further information: Pre-booking is required. For times, tickets and more information, visit the Princes Hall website.
Organiser: Princes Hall
History, Heritage and Hidden Stories – U3A interest groups
Various dates, Farnborough and Aldershot
Looking to explore history, heritage and local stories with like-minded people? The University of the Third Age (U3A) is a learning and social organisation for people in retirement and semi-retirement, bringing people together to share skills, knowledge and interests.
Highlights
- Discover local heritage with the U3A Local Studies Group
- Explore military campaigns, people and events with the Military History Group
- Delve into everyday life of the past through the Social History Group
- Share family history research, discoveries and techniques with fellow enthusiasts with the Family History group
- Learn about Britain's great cathedrals, their architecture and fascinating histories with the Cathedrals Group
Run by members for members, U3A groups offer a friendly and informal environment where knowledge, experiences and enthusiasm are shared. Whether you're tracing your family tree, uncovering local history or discussing historic landmarks, there are plenty of opportunities to learn, connect and make new friends.
Cost: Please check with the organiser for membership details
Location: Various venues across Farnborough and Aldershot
Further information: Details of meeting times, locations and activities can be found on the Farnborough and District U3A Groups website.
MODCAF: Live Electronic Music Meet-Up
Thursday 17 September, Aldershot
Established in 2018, MODCAF (Modular Café CIC) is a thriving hub for electronic music lovers, hosted at the West End Centre in Aldershot. Each month, it brings together synth enthusiasts from across the region for live sets, tech talks, and improvised jams-welcoming all skill levels.
Perfect for anyone curious about live electronic performance or looking to plug into a buzzing creative community.
Cost: £3 donation
Times: 7.30pm to 10pm
Location: West End Centre, 48 Queens Road, Aldershot, GU11 3JD
Tickets: Visit the MODCAF website
Organiser: MODCAF
Would You, Could You (Be a Spy)? - free family outdoor theatre show
Sunday 20 September, Aldershot
Do you have what it takes to work as a World War II spy? Are you courageous, clever, curious and cunning? Join Officer Kitty Catchpole for some top-secret training as you prepare to travel behind enemy lines into Nazi-occupied France.
Packed with audience participation, laughter and wartime intrigue, this free family show invites recruits of all ages to discover whether they have what it takes to join a secret mission.
Highlights
- Learn how to decode a secret message
- Polish your language skills for an undercover mission
- Create your own secret agent cover story
- Travel back in time to 1943
- Take part in a fun and interactive outdoor theatre adventure
Cost: Free
Times: 11.30am, 1.30pm, 3.30pm
Location: Princes Gardens, High Street, Aldershot
Further information: Please arrive 30 minutes before the show. No booking required. Suitable for all ages 6+. Chairs and picnic blankets welcome.
Organiser: Rushmoor Borough Council
Write About Rushmoor - memoir writing workshop
Friday 11 September, Aldershot
Discover the stories of Rushmoor through your own memories and experiences in this interactive writing workshop with local author Samantha Jayne Hunt Stacey. Using a series of creative exercises, you'll explore memoir writing and learn how to bring a sense of place to your work.
Whether you're a complete beginner or an experienced writer, this welcoming session offers an opportunity to reflect on local history, community and personal connections to Aldershot and Rushmoor.
Highlights
- Discover the basics of memoir writing
- Take part in practical writing exercises inspired by place and memory
- Learn from local author Samantha Jayne Hunt Stacey
- Explore your own connections to Aldershot and Rushmoor
- Enjoy a relaxed and supportive creative environment
Cost: £15
Times: 10.30am to 12.30pm
Location: Aldershot Library, High Street, Aldershot, GU11 1DQ
Tickets: Pre-booking is required. To book, email samanthajhstacey@gmail.com.
Further information: For further information please visit the Facebook event page. Morning coffee will be served. The venue is accessible by lift. The workshop is limited to 10 participants.
Organiser: Samantha Jayne Hunt Stacey
Useful information
Many activities are free and some require advance booking. Some of these events are not organised by ourselves, so please check each individual organiser's website for more information.
To see the full list of events, please visit our main Rushmoor Heritage Festival page.
Contact us