Events in Lee-on-the-Solent
Annual events, festivals, markets and what's on
Lee-on-the-Solent has a strong events calendar for a small town, with several established annual events that draw visitors from across the area and a regular programme of smaller community gatherings throughout the year.
Summer in Lee is the flagship event, typically held on a Saturday in June or July. The High Street is closed to traffic and filled with stalls, live music, children's activities, and food vendors. The atmosphere is relaxed and family-friendly, and the event regularly attracts thousands of visitors. It is organised by the Lee Business Association with support from local volunteers and serves as both a community celebration and a showcase for the High Street's independent businesses.
The Lee Victory Festival marks the anniversary of VJ Day and celebrates the town's military connections. The event includes live music, stalls, a classic car display, and entertainment, with a particular focus on remembering the role of HMS Daedalus and the wider Gosport peninsula in wartime operations.
Christmas in Lee brings festive cheer to the High Street with the Christmas light switch-on, late-night shopping, carol singing, and seasonal stalls. The event draws families and creates a warm community atmosphere during the darker months. Father Christmas makes an appearance, and the independent shops stay open late for browsing and gift buying.
Beyond the headline events, smaller activities run throughout the year. Craft fairs, charity events, and pop-up markets appear in community venues and on the High Street at various points. The sailing club's racing calendar brings activity to the seafront on most weekends during the season. The Hovercraft Museum holds open days and special events.
Community groups organise their own programmes of events, including quiz nights at the pubs, coffee mornings at the churches, and social gatherings at the community centre.
The Round the Island Race, one of the world's largest yacht races, passes directly in front of Lee-on-the-Solent annually and draws spectators to the seafront to watch the fleet.
Event information is shared through the Lee Business Association, local Facebook groups, and posters on the High Street. There is no single definitive events calendar, but the community networks are effective at spreading the word.