Andover Carnival has officially revealed the two charities it will support at this year’s event on Saturday, July 19th, following what organisers described as a “tough and emotional” selection process. The Carnival committee has announced that Stormbreak and Andover Child Contact Centre will be the chosen good causes for 2026, with both organisations placing children and young people at the very heart of their work.

Car enthusiasts across the region are being invited to dust off their pride and joy as Shift Social’s hugely popular Morning Meets return this March. Taking place on Sunday 22nd March 2026 from 8:30am to 11:00am, the first meet of the year promises a relaxed morning of cars, coffee and combustion-fuelled conversation. Hosted at The Lion (full venue details provided upon registration), the event marks the start of a new season, with meets continuing on the…

There are moments in sport that belong not just to the individual, but to the community that helped shape them. For Andover, the recent selection of Joanne Vosakiwaiwai for the Great Britain Sevens squad in Singapore and Perth is very much one of those moments. The 18-year-old Augusta Park resident – affectionately known as “JoJo” – has taken another giant stride in a career that began on the pitches of Andover RFC.

The Deputy Prime Minister has announced children will be given earlier, more targeted support to steer them away from crime under plans to drive down knife carrying among young people.

The Pride of Andover Awards, which have celebrated local residents who quietly make a difference in the lives of others since 2007, are pleased to announce the committee for the 2026 awards. As preparations begin for the November 2026 celebration, the committee is delighted to welcome three new members — Harry Kelly, Stacy Woodhouse and Jessica Cunningham. They join existing committee members Karen Hamilton, Katie Brooks, Angela Saunders and Lily Ward, further strengthening the team’s shared commitment to recognising excellence, dedication and achievement across Andover.

Tickets are now available for the official launch of the Test Valley Business Awards 2026, taking place on Friday 13 March at Kimbridge Barn, near Romsey. Running from 12:00pm to 4:00pm, the launch event will bring together businesses from across the borough to kick-start the 2026 awards programme in style. Organised by the TVBA Steering Committee, the afternoon will welcome sponsors, judges and members of the local business community for an informal introduction to the year ahead.

Hillier Garden Centre Weyhill has announced that its restaurant will undergo an extensive refurbishment, beginning today (9th February), with the refreshed space set to reopen in March 2026. The substantial investment forms part of Hillier’s ongoing commitment to enhancing the customer dining experience and refreshing the popular garden centre.  During the refurbishment period, the restaurant will remain open, offering a temporary menu of drinks and cakes, ensuring customers can continue to enjoy a relaxed stop-off while visiting the garden centre.

Get your gaming thumbs ready! High Score Arcades is thrilled to announce the expansion of its popular Family entertainment brand with a brand-new location in the heart of Andover. The doors will officially open at the Chantry Centre on Saturday, 7th March 2026, welcoming families, retro-fans, and high-score hunters for a weekend of pure fun and magical experiences. High Score Arcades is not your typical "pocket full of change" arcade.

Stannah is marking National Apprenticeship Week 2026 (9–15 February) by celebrating the apprentices who are developing the practical, technical and professional skills that will support them throughout their careers. This year’s theme, Skills for Life, reflects the long-term impact apprenticeships have across the business, from engineering and digital roles to finance, business support and manufacturing. Apprenticeships remain a vital part of Stannah’s commitment to developing talent, creating opportunities and future-proofing the specialist skills that the lift and stairlift industry relies upon.

A local tea company has received a Business Incentive Grant of £750 from Test Valley Borough Council to help it grow and manage future demand.   Albion Tea Ltd, run by owner Angela Pryce, blends and packs loose‑leaf tea from a workspace at The Commercial Centre in Picket Piece. Angela imports tea from China, India and East Africa and creates her own blends, including some made with local ingredients.

A familiar and much-loved face around Andover, Danny Streeter – known to many locally as the “Dr Pepper Guy” – has spent most of his life quietly working towards a dream he first formed at the age of 13: to become a published author. Living with a disability disorder, Danny has never allowed circumstance to define his limits. Instead, writing became both an outlet and a purpose, evolving over the years into a growing body of creative work that now forms an ambitious and long-term literary project known as…

Millway House Care Home welcomed representatives from Wiltshire Wildlife Hospital, as they visited the home to collect a cheque for £600, generously raised by staff, families and residents through the home’s Christmas raffle. Residents and staff at Millway House came together to raise funds through a raffle held as part of the home’s mince pie and mulled wine event in December.

A popular local business, Go Fudge Yo'Self, has installed eye-catching signage at its High Street premises after being awarded £999 from Test Valley Borough Council’s Andover town centre frontage grant scheme.   The retailer, run by sisters Ashlyn Edwards and Laurien Griffiths, specialises in handmade fudge, sweets, gifts and baked goods. After moving from Portway Business Park to 49 High Street…

Dust off your cowboy boots and get ready for a summer night with a difference as Hoe Down at Finkley Down rides into Andover on Saturday 27th June. This event is organised and supported by The Local Marketing Company & Finkley Down Farm with all proceeds going to local charity, The Yellow Brick Road Projects. Set against the unique backdrop of Finkley Down Farm after dark, this one-off charity event promises an immersive western-themed evening packed with live entertainment, great food, flowing drinks and plenty of fun.

Residents at Arbury Residential Home are set to feel the love this Valentine’s Day, as the care home invites the wider community to take part in a heart-warming card-sending initiative. The home is encouraging friends, families, schools, community groups and kind-hearted individuals to send Valentine’s Day cards to residents, reminding them that they are loved, remembered and very much part of the community.

Andover 39 Gosport and Fareham 27 Saxon Safety sponsored Andover continued their recent winning ways at the Goodship ground last Saturday, despite a real arm wrestle against old rivals Gosport. In a game played in gloomy damp conditions, it was a testament to both sides that so many tries were scored and so much running rugby played, but in the end Andover had just too much fire power to deny he visitors even a bonus point.

Andover is blessed with a wealth of independent businesses ready to make your wedding day as unique and individual as you are. From ceremony and reception venues to accommodation, jewellery, styling, catering, cakes, favours, and much more. Everything you need to plan a beautiful wedding can be found right on Andover’s high street. To showcase this incredible local talent, a…

John Hanson Community School is set to bring a cult classic to life this February with its upcoming production of Little Shop of Horrors. Taking to the stage on Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th February 2026, the much-loved musical will be performed in the school’s Main Hall, with both shows starting at 7pm. Packed with catchy songs, dark comedy, and a story that’s as entertaining as it is unforgettable, …

On Monday 2 February, National Ukulele Day offers the perfect moment to celebrate an instrument often described as the happiest in the world – and a group in Andover that has built something genuinely special around it. Uke@Heart – Andover’s Ukulele Band – is far more than a music group. It is a community. With more than 30 members and around 25 people regularly attending fortnightly rehearsals, the group brings together long-standing locals, newer residents and even players travelling in from outside the town.

Comedian Dom Joly is heading to Andover as part of a major UK tour celebrating 25 years of Trigger Happy TV. The iconic funnyman will be stopping off at The Lights on Tuesday, 20 October 2026, bringing a night of nostalgia, chaos and surprises to local audiences. It’s been a quarter of a century since Trigger Happy TV first burst onto our screens, turning hidden-camera comedy on its head with surreal characters, bizarre setups and unforgettable moments.

The Test Valley Business Awards have confirmed their return for 2026, with planning already underway following the committee’s first meeting of the year. Several award categories have now opened for enquiries as momentum builds for the next programme. Organised by the Test Valley Business Awards Committee, the awards celebrate businesses and individuals operating across the borough, recognising achievement, innovation and contribution to the local economy.

It was another dominant performance from Saxon Sponsored Andover as they overcame the challenge of high flying Chichester at the Goodship ground last Saturday. This was the fourth meeting in the past two seasons between these sides and Andover had never beaten the visitors before, but that record was never going to stand as Andover put in a assured display from the outset.

Calling all families to The Lights Andover for a sparkling feel-good adventure this Half-Term! On a dark and stormy night, the brilliant but lonely Professor Frankenstein decides it’s time for a change. With no friends and a village full of people afraid of her, she dreams of creating a baby—someone who might fill the gap in her life. With a flash of lightning and help from her loyal robot assistant Igor, she brings to life… …

Council hosts event to help landlords navigate government‑imposed Renters’ Rights Act changes Test Valley Borough Council is inviting private landlords to attend its upcoming Private Landlords’ Forum, which will focus on the government-imposed Renters’ Rights Act, the most significant change to residential lettings in years. The forum aims to help landlords understand the new legislation, adapt their practices, and continue providing high-quality housing across the borough.

A man from Andover has been detained as part of an investigation into the large-scale illegal dumping of waste in Oxfordshire. The 69-year-old was arrested at an address in Andover on 29 January in relation to a vast stockpile of rubbish discovered near Kidlington, close to the A34. Investigators estimate the dump contains around 21,000 tonnes of waste. The illegally deposited material formed a mound stretching approximately 150 metres in length and rising to around six metres high.