Looking for weekend plans? 10 things happening in Winchester

From browsing independent comics and live comedy, to a classic play and dancing through the decades, there's something for everyone.

With Halloween around the corner, a guided ghost tour exploring Winchester's spookier side could be just the thing to get you in the spirit.

Here are 10 things you could get up to in Winchester this weekend.

Guided walking tours of Winchester

Fancy getting to know Winchester a little better?

A guided walking tour could be a good place to start.

Led by one of the city's official tourist guides, the tours explore Upper Winchester and Lower Winchester, also known as City Highlights, offering a closer look at the city and its heritage.

Tours run at 11am and 2pm throughout October, with tickets costing £12 per person.

Children under 16 can join for free.

Tours start at the Visitor Information Centre at the Guildhall.

Advance booking is advised.

Of Mice and Men at Theatre Royal Winchester

A classic tale of friendship and ambition comes to Theatre Royal Winchester this weekend, as John Steinbeck's Of Mice and Men takes to the stage.

Set during the Great Depression, the story follows George and Lennie, two friends who dream of owning a farm together.

As they move from job to job, trouble follows, and a tragic turn of events threatens their plans.

Directed by Larry Lamb, the production stars Nigel Miles-Thomas and Michael Roy Andrew.

Performances take place on Friday October 16, at 1pm and 7.30pm, and Saturday October 17, at 7.30pm.

The Valknut Tour at The Railway Inn

If rock is right up your street, the Railway Inn is hosting The Valknut Tour on Friday October 16, bringing together three UK bands for an evening of guitar-driven sounds.

The Soul Revival, Revenant and We Three Kings will take to the stage as part of a series of three shows across three cities.

Expect heavy rock, big riffs and catchy hooks from the three acts, each bringing their own sound to the line-up.

Doors open at 7.30pm in Platform 1.

Advance tickets cost £12, with tickets on the door priced at £15, plus an 11 per cent booking fee on advance purchases.

The event is for over-18s.

Fleetwood Collective at The Railway Inn

For something with a little Fleetwood Mac flair, The Railway Inn has another night of live music lined up for Saturday October 17.

Fleetwood Collective, an independent UK tribute band celebrating the group's music, will take to the stage, with support from Americana duo Roswell Road.

The London-based pair blend close harmonies with storytelling, drawing comparisons to First Aid Kit and Fleetwood Mac.

Doors open at 8pm in Platform 1, giving music fans a Saturday-night option in the city.

Advance tickets cost £17.50, with tickets on the door priced at £22.50.

An 11 per cent booking fee applies to advance orders, and the event is for over-18s.

Winchester Comics Fair

Comic book fans, artists and anyone curious about independent illustration can head to the Nutshell Arts Centre on Saturday October 17, for the return of Winchester Comics Fair.

Now in its fifth year, the fair showcases the UK's independent comics scene, bringing together more than 40 comics makers, artists and writers from across the country.

Visitors can browse comics, prints, postcards and more, with a wide range of styles and themes to explore.

The event runs from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and entry is free, making it an option for all ages.

Just bear in mind that there is no lift access to the first-floor studio.

Barnstormers Comedy at The Arc

Barnstormers Comedy returns to The Arc on Friday October 16, with a line-up of comedians from the UK circuit.

The evening features Matt Green, Louise Leigh and Noel James, with Kevin Precious hosting proceedings.

Green is known for his political satire and online sketches, while Leigh brings observational humour and James is known for his surreal, pun-driven style.

The show starts at 8pm, with the bar opening at 7pm.

Advance tickets cost £12.50.

The supplied information gives conflicting prices for tickets on the door, so check the booking page for the latest details.

Afternoon tea at the Winchester Royal Hotel

If the weekend calls for something more relaxed, an afternoon tea at the Winchester Royal Hotel could fit the bill.

Guests can enjoy freshly made sandwiches, homemade scones and sweet treats in the hotel's Walled Garden Restaurant or Secret Garden.

There are also vegan and gluten-free afternoon tea options available.

Prices start at £27.50 per person, with options for two people at £55 and four people at £110.

Afternoon tea is served between noon and 4pm, and bookings can be made online.

Discos for Grown Ups at Winchester Guildhall

Discos for Grown Ups returns to Winchester Guildhall on Saturday October 17, with an evening dedicated to the music of the 1970s, 1980s and 1990s.

Expect classics from artists including ABBA, Madonna, Chic, the Bee Gees and Donna Summer, alongside a light and laser show, confetti and stage dancers.

The evening party runs from 8pm to 11pm, with doors opening at 7pm for VIP ticket holders and 7.15pm for general admission.

The event is a standing disco, with limited seating, and the dress code is disco glamour.

Elvis at The Winchester Club

Fans of Elvis Presley can enjoy a tribute performance at The Winchester Club on Saturday October 17.

Described by the club as a firm favourite, the act is due to perform from 8.30pm.

There may also be the chance to grab some food before the show, with the club advertising chicken and chips, scampi and chips, or sausage and chips, each priced at £10.

Food is listed as being served between 6.15pm and 7.30pm, although the club has advised visitors to check back for confirmation of the arrangements.

The venue is at Highfield Lodge, Worthy Lane, Winchester.

King Alfred the Great ghost tour

As we approach Halloween, a guided ghost tour offers a way to explore Winchester with a spooky twist.

The King Alfred the Great Haunted Ghost Tour follows the city's haunted past, taking visitors around haunted sites and Hyde Abbey.

The experience lasts 90 minutes and is led by an English-speaking guide, with groups limited to eight participants.

The tour is listed for Saturday October 17 at 7pm, with tickets advertised at £12 per person through GetYourGuide, although availability is limited.