Christmas Lantern Tours with Andy Skinner

Andy Skinner is leading a lantern-lit walking tour of Southampton's Old Town on Saturday 19 December, from 6pm to 7.30pm. It's run by Southampton Cultural Services and starts and finishes in St Michael's Square, with the tour itself taking in the Old Town.

Skinner's walk steps back into the city's festive past, and there's a fair bit to cover. He'll talk about how figures like Jane Austen celebrated the season here, which carols have long heralded Christmas in the city, and why the Christmas of 1945 was one to forget. Along the way, the route also opens up some of the hidden medieval vaults beneath the ground of the Old Town, so you'll get a look at what's tucked under the streets as well as the stories from above them.

It's suitable for all ages, though under-16s need to be accompanied by an adult, and it's not suitable for anyone with mobility issues. Tickets are £10 for adults, and accompanying children under 16 go free. The tour runs from 6pm to 7.30pm on Saturday 19 December, starting and finishing in St Michael's Square.