You’ve probably noticed I post a lot about London on the blog, because that’s where I spend a huge amount of my time for work, but what you may not know is I actually live in Portsmouth – all the way down at the bottom of England in Hampshire.

I bloody love living here, but I expect a lot of you have never heard of Portsmouth, or Hampshire, which blows my mind because it is riddled with literary history and has some of the best geek culture around.

This month is no exception, from movie nights, to lectures, to gamer gatherings, you’ll find a little something for every geek – it’s the reason I love living here. So here are a few things to check out this month if you find yourself in and around my home town.

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Harry Potter: A History of Magic

All this month, Portsmouth Library will be celebrating the 20th anniversary of Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone with an exhibition about the history of magic, in partnership with the British Library. The display will showcase twelve panels of information and images, including some documents from J.K. Rowlings personal collection. You will also be able to find out more about Portsmouth’s history with witchcraft.

Where | Portsmouth Central Library, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DX
When | All February, 9.30am – 5pm
Price | Free

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May The Toys Be With You

Another event to checkout throughout February, the Willis Museum which is just up the road in Basingstoke, will be holding an exhibition for Star Wars fans. Showcasing one of the UK’s biggest collections of Star Wars memorabilia, including vintage toys and posters, this is something no Jedi in training will want to miss.

Where | Willis Museum, Market Place, Basingstoke, RG21 7QD
When | All February, 10am – 4pm
Price | Free

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Drive at Wave Maiden

Every month, Wave Maiden holds a movie night at their restaurant, and this Tuesday they’re showing the Ryan Gosling led Drive, which is about a Hollywood stuntman who moonlights as a getaway driver. If you haven’t seen it, this is your perfect opportunity to revel in Gosling goodness. There’ll be free popcorn, and a quiz once the movie’s finished, where you can win prizes.

Where | Wave Maiden, 36 Osborne Road, Portsmouth, PO5 3LT
When | 6th February, 7pm – late
Price | Unknown – but you can find out more here

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Skeptical Philosophy

One for the Philosophy geeks among you; Author Johnathan Pierce will be hosting a talk at The Rifle Club on what it means to be human – a question that has been asked since the beginning of time. Having written books on free will, atheism, and religion, Pierce is definitely one of the most qualified people to discuss this topic with. If you want to learn more about him, his blog The Tippling Philosopher has plenty of posts to binge read.

Where | The Rifle Club, Goldsmith Avenue, Portsmouth, PO4 0AW
When | 8th February, 7pm – 9.30pm
Price | £3 on the door

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Board Game Night

Hunter Gatherer coffee shop are holding a board game night, filled with a selection of both classic and modern games to play for free. You’ll have the opportunity to buy cakes and drinks too, there’ll even be a curry available so you can eat while you win monopoly.

Where | Hunter Gatherer, 249 Albert Road, Portsmouth, PO4 0JR
When | 8th February, 6pm – 10pm
Price | Free

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Ghost Hunting

Fort Widley is opening it’s doors for an evening of ghost exploration. As one of the most haunted locations in the South, it’s a hot spot for paranormal enthusiasts. You’ll be introduced to the Paraspirit team, then taken through the tunnels of the fort. There will also be optional group vigils, table tipping, and a seance, as well as refreshments.

Where | Fort Widley, Portsdown Hill, Portsmouth, PO6 3LS
When | 8th February, 7.30pm – midnight
Price | £25. Purchase tickets here

Ghostbusters at the Planetarium

We’ve all seen Ghostbusters before – probably countless times – but have you ever seen it screened at a Planetarium? Winchester Science Center are showing an array of different movies this month, and Ghostbusters is just one of them. Perfect if you’re looking for something a little different to your standard cinema setup.

Where | Winchester Science Center, Telegraph Way, Winchester, SO21 1HZ

When | 10th February, 5.20pm – 7pm

Price | £5. Buy tickets here

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Beatrix Potter: Dispelling the Myths

Beatrix Potter spent most of her life living in the Lake District, where David Stocks has been a guide for many years. Now he’s down in the New Forest to talk about his knowledge on her life, upbringing, family and conservation efforts. He’ll be giving insight into her stories and how they came to be.

Where | Bockenhurst Village Hall, Highwood Road, New Forest, SO42 7RY
When | 13th February, 2.30pm – 3.30pm
Price | Unkown. More info here

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A Comic Artist’s Toolkit

If you’ve ever wondered what goes into creating your own comic book, Portsmouth Book Fest are hosting a workshop where you can take a closer look at the scripting, layout, and storytelling that goes into making a comic page, with a little help from Russell Mark Olson, who has been featured in Dirty Rotton comics and Cult Empire Comics.

Where | Portsmouth Central Library, Guildhall Walk, Portsmouth, PO1 2DX
When | 15th February, 7pm – 9pm
Price | £3. Purchase in the library or here

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Heroes and Monsters

The Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra will be presenting a night of live, epic soundtracks for all the movie geeks out there. Featuring music from films such as The Mummy, Dracula, King Kong, Jurassic Park, Jaws, Gremlins and Lord of the Rings, if you grew up in the 80’s or 90’s, this isn’t something to miss.

Where | Portsmouth Guildhall, Guildhall Square, Portsmouth, PO1 2AB
When | 16th February, 7.30pm – late
Price |Between £17 and £32. Buy tickets here

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A History of Everything In 60 Minutes

Everything you ever wanted to know about everything. Comedian Ben Watson takes you on a fast-paced, comic adventure through history, from the dawn of time to the present day. From Ancient Rome to the Millennium Dome, Telegraphy to the mobile phone. It’s a musical sketch comedy with a sprinkling of cabaret and spoken word poetry.

Where | Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Alkman Lane, Southampton, SO40 8FT
When | 23rd February, 7.30pm – midnight
Price | £12

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Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein

Fancy learning a little more about everyone’s favourite monster? Charlotte Boyce, Lecturer of English Literature at Portsmouth University, will be discussing Frankenstein’s Origins and Afterlife at Havant Library. The talk will explore the novel’s extensive afterlife in literature, on stage and on screen, along with how the story actually came to be.

Where | Havant Library, Meridian Centre, Havant, PO9 1UN
When | 27th February, 7.30pm
Price | £4. Buy tickets here

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