PROVINCIAL
Grand Master
I welcome you all to the new website for what will be the 158th Mark Benevolent Fund Festival,
which will be held at the Old Thorns Manor Hotel Golf & Country Estate in Liphook on Friday 17th and Saturday 18th July 2026. Following on from the excellent fund raising events of other provinces, the Province of Hampshire and Isle of Wight will be delighted to host the festival as a fitting tribute to all the efforts which are and will be made by the Brethren, Lodges, friends and families over three years. The festival will be held over the whole weekend and offer a variety of entertainment options to suit everyone’s taste: whether energetic with a golf tournament, exploring the delights of Hampshire’s rich historical and cultural heritage, retail therapy at Gunwharf Quays, touring the Portsmouth Distillery Co. or just being pampered at the onsite Spa facilities.
The events will culminate with a spectacular gala evening when the grand total for the MBF
donations will be revealed and celebrated.
This site provides information of how you can become Festival Stewards, purchase pre-loved regalia or merchandise with funds going directly to the MBF, and will contain information on forthcoming events. The content will constantly change to support the initiatives in the Province.
I wish you all well in your continuing endeavours and will support all your initiatives!
Right Worshipful Brother George Deacon
Festival President
At the picturesque venue
OLD
THORNS
Join us for the 158th Mark Benevolent Fund Festival Weekend 17th–19th July 2026 · Old Thorns Hotel & Resort, Hampshire.
Tickets from £95/person & Hotel Rooms from £199/night
First-Class
Entertainment
Enjoy a rich blend of Masonic tradition, fine dining, and vibrant entertainment — all set in the heart of the Hampshire countryside. Whether reconnecting with old friends or making new memories, this weekend promises something truly special.
Weekend
itinerary
Tickets from £95/person & Hotel Rooms from £199/night
Friday
Arrival from 10am
Spa/Golf access
Themed Pirate/Sailor Buffet
Barnacles’ Sea Shanty Band
Man Bands live show
Saturday
Optional excursions
(Winchester Cathedral, Portsmouth Dockyard, & Portsmouth Distillery)
Formal Dinner & Toast
Royal Marine Band
Elton John tribute until 23:59
Sunday
Breakfast
Departures
Explore
Hampshire
Discover historic cities, iconic landmarks, and award-winning gin on our curated Saturday excursions.
Winchester
Cathedral
Step into over a thousand years of history at one of Europe’s finest medieval cathedrals, right in the heart of Winchester.
Portsmouth & Gunwharf Quays
Explore vibrant waterfront shopping, dining, and the iconic Spinnaker Tower – perfect for a coastal day out.
Historic
Dockyard
Discover legendary ships like HMS Victory and immerse yourself in the naval stories that shaped Britain’s seafaring past.
Portsmouth
Distillery
Uncover the secrets of gin-making with a guided tour of this award-winning distillery, set within the historic walls of a former coastal fort.