Over the festive period I got quite into watching the CX races from the Netherlands and Belgium. They looked like quite fun things to attend as a spectator.
Do such races happen over here, in a similar vein? I’ve tried searching but generally find club CX races to enter rather than spectator events.
Sorry - didn't see this.
There are local races as part of local leagues. Very much that almost all spectators are related to the competitors, and all ages covered, from 6 year olds to those in their 70s and above. Early morning for the little kids, and later for the adults.
There was an App where you could find the local league, but that only lasted for one year. I think
Wessex league covers your area best.
But it is nothing like the races in Netherlands and Belgium. If World Cup races are equivalent to Premiership races, then Wessex League is probably equivalent to the Wessex Football league. You might have to pay for parking, and there are no spectator provisions, but there should be a couple of food outlets (coffee/cakes and hot dogs/burgers). Some races have commentry, most don't.
Above that is the National series, held over 2 days. Saturday is the young things and oldies. Sunday is the Juniors and Elites. Again, no charge for entry, bigger choice of food, and bigger races. You will probably see the almost the best of British cyclo-cross racers (e.g. Thomas Mein, UK's #2 races, Cameron Mason, UK's #1 doesn't). Nearest race to you was Clanfield, just North of Portsmouth. Otherwise, Torbay or Gravesend. British Cycling website will give you the details. About 5 races per season.
And then on to the National Championships. One every year, with the same structure as the National Series, but all the best will be racing, and the winner of each race gets to wear the National jersey, as well as getting a trophy and a medal. This year it was at Gravesend. Next year it is rumoured to be at South Shields, just outside Newcastle. These are the biggest and best supported events in the country.
Bad news - the season is almost over. National champs has finished, as has the national series. Some local races are still taking place.
Summary - if you are expecting something similar to the CX races you see on telly, you are going to be very disappointed. But you will be very welcome.