Winchester Hat Fair – A Spectacular Day of Street Theatre & Entertainment
Join Richard Taylor Travel for a wonderfully different summer day out as we travel to the historic city of Winchester for the spectacular Winchester Hat Fair.
For one unforgettable weekend, the streets, squares and green spaces of Winchester are transformed into a huge open-air stage, bringing together an exciting programme of street theatre, circus, comedy, live music, dance, performance and outdoor entertainment.
Dating back to 1974, Hat Fair began as a celebration of busking and street performance and has grown to become one of Winchester's best-loved annual events. The unusual name
comes from the traditional practice of performers passing around a hat at the end of their show for appreciative audiences to make a donation.
Throughout the day, simply wander through Winchester and see what you discover! You could turn a corner to find an acrobat performing in the street, encounter a comedy act in one of the city's squares or stop to enjoy live music, theatre or an extraordinary outdoor performance.
One of the great attractions of Hat Fair is its relaxed atmosphere. There is no need to spend the whole day following a fixed programme – explore at your own pace and enjoy whichever performances catch your eye. The vast majority of the festival is completely free to enjoy, although a small number of special or limited-capacity events may require separate tickets.
Away from the festival entertainment, there is plenty of time to discover Winchester itself. This beautiful cathedral city is packed with history and character. Browse the shops along the bustling High Street, discover independent stores and boutiques, stop for lunch or a coffee, or explore some of the city's historic streets and buildings.
You may also wish to see magnificent Winchester Cathedral, wander through the picturesque Cathedral Close or discover some of the city's fascinating connections with centuries of English history.
With entertainment appearing throughout the city centre, Hat Fair creates a fantastic atmosphere and makes Winchester feel completely different from an ordinary sightseeing visit.
Whether you love live entertainment, historic cities, photography, shopping or simply enjoy discovering somewhere with a lively atmosphere, this promises to be a colourful and entertaining summer day out.
Sit back, relax and leave the driving to Richard Taylor Travel as we take you to the heart of the action for Winchester Hat Fair.
