Hat Fair 2018

Hat Fair is the UK’s longest continually running festival of Outdoor Arts.

Initially conceived as a busking festival, Hat Fair takes its name from the tradition of the audience showing their appreciation by putting money in the hat at the end of the show. The festival was founded in 1974 by Jonathan Kay, and inspires and is inspired by the people, heritage and public spaces within the historic city of Winchester.

Join us for a weekend of Outdoor Arts and entertainment featuring theatre, dance and circus-inspired events to surprise you every way you turn!

There’s something for everyone to enjoy at each year’s festival, and best of all, it’s absolutely FREE!

Friday & Saturday:
Two jam-packed dates of arts and culture all around Winchester city centre.

Sunday:
All-day family picnic at North Walls Recreation Ground, with some of the world’s most spectacular street performers.

“the wonderful Winchester Hat Fair, a joyous weekend of street theatre and outdoor performance”
The Guardian, 2015