Winchester Hat Fair 2002

One of Britain's oldest street festivals returns with the Winchester Hat Fair. A crazy, colourful celebration of theatre and music, where entertainers perform voluntarily in exchange for money to be thrown into their hats. Supported by local businesses, colleges and organisations, this FREE festival takes place in the city centre.

Friday is "Schools Day," where 1000 children lead this year by percussion, stilt outfit Boneshaker, where the carnival is taken to the cathedral green. Street theatre and cabaret events can be enjoyed throughout the day and evening.

The festival continues on saturday with craft stalls, circus school, and a procession starting at 7pm at the Buttercross. The carnival atmosphere takes a continental feel, with street arts, live music and outlandish behaviour. This year sees the U.K premier of french company Friches Theatre Urbain.

A huge park picnic can be enjoyed at Orams Arbour, 5 minutes from the train station, where the walkabout act The Strangelings can be seen. There will also be a number of stalls and refreshments available from midday.

Camping is available

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