Barceló Basingstoke Country Hotel

Local Attractions

Winchester Hat Fair


Jul 2009 (annual)

Cost: Free

Hours: All day



Britain's longest-running festival of street theatre, in Winchester city centre, is outlandish, entertaining and free. Spectators are asked to delve into their pockets to fill the eponymous hats that are passed around by the performers.

The festival offers a vibrant mix of oddball characters, stunts, specialist circus, clowning, new world music and workshops for kids. Every year 50,000 people fill the streets of the town to join in the fun.

Winchester Theatre Royal offers a midweek performance programme as a warm-up for the Hat Fair weekend. Please call the box office for details.

Winchester