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Festivals

Scroll down for an overview of the annual festivals taking place in and around Winchester. For details of forthcoming events search our online events calendar.

MayFest Folk and Roots Festival, May

Traditional performances of music, dance and storytelling from around the world on the streets and green spaces of the city and in some of its beautiful buildings. In 2006, the festival expands from its origins in traditional and contemporary folk music and dance to incorporate associated genre such as roots, blues and just a hint of jazz. MayFest Website

Winchester Hat Fair, 3 to 6 July 2008

This annual event is Britain's longest running festival of street theatre and takes its name from the money that onlookers throw into the hats of the performers. Every summer over 50,000 people flock to the streets of Winchester to watch the three-day spectacle, which celebrated its thirtieth anniversary in 2004. Visitors can expect a vibrant mix of oddball characters, breathtaking performance, unbelievable stunts, specialist circus, crazy clowning and new world music. Hat Fair Website

Winchester Festival, July

To enjoy some of the greatest names in 21st century theatre, literature, visual arts and music, immerse yourself in the Winchester Festival. With over 30 events in 10 days the festival dishes up a feast of local, national and international talent. From lunchtime concerts to jazz suppers and guided festival walks, Winchester showcases the best of the arts. Local highlights include a regular jazz café at the Guildhall and music with fireworks at Wolvesey Castle. Winchester Festival Website

Grange Park Opera, June-July

One of Europe's earliest and most remarkable Greek revival houses hosts a month-long programme of opera, which is fast acquiring cult status. Each of the 23 performances in 2006 has a 100 minute interval when guests are invited to dine in the faded splendour of the ancient mansion, or picnic in one of the elegant Indian pavilions set in the unspoiled parkland. Porters are on hand to carry your fanciest picnic gear. Grange Park Opera Website

Annual Writers' Conference, June-July

Up to 500 professional and aspiring writers descend on the city for lectures, workshops and clinics at the University of Winchester, headlined by celebrated authors, literary agents and commissioning editors. Writers' Conference Website

Making Merry, November

A weekend of festive cheer when the artists and craftspeople of Winchester open the doors of their homes, studios and galleries to tempt visitors with imaginative gift ideas - with mince pies and mulled wine thrown in for added measure.