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.

See all the festivals happening in and around Winchester in one handy website www.festivalsinwinchester.co.uk

Winchester Fashion Week, June

Winchester Fashion Week is a new event that was added to the Winchester Festival calendar in 2011.

Following in a similar vein of its debut there will be catwalk shows, workshops, talks from industry professionals, exhibitions, a frock swap and a variety of other fashion associated events.

The event will celebrate and raise awareness of fashion and associated creative practice in the Winchester District. 

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Winchester Chamber Music Festival, April

The City's very own festival of chamber music and song with the brilliant London Bridge Ensemble, whose cellist is internationally acclaimed Kate Gould, Winchester born and bred.  Cherished for its friendly vibe and sublime performances, there are also events for families and schools, as well as restaurant and accommodation offers.  Events to suit all ages and includes FREE tickets for 8-25 year olds. Winchester Chamber Music Festival website. 

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, culminating in a Big Ceiledh on the Saturday night. 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

Unfortunatley MayFest will not be taking place in 2013 but will be back in 2014.  Keep checking the website for further information.

Winchester Film Festival, May

This exciting festival is an extravaganza of screenings and events that will take place in characteristic locations across the city of Winchester. The festival offers you the chance to view the very best International student film entries in the competition alongside a great classic, forgotten cult or current original independent feature. Winchester Film Festival website.

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Winchester Writers' Conference, Festival and Bookfair, June/July

More than 60 professional writers, poets, playwrights, commissioning editors, literary agents and industry specialists lead workshops, mini courses, lectures and one to one appointments during this major international event for all writers. Aspiring writers from many parts of the UK, New Zealand, India and Canada descend upon Winchester to learn how to harness their creativity, discuss their ideas for children’s books, learn how to re-structure their novels and ‘pitch’ their polished works to editors and agents. Winchester Writers' Conference website.

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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

Winchester Hat Fair, July

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. Get the most out of your time at the Hat Fair with the new Hat Fair i-app. 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