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Festival

Hat Fair 2027

Dates:
3 July - 4 July 2027
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    Hat Fair Autin Dance Theatres Parade The Wheel 2 Adrienne Photography
    Hat Fair Fidget Feet Aerial Dance Theatres House 1 Adrienne Photography
    Hat Fair Garaghty and Thom with Streetcomedy 1 Adrienne Photography
    Hat Fair No Fit State Circus Bamboo 1 Adrienne Photography
    Hat Fair No Fit State Circus Bamboo 2 Adrienne Photography

    About Hat Fair 2027

    Hat Fair is a family-friendly festival of street performance and outdoor arts. Founded in 1974 as a busking festival, Hat Fair takes place every year during the first weekend of July across the historic city of Winchester.

    There's something for everyone to enjoy as Winchester city centre is taken over with arts and culture, from circus skills workshops to immersive experiences, live music, outdoor theatre and more.

    The Hat Fair is the UK's longest continually running outdoor arts festival.

    Image Credits: Adrienne Photography 

    Festival locations

    Hat Fair Abbey Gardens
    1
    Hat Fair SMC 2024 EH
    2
    Hat Fair Garaghty and Thom with Streetcomedy 2 Adrienne Photography
    3
    The broadway
    4
    The square
    5

    Location

    The Square

    Brooks shopping centre c Brooks Shopping Centre Winchester
    6
    New page 44 45 Theatre Royal
    7

    Frequently asked questions

    What is Winchester's Hat Fair?

    The longest-running open air arts festival in the UK, the Hat Fair is a festival of outdoor arts, theatre and street performance. It takes place in Winchester, Hampshire UK every July. Expect free performances in public and heritage spaces around Winchester city centre, as well as workshops, interactive experiences and stalls.

    Why is it called the Hat Fair?

    Initially conceived as a busking festival, Winchester's Hat Fair takes its name from the tradition of the audience showing their appreciation by putting money in a hat at the end of a show.

    Is Hat Fair free to attend?

    Yes, Winchester's Hat Fair is a free event. Some special events may require tickets.

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