Where: Winchester, Hampshire
£: Free
What is it?
This year, the 40th annual Hat Fair will take place in Winchester from 4th to 6th July. The quirky street theatre festival promises an ambitious programme of free events for all ages. To celebrate their 40th anniversary, the Hat Fair has commissioned its own song to be performed by local schoolchildren.
The Winchester Hat Fair has grown from a buskers’ festival to become an event of global renown, featuring acclaimed international artists and the best performances from the UK. The Hat Fair also presents a range of new and innovative work, as well as art installations, a special mini festival for the under 5s, and a day of dance, circus and music.
Why not enter the darkened world of Willett’s Amazing Camera Obscura, where you can witness and wonder at the technology of a bygone age? Or try The World’s Best Portable Crazy Golf Course? Let Pif Paf theatre take you on a journey of your wildest dreams, aboard their famous travelling machines, The Submercycle and The Flycycle!
Why not take a ride in The Lift, a roving theatrical experience that envelops its audience, welcoming them into a world of captured moments. This elegant elevator on wheels arrives accompanied by three bellhops. Visitors will be invited to step inside and choose a moment by selecting one of ten different ‘floor’ buttons. Each press of a button will trigger a particular scene, happening or set of characters.
The Hat Fair is the UK’s longest running festival of street theatre and last year brought around 69,000 visitors to the city of Winchester throughout the three days.
More info: www.hatfair.co.uk