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MADCAP funsters filled Winchester with their zany antics today (Saturday, July 5) as the Hat Fair took over the city.

Thousands of visitors and residents flocked to the city centre to watch on as a whole host of street performers provided free entertainment all around the city.

Everywhere from the High Street to The Broadway and from River Park to the Cathedral Green was bustling as absurd and enchanting acts took part in the annual festival, which is now in its 34th year.

Among the entertainment on offer on Saturday were sword swallowing and snake charming acts, trapeze artists, children's puppet shows and even gurners.

Rachel Willoughby, who came to Winchester to see the hat fair with friends, said: "I've never been anywhere that's done this sort of thing before, I think it's a really good thing for Winchester, everywhere's really busy."

Friend, Jolene Franklin, from Chandler's Ford, added: "We've been really lucky with the weather, it's been a really good day."

Her daughter, nine-year-old Millie Franklin-Newman, said: "My favourite was the trapeze people, we came here especially for the Hat Fair and it's really cool!"

The fun didn't stop when the sun went down, as a carnival procession from the Buttercross statue walked down to the Broadway, where there were bands and large scale performances on offer.

The Hat Fair originated 34 years ago, when artists visited the city and passed around a hat for donations after their show. Since then, the event has grown to be bigger and better each year and attracts visitors to Winchester. It aims to bring national and international performances to everyone for free.

This year, the Hat Fair is running a living archive at the Discovery Centre, a museum collection celebrating the history of the festival.

2008's event will culminate in a mass picnic at Oram's Arbour tomorrow (Sunday, July 6), which will feature small scale performances, arts and crafts and holistic stalls, food, drink and circus workshops. Entertainment will start from midday.

For more information visit www.hatfair.co.uk.

3:09pm Saturday 5th July 2008

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