Winchester Hat Fair
winchester hat fair uk longest running festival street theatre comedy music held winchester united kingdom always first weekend july originally busker fair first hat fair held although city council local business community initially opposed support event brings people watch hat fair organising coordinating committee also local city charge travelling player converge around country abroad perform hat fair first hat fair emerged informal gathering friend tried new show upon audience paid donation money hat — practice hat fair got name core group included member winchesterbased attic theatre company founded directed mime artist jonathan kay continues role founder artistic director hat fair present day year hat fair gained enough status able obtain funding regional art funders local authority well commercial sponsor aim hat fair organiser continually raise standard uk street theatre aid artist development busker professional performer providing hospitality conducive performing condition possible small fee performance early fair involved evening cabaret best act showcased gradually expanded one evening four night addition series workshop aimed developing local talent street party hat fair last night official website