Hat Fair launched at Winchester's Hotel du Vin (From Hampshire Chronicle)

Hat Fair launched at Winchester's Hotel du Vin

9:00am Sunday 14th June 2009

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IT started off as a small busker's event 35 years ago.

Now thousands of people are expected to descend on Winchester next month as the city welcomes back the annual Hat Fair.

This year's event will offer four fun-filled days with hundreds of breath-taking performances from over 40 national and international companies along the city's ancient streets.

Named after the tradition of throwing donations into performers' hats, the free festival was launched at the Hotel du Vin this week with a performance by Mario Queen of the Circus.

Sian Thomas, director of celebrations, said: "It really is a fantastic event and a gift to the city of Winchester."

The fair is the UK's longest running street theatre festivals and is expected to bring in around £1million to the city.

Highlights of this year's events include Los Dos Play, an acrobatic comedy act from Spain and the return of Winchester favourites 'Heliosphere'.

The fair runs from Thursday July 2 to Sunday July 5.

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