FASHION weeks are often reserved for cosmopolitan capital cities, but Winchester is now set to join them.

The new event will take place in the summer, but the official launch will be much sooner on Monday, January 24.

Organisers aim to hold a series of shows over several days at some of Winchester’s best known venues.

The city’s guildhall is due to stage a Cirque Du Fashion Show with a host of models and eye-catching garments.

Winchester Discovery Centre in Jewry Street will also be pressed into service for a series of workshops, lectures and a ‘frock swap’.

Also on the schedule will be a fashion photography, illustration and film exhibition that will be held at the centre along with the Theatre Royal next door.

Organisers will also be approaching shops in Winchester’s High Street to see if they want to become involved.

Retailers who sign up would exhibit one of the fashion week garments in their front window to raise awareness of the event.

The programme is due to finish with a concert featuring local bands at the Railway Inn at St Paul’s Hill.

The fashion week is due to run from Monday, July 25 to Sunday, July 31, and could become an annual event if the first one is successful.

In the meantime, organisers are planning an official launch later this month.

It will feature the city’s mayor, Cllr Richard Izard, and the event’s website should be active by then too.

In the meantime, anyone who wants more details or to offer a helping hand with fashion week can email winchesterfashionweek@gmail.com.