WINCHESTER-based charity Play to the Crowd has announced that the annual Hat Fair will return in 2023, albeit in a smaller way.

The charity, which runs the Theatre Royal Winchester, learnt in November that it would no longer be funded by Arts Council England (ACE), as a National Portfolio Organisation (NPO), despite a glowing assessment of its application. This yearly grant was a key part of funding the outdoor festival, with Play to the Crowd looking for alternative forms of funding.

It has been announced that the charity has been successful in its application for the ACE's transition funding which was available to organisations leaving the NPO. This allowed the charity to honour some costs already committed for this year's festival and fundraising support to pivot to a new model for future festivals.

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The charity was also successful in its applications for a National Lottery Project Grant and to Hampshire County Council's Leaders Fund. Together with support from Without Walls, Culture Ireland, the University of Winchester and Winchester City Council and the Shared Prosperity Fund, the charity has raised enough for this year's festival to go ahead.

Due to the reduced funding, the festival will take place over two days this year on Friday, June 30 and Saturday, July 1. There will be no Hat Fair performances on Sunday.  This decision allows the Hat Fair Carnival - a culmination of a 9-month long project which features hundreds of school children and community groups from around Hampshire - to go ahead as planned on Friday to open the festival.

The festival site will also be smaller than in previous years, focusing around the High Street, The Square, Cathedral Grounds, Abbey Gardens and at the back of the Bus Station in Busket Yard.

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Andrew Loretto, Hat Fair and Playmakers Director said: “We can’t wait to bring joy to the streets of Winchester again this summer. Our sincerest thanks to those who have come forward to support the festival this year. The footprint of the festival may be smaller, but we haven't compromised on the quality or range of the artists performing. This year's festival is packed full of Winchester's favourite hatters, a fantastic programme of commissioned works, as well as some incredibly talented local performers - there will be something for everyone to enjoy! Details of the programme will be released soon”.

The Hat Fair is the UK’s longest running outdoor arts festival, attracting audiences of up to 90,000 to Winchester every year.

The family-friendly festival features street performances and outdoor arts from around the world, as well as provides a platform for local and community artists.