UK's longest-running festival of outdoor arts buzzes back into life next month.

Hat Fair, running from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7, will be commemorating its 50th birthday by highlighting talent in the region.

The lineup features performances from youth theatre groups, drama students, choirs, musicians, singers, dancers and many others, some of which are returning to the fray.

Playmakers Youth Theatre groups will showcase entirely original book-themed shows at the P & G Wells bookshop and on Jane Austen’s Lawn.

Alongside The Search for Winnie the Pooh’s Honey Pot, an audience-decided piece, they bring to the table an alternative version of Cinderella (Cinderella: A Story Retold) and an interactive mystery performance Who Stole The Jam Tarts?, featuring a combination of song, dance and poetry.

University of Winchester students and recent alumni will also be spotlighted in the Top Hat competition, giving a peek into their creative work: A Laurel and Hardy style performance, a piece on playground games and growing up, an autobiographical exploration of ADHD, and a live art installation that celebrates women’s free spirit.

Georgina Willis, Holly Foskett and Billstar, former winners, are back in the spotlight with original work.

Winchester's very own Blue Apple Theatre's Special Assignments Company will embark on A Literary Promenade, a Jane Austen-themed walkabout performance.

Adding to this, the company's singers are anticipated to deliver a fresh rendition of familiar songs.

There is a diverse musical selection to be savoured, showcasing an award-winning Andover Ladies Choir, pop singer Eric Walker, Elvis classics from Jelvis, the Ukrainian Women’s Choir and Winchester Rock Choir.

The festival will also host folk music performers, the Driftwood Troubadours and Hyde Pipers.

Pop-punk artist Ian Myers, ukulele maestros Lounge Room Lizards and Uke Box Glory, and gypsy jazz and soulful blues band Sang Froid are some of the musicians adding to the decibels.

The dance floor will feature the Hampshire Youth Dance Company and Liberate Dance, a wheelchair-based dance company, as well as traditional Bulgarian dance by Samodeitsi and South American dance by 432 NO-MADS’ Clash of Cultures.

Arthur L Wood, an award-winning poet and Harvey Juggling, a renowned street performer, will also be at the Hat Fair.

The festival is encouraging everyone to join in the celebration and further information can be found on their website.