As Chair of Play to the Crowd, the arts and education charity that runs the Hat Fair, Theatre Royal and Playmakers, the education arm that promotes community engagement and creative learning for young participants, I cannot emphasise enough how proud I am about all the team’s efforts, creativity and care in putting on Hat Fair 2023 over the two days.
The Carnival Parade on Friday, with so many young children involved, was so enjoyable and colourful despite the weather. It was wonderful to see thousands of people enjoying themselves in the Cathedral Outer and Inner Closes, and along the High Street.
Yes, it was a smaller Hat Fair in scale this year due to funding pressures BUT it felt intensely enjoyable with a really good variety of quality acts, an excellent vibe and a fantastic turnout.
I was also most impressed with the effective stewarding and the keeping to time against the published schedule. This takes planning, on the day organisation and discipline. The Hat Fair team rose to the challenge admirably.
As I left the city centre late to return home, I saw Tom from the Theatre Royal Winchester’s bar who was stewarding at the Hat Fair stand on the High St/Jewry St junction. ‘How’s it been?’ I enquired. ‘Absolutely brilliant - the reaction all day from so many different kinds of people has been so, so positive.’
There can be no better testimony than that.
The Hat Fair brings so much joy to Winchester and brings in so many diverse acts from across the country and across the world. What an asset it is to the city.
Well done to all involved and let’s hope we can rise to the occasion for our 50th anniversary next year and overcome the very real funding challenges we face.
Mark Byford
Chair of Play to the Crowd
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