THIS year's Hat Fair is in full swing, and guests have braved the rain to experience the occasion.
Winchester's annual Hat Fair 2024 is running from Friday, July 5 to Sunday, July 7.
The Chronicle attended the event on Saturday, July 6 and spoke to attendees, performers, vendors and acts.
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READ MORE: Hat Fair gets off to flying start in spite of torrential downpour
Tony Willett and Igor Pestrikov were at the helm of Willet's Amazing Camera Obscura, a device that can only be described as 'magic' which allows the outside world to be seen inside the tent, live.
Tony said: "Historically, camera obscures have been around for hundreds of years, and this one provides a trip into the history of photography and astronomy through the magic of science and the marvel and wonder of nature."
Reporter Matt Rooks-Taylor went inside the camera obscure and was amazed by the results, he was able to see passers-by appear walking on his notepad.
Jack Bristow, along with children Alex and Theo, experienced the spectacle. Alex and Theo saw their mother, Jo Bristow, appear on the table. They said it was "Really good. I was really excited when we saw mummy on the table."
Laura Jones was in attendance along with her children.
She said: "Hat Fair is brilliant, we come every year and we're very fortunate to live in Winchester. I love to come here and support local artists."
Kat Pentaliot is the owner of Full.Fat.Baking, she was selling her baked goods including cookies and cakes in Abbey Gardens.
She said: "I've got a good view of the stage, it's been a bit weird today because of the weather, but there have been some influxes of people."
Alan Dowden, 79, was in the crowd when 16-year-old performer Millie, @milliamusic on Instagram, was performing.
He was impressed with her abilities at such a young age, and said: "Millie is absolutely brilliant - the sound she plays - I feel she is such a talent. Someone should recognise her, she's a future star.
"I haven't heard better than her on television."
Vicki Graham, 68, was selling candy floss in Abbey Gardens.
She said: "It's been good but very quiet because of the weather."
Next door to her were Elizabeth Symonds, 44, and son Peter, 12, who were in charge of selling slushies.
Elizabeth said: "It's been alright today, but not much sunshine, the weather has been miserable.
"It is great to have the Hat Fair on our doorstep."
Natalie and Thomas Gall, along with children Sophie, Amelie and Louise were enjoying an ice cream after the weather turned warmer, along with friends Christian and Chiara Kellner who had travelled from Southampton for the day.
Natalie said: "The performances have been really good and it is good fun the all ages."
Christian added: "The giant wheel was really impressive."
Dean Rowell and Richard Pearce were in costume. They are war re-enactors and members of Henry Tilliers Regiment of the Sealed Knot and told the Chronicle about an upcoming charity fundraiser re-enacting the Battle of Cheriton for the 380th anniversary.
They said: "We are raising funds for charity, and it's good fun."
This year the acts at Hat Fair will include NoFit State Circus, Bailey’s Original Seaside Imaginarium and Raggle Taggle Arts. Plus, two Hat Fair returners – Tit for Tat Circus and Jeanefer Jean-Charles.
Punters can expect circus, storytelling, stunts, physical theatre, clog dancing, singing, sword fighting, eccentric juggling, contemporary dance and Caribbean choreography.
For more information about the Hat Fair and the performers this weekend, visit hatfair.co.uk.
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