RARELY in its 40-odd years has the Hat Fair been blessed with such glorious weather.

Perhaps the famous summer of 1976 may have been beaten it for temperatures although on Saturday nearby Otterbourne was reported to have been the hottest spot in the country at 29 degrees.

Since the start the event has been the same, several days of street theatre throughout Winchester city centre, including The Broadway and Cathedral Close.

The public can stop and enjoy, or just walk on by. At the end of each act they can show the appreciation by putting money in the performer's hat on the ground.

Changes this year included holding the Sunday picnic at North Walls park instead of the traditional Oram's Arbour.

The small size of the sloping park prevented organisers from maximising the number of commercial stalls that bring in the vital revenue that allows the event to be free to the public.

Performers this year got their own 'green room' to rest and between shows, at the former Post Office on Middle Brook Street.