Over £10,000 of county council money is being given to four groups who organise festivals in Winchester.

The cash was released by council leader, Ken Thornber, during the policy and resources decision day.

"We must take into account that we will face some difficult financial decisions over the coming year though I do know that festivals generate a lot of income for the economy of Winchester," he said.

The Winchester Festival will get £1,900, having requested £5,000. The total cost of the event is estimated at £143,000.

Angela Ryde-Weller, of Music at Winchester, is grateful for the council's continued backing.

"We're delighted that they're still able to support us and £1,900 is what they gave us last year, so it's what we were expecting."

Early Music Now - formerly the Winchester Early Music Festival - will receive £1,500, the figure submitted by the organisers. The event is expected to cost £24,000.

The city's Hat Fair - Britain's oldest street festival - will receive £5,300, just £200 under the applicant's requested amount. The festival will cost £92,500.

The Winchester Folk Festival will receive £1,600 - like the Hat Fair, just £200 less than the amount requested. The event is expected to cost £8,165.

Early Music Now takes place between April 28th and May 4th and will include a series of events for local primary schools.

The Winchester Folk Festival runs from May 16th-18th.

The Hat Fair takes place from July 3rd to July 6th and the Winchester Festival runs from July 4th to July 13th.