ACROBATS, jugglers, and fire-eaters will be some of the acts performing this week-end in Winchester at the Hat Fair - Britain's oldest festival of street theatre.

Not only is the event, which is backed by the Daily Echo, celebrating its silver jubilee, but this year promises to be the biggest and best yet. Thousands are expected to flock to the city to experience outdoor entertainment at its finest.

The Hat Fair got its name because it is a free event and visitors are expected to show their appreciation for the performers, by dropping money in their hats.

Event co-ordinator Caterina Loriggio said: "The Hat Fair really is a community event, at which the people of Winchester claim the streets for their own pleasure.

"It's also a great opportunity for young people from the city to perform in a really top class event."

Over 50 acts will be performing around the city including circus acts, music acts, theatre, walka-bout artists and comedy.

For the first time there will also be nine permanent stages.

Mark Tillotson from MarkMark is one of the performers who keeps returning to the fair.

This year he will be taking part in a production similar to a pantomime, with madcap antics, around the city tomorrow and Saturday.

"The Hat Fair is a really prestigious event where the public get the chance to see some of the best street performers in the country," said Mark. Today

7.30pm Dare to Flare 70s Birthday party at the North Pole pub, Parchment Street. Tickets £4 on door, concessions if in 70s gear.

Tomorrow 10.30am Schools' procession from Abbey Gardens to the Cathedral Green. 11am onwards, Street Theatre in High Street, The Square, Cathedral Green, The Brooks and Market Place. Saturday 11am-5.30pm Street Theatre, same places as Friday. 7pm Procession sponsored by the Daily Echo, from The Buttercross to The Broadway. 7.30pm-11pm Street Continental on The Broadway. Sunday 12pm-8pm Hat Fair picnic in the Park at Oram's Arbour.

Top tips on Hat Fairing

1. Be prepared to stay all day. You won't want to leave. 2. Bring a party of people and a picnic. 3. Be prepared for all weather conditions. Come rain or shine the Hat Fair continues. 4. Arm yourself with plenty of loose change for the hats. 5. Take care of yourself. Some performances at the Hat Fair make use of fire, pyrotechnics or dangerous stunts.

Converted for the new archive on 25 January 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.