Festivals
The city of Winchester hosts a multitude of festivals throughout the year that inspire, intrigue and enchant thousands of visitors every year. For the latest information head to: Festivals in Winchester - Visit Winchester
If you are interested in running your own festival please head to the 'planning an event' webpage.
Alresford Watercress Festival (www.watercressfestival.org)
May, a not-for-profit enterprise raising money for great local groups and charities.
Boomtown (www.boomtownfair.co.uk)
August, The UK’s largest theatrically led festival is five days filled with intricate film-like sets, hundreds of actors, endless venues and streets to explore.
Cheese and Chilli Festival (www.cheeseandchillifestival.com)
June, The Cheese and Chilli Festival is the only show in the UK which celebrates both Cheese and Chilli within a festival setting.
Children of Winchester Festival (www.cowfest.org.uk)
February, COWfest is a one-day kids’ takeover of Winchester city centre, with a wide range of FREE activities on offer in diverse spaces – from cultural venues and community facilities to shops and other businesses.
Festival of Faith & Literature (https://faithandliterature.hymnsam.co.uk/)
February, celebrate the very best new fiction and non-fiction with a faith perspective.
Foodies Festival (https://foodiesfestival.com/events/winchester-2/)
July, the best Michelin-starred chefs and MasterChef champions cooking their favourite recipes and giving you top tips.
Hampshire Choral Festival (https://hcfonline.org.uk/)
May, an umbrella organisation that organises annual gatherings of seven Hampshire choirs, on two successive Saturdays in May to perform wonderful works from the choral repertoire.
Hampshire Food Festival (https://www.hampshirefare.co.uk/news-events/hampshire-food-festival)
July, encompassing BBQ, markets, pop-ups, shows, tastings, trails and tours across the county from 1st-31st July.
Hampshire Pride (www.hampshirepride.org)
April
Hat Fair (www.hatfair.co.uk)
July, Winchester's family friendly festival of Street Performance and Outdoor Arts.
King Alfred Weekend (www.hyde900.org.uk)
October
Mucky Weekender (www.mucky-weekender.co.uk)
September, Vicarage Farm
Taste of Wickham (www.tasteofwickham.com)
September
The Gin to my Tonic Festival (www.thegintomytonic.com/event/gin-festival-winchester)
February, A nationwide tour for 2023, bringing together over 120+ different craft gins and spirits from across the UK and beyond.
The Grange Festival (www.thegrangefestival.co.uk)
June to July, a festival of Opera
Wickham Festival (www.wickhamfestival.co.uk)
August, a 4-day music & arts festival
Winchester Chamber Music Festival (www.winchesterchambermusic.com)
April/May, Since its foundation in 2007 the Festival has grown and become more ambitious in its programming whilst staying true to bringing top quality chamber music to as wide an audience as possible.
Winchester Comedy Festival (www.winchestercomedyfestival.co.uk)
September
Winchester Fashion Week (www.winchesterfashionweek.co.uk)
April
Winchester Film Festival (www.winchesterfilmfestival.com)
November
Winchester Green Week (http://winacc.org.uk/winchestergreenweek/)
September
Winchester Heritage Open Days (www.winchesterheritageopendays.org)
September
Winchester Mayfest (www.winchester-mayfest.org.uk)
May, a music event with lots of Morris dancing and other displays
Winchester Poetry Festival (www.winchesterpoetryfestival.org)
October, a biennial event celebrating all things poetry