Beggars Fair

It was a day when Romsey reverberated to the sound of music. On the streets, in the bars and almost anywhere where there was a space. Shops, churches and gardens were all involved.
Welcome to the town’s 24tth Beggars Fair,  an annual music festival which brings together musical acts, Morris dancing . . . and yes, dancing in the streets.
When it all started back in 1993 just a few musical performances provided entertainment, and it has grown in popularity over the years since then.
Streets are closed, the pubs are packed and it’s a day long festival which brings thousands of visitors into the town, and you were extremely lucky to be able to find a parking space unless you arrived early.
No-one quite remembers the origin of the name, but the festival has the support of  the town council and Hampshire County Council and the day was formally launched by town mayor John Parker along with the mayor of Test Valley, Karen Hamilton.
Organisers said they anticipated 80 acts would be performing through the day from music groups, singers, street performers and dancers, and over the 24 years it has seen something in excess of 500 different performers, any many return year after year.  In tandem with the music events in the town centre, a youth festival was staged in the town’s Memorial Park.
Some entertainment was indoors, much of it outdoors and the beauty was that all were just a short walk from one another.

See you next year.