Community Celebration Delights at Theatre
A Joyful Evening of Music, Dance and Storytelling
The Hat Fair Community Celebration brought joy, connection, and creativity to Theatre Royal Winchester on Friday 4 July, as audiences of all ages gathered for an unforgettable evening of music, dance, song and storytelling.
Inspired by the theme “when life feels like a beach,” the event explored sanctuary, safe spaces, and the moments in life when we feel most alive. It was a vibrant, multi-sensory celebration of belonging, identity, and joy at every stage of life.
A Collaboration of Local Talent
The show was the culmination of months of workshops led by Playmakers, and featured contributions from:
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South Wonston, Wickham and Oliver’s Battery Primary School drama clubs
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The Amazing Fusion Choir
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Blue Apple Theatre
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Residents of St John’s Almshouses
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University of Winchester Music Production students (Alfie Hickson, Carmen Torres Gomez, Ieuan Davies)
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Local artists including Lala Smaglova (Winchester Ukrainian Cultural Association) and collective 432 Nomads (Rishky Patel, Majid Dhana aka Jidos Reality, Omar Mahmood, Conor Wood aka Templar, Dockem and others)
Together, they co-created original spoken word, songs and dance pieces that explored the show’s core themes with warmth, humour and authenticity.
Professional Artists and Powerful Visuals
Community members worked closely with composer Chloe Kirson-Jones and videographer David Kenny, whose visual projections enhanced the storytelling by weaving in voices and stories from the workshops.
In addition, the performance included animations created by this year’s Hat Fair Artist Intern, Ilyssa Marasigan – a University of Southampton Graphic Arts (Illustration) student – adding a unique artistic layer to the show’s beach-themed narrative.
Special Guests and a Festival Atmosphere
The community cast shared the stage with Joli Vyann, an acclaimed dance circus company, who recorded participants’ voices to create a soundscape that was part of both the Community Celebration and their Hat Fair performance Life’s A Beach.
Before the show, audiences enjoyed a buzzing Young Makers Market in the foyer, featuring handmade, beach-themed items created and sold by young people, live music from local band North Drive, and a custom beach-inspired cocktail at the bar.
Adding to the fun, audience members were encouraged to attend in their favourite beachwear – from Hawaiian shirts to sundresses – creating a relaxed and colourful atmosphere throughout the evening.
A Pick Your Price Success
The event was a Pick Your Price show, allowing audiences to choose what they could afford to pay – with tickets available from just £6 – helping make live theatre more accessible to the whole community.
A Night to Remember
The Hat Fair Community Celebration showcased the very best of Winchester’s creativity, inclusivity and community spirit. Through powerful collaborations, shared stories, and joyful performances, it left audiences uplifted, inspired and ready to head into the festival weekend with full hearts and sandy toes.
Photos by Stuart Allen
