THE weird and the wonderful people descended on Winchester city centre for the first full day of the much-loved annual Hat Fair.

It is Britain's longest running festival of street theatre, with this year 50 different shows in 42 hours.

Visitors to the fair this weekend are guaranteed a great free day out with a host of crazy and colourful acts scheduled to perform including stunt artists, specialist circus troops, clowns, new world musicians and a host of oddball walkabout characters.

Scores of workers stared in amazement at the eccentric entertainment in the cathedral grounds during their lunch break.

Joanne Everett, 23, a Winchester-based trainee solicitor from Langdown Lawn, Hythe, said: "This is the first time I've been to the Hat Fair.

"I've never seen anything quite like it.

"There's a fantastic atmosphere in the city and I will definitely be coming back this weekend when I can properly enjoy it."

Eloise Appleby, head of Winchester tourism, said: "The Hat Fair is definitely a Winchester highlight.

"It captures the essence of Winchester today through its combination of quirkiness, creativity and fresh talent against the splendid backdrop of our historic streets and open spaces."

The Hat Fair runs until this Sunday.