Winchester is gearing up for its biggest and brightest weekend of the year with two of the city's best-loved summer events taking place.

Every year thousands of visitors flock to soak up the unique and enthralling atmosphere of Britain's longest running festival of street theatre, the Winchester Hat Fair which starts today and runs until Sunday.

Also running is the Winchester Festival from tomorrow until Sunday, July 13, which as always promises to showcase the best of British talent in theatre, literature, visual arts and music.

The weekend heralds an economic bonanza for Winchester's shops, pubs, hotels and other local businesses with the influx of people to the city pumping hundreds of thousands of pounds into the local economy.

Sian Thomas, director of the Hat Fair, said: "Last year it was estimated that the economic impact of the Hat Fair was around £1m on the city. The police estimated that there were an extra 15,000 visitors to Winchester on the Saturday alone."

Latest weather reports suggest the weekend will be dry, bright and warm, which organisers are hoping will attract just as many people this year.

Marilyn Michalowicz, Winchester City Council's arts development officer, praised local businesses for getting behind this year's Hat Fair.

Last year the previous director of the Hat Fair, Caterina Loriggio, alleged that the festival took place in the face of apathetic businesses who were more than happy to just sit back and watch the pounds roll in.

"We can see things are changing and there is now much closer liaison between the Hat Fair organisers and traders. For example, this has been the first year that traders have sat on the event's steering committee," said Ms Michalowicz.

Highlights of this year's Hat Fair, which has been running since 1974, include the Polish balance performers Teatr Bruro Prodizny, fire breathers Ignite along with circus-based street shows, dance, drama, comedia and music.

Winchester Festival's biggest hit looks sure to include Dame Judi Dench's sell-out appearance at the Theatre Royal, Music by the River at St Cross Water Meadows and the Last Night of the Proms Fireworks Concert at the Pilgrim's School playing fields.

For more information on Hat Fair events contact 01962 849841 or visit /www.hatfair.co.uk>www.hatfair.co.uk

To get the low down on the Winchester Festival contact the box office on 01962 877977 or visit www.winchesterfestival.co.uk