HAT Fair, Britain’s longest running outdoor arts festival, returns to the streets of Winchester from July 3 to 5 with a packed programme of events and performances for young people, from toddlers to teenagers.

On Friday and Saturday Cathedral Inner Close will be transformed into a family paradise with performances and workshops.

The Children’s Activity Tent will host plenty of entertainment for under 5s, including a Kids’ Disco, while older children will enjoy the return of Juggling Jake, who will teach circus skills and perform a magic show.

Talking Birds will be bringing performances of The Whale to Winchester throughout Friday and Saturday, a giant metal whale which swallows a family at a time for an interactive five minute storytelling adventure.

Theatre company Tucked In will be performing the amusing tale of Hector and his naughty cow Betty as they travel to a magical land in The Golden Cowpat.

At Pilgrims’ School Lawn, Gobbledegook Theatre will be inviting audiences to take up an ear trumpet and listen to some surprising sounds bubbling up from underground.

Elsewhere at the festival there will be dance with Bill & Bobby, a tribute to Ginger Rogers and Fred Astaire, and flashmob-style event Swingtime at 12 noon on Saturday which will see every Hat Fair site burst with movement.

Walkabout performers will be popping up to surprise the crowds, and heart pumping headliners Co.LABse (Table for Two) and Southpaw Dance Company (Carousel) will captivate all ages on Friday and Saturday evenings with their breathtaking performances.

On Sunday, Oram’s Arbour will come alive with family-orientated hatting pitches, workshops and attractions from 11am to 5pm.

Artistic director Michelle Walker said: “Hat Fair’s always been a great day out for families and this year we have got a really special selection of activities and performances on offer at Cathedral Inner Close, right at the heart of the festival."

For full programme details visit hatfair.co.uk.