HAT Fair begins today.

An amazing 224 performances, events, installations and workshops will take place in Winchester as part of a jam-packed three day programme of outdoor arts.

There is something to suit every taste - from weird and wonderful street theatre acts to stunning contemporary dance, to interactive fun in the Children's Area at Cathedral Inner Close and thought-provoking installations.

Hat Fair is all about the art of the unexpected so visitors should go prepared to be surprised and to have their curiosity rewarded with an extraordinary festival experience.

To help visitors find their way through the myriad experiences on offer there are five handy guides which are downloadable from the Hat Fair website.

Everyone from families to first-time visitors to culture vultures can select the shows that appeal to them.

The Festival's biggest ever participatory event, Swingtime, will take place flash-mob style across the city on Saturday at 12 noon as members of the public and groups from schools, businesses and other organisations break out into a dance routine, inspired by the 1930s Hollywood stars, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers.

Full details are online at hatfair.co.uk.