Romsey’s Beggars Fair team is busily planning for its next annual free summer music festival on 12th July!
Now in its 31st year, the event will feature some 200 acts across over 25 venues in or close to the town. Uniquely, it is run solely for and managed by the local community. Last year’s event saw some 7,500 people throng through the streets, with amazing feedback received from all ages.
The best of local musicians will bring you an eclectic mix of folk, jazz, blues, soul, rock, bluegrass, classical, and world music. Together with colourful dance displays and children’s entertainment, there is plenty of entertainment on offer.
The Beggars Fair began in 1993 when a group of local musicians and performers organized an event called Folk in Romsey. They arranged concerts, a dance, and a road closure in the Cornmarket for dance displays. However, it was noticed that no Romsey-based artists were involved, and there were gaps between the dance performances. It was decided to fill those gaps with free music events.
The event was very well-received, so it was decided to host it again the following year. This time, they needed to come up with a name. They chose Beggars Fair, inspired by a 17th-century Romsey Beggars’ Badge that was issued in 1678 by local magistrates to identify licensed beggars, distinguishing them from others. One of these badges is on display at the Tudor House Museum in Southampton. The name seemed fitting because the event was free, with donations collected to fund it.
The event looks to encourage new young talent like Auden, a local band who will be on the main stage, and will be working with Outreach Radio to broadcast some of the acts, plus live interviews with visitors.
The Beggars Fair is organised by a small, dedicated team plus a group of volunteers who join in on the day, working with Test Valley Council, the Police, and local businesses.
A number of town centre roads will be closed for the day; the website will have full information about access and parking nearer the time.
If you have a talent, skill, or just enthusiasm that could benefit the team in organising 2025’s event or would like to help out on the day, then email volunteers@beggarsfair.org.uk for further information. You will be very welcome, and no previous festival experience is necessary!
Visit www.beggarsfair.org.uk for more information.
