MAYfest is four vibrant days of music, song and dance in the streets, pubs and concert venues of Winchester.  The festival runs from 15th to 18th May and has attracted many well-known singers and musicians.  Most events are free and take place in the Guildhall, St. Lawrence’s Church, the High Street, the Square, on Cathedral Green and in some of Winchester’s favourite watering-holes.

MAYfest climaxes with One BIG Party – a ceilidh and concert - on Saturday 17 May at the Guildhall when Steamchicken, a 5 piece ceilidh band, and caller Dave Hunt will get you up and dancing.  And, when not strutting your stuff, you can move upstairs to enjoy an intimate concert with Tom Bliss, Jackie Oates with James Dumbleton and Craig:Morgan:Robson. 

Great dancing, great music, great evening!

After the huge success of the pub-based events featured in our first PUBfest in 2007, we are delighted to be programming even more sessions and an ever-increasing number of artists throughout this year’s festival.  Most evenings and lunchtimes, you’ll find MAYfest artists playing live music in some of Winchester’s city pubs - Old Vine, Eclipse, Old Market Inn, Bakers Arms, El Sabio (formerly known as the Mash Tun) and Bishop on the Bridge. Styles include contemporary and traditional English, Irish and European folk, blues, Celtic rock, hot club jazz, gypsy swing and acoustic guitar.

We’ve managed to attract one of the UK’s newest and most exciting blues bands – The Baddest Blues Band (Ever!) described as “the finest new blues band on the British scene”.  Louche Manouche return after their great success at the Bishop on the Bridge last year and we have a number of artists new to MAYfest, many of whom have been introduced to us by Cath Wilkins of Melting Pot.  Sounds like a great weekend of music.

Throughout the morning and afternoon of Saturday 17, there will be dancing in the streets with styles from Europe and across the British Isles. Virtuoso folk artists will be passing on their traditions to younger generations, comedians and clowns will mingle with craftsmen and international musicians will mix with their audiences. 

Over 30 market traders will try to tempt you and the city’s pubs will echo to music and song.  So clear your diaries and join us.

The festival continues to build on its fine reputation for dance. As you'll see in the programme there are ceilidhs, plus dance displays from over 20 teams.

The Festival Market on Saturday 17th May, sited on the Cathedral Green and in the Square returns with all the atmosphere of a village fair in the middle of the city.

You can see a copy of the 2008 programme here.

The MAYfest would not exist without the support of dedicated volunteers.

If you are interested in volunteering for 2008, and are 18 or over please
call Clive on 07807 084219, send an email to
the Stewards Coordinator
or print a
Stewards Application Form

If you’d like an electronic alert to the latest news, please email us here:   info@winmayfest.co.uk.

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