What is a Beggars Fair? When did it all begin?
Well some say that back in the mists of time there was a day in Romsey on which all the beggars were given a licence to beg legally in the town without fear of arrest and this day has been celebrated ever since…
Others say it’s all just mischievous nonsense spread about by people who should know better but the Beggars Fair has been an annual music event in Romsey since it’s first outing in 1993. Starting then with just a handful of performers it has grown to 2017’s 25th outing with 100+ acts.
Plus there is now the Beggars Fair Stage at The Romsey Show in September too!
Just click on the above years collages for a selection of photos of performers, crowds and weather together with the performers and running orders from Beggars Fairs gone by.
Alas there are just a few snaps from 2012 due to the persistent inclement weather and a misbehaving camera that year. There’s even fewer from 1997 and earlier. However…if anyone should have photographs, digital or print, from 2012 or 1993-97 then please Email our Webmaster.
Since its inception the Beggars Fair has presented well in excess of 500 acts with many returning year after year. The following are just some of those who have performed several times…
- Saxofony
- Contraband
- Innominata
- Ticklish Allsorts Show
- Lee Jongleurs
- Romsey Baptist Worship Group
- Captain Driver’s Delight
- Hand to Mouth Theatre
- Arts & Crafts
- Man in the Brown Hat
- Johnny Jet
- Skimmington Ride
- Wickham Morris
- Hampshire Garland
- Home Folk
- Four Chords Sake
- Samhain Morris
- Three’s Company
- Flûtes Légères
- Ken Wood And The Mixers
- Mac III
- Mary Jane
- Motley
- Red Stags Morris
- Jero Férec
- Hursley International Folk Dancers
- The Intruders
- State of Undress
- The Travelling Talesman
- Chris Whitfield
- Andover Museum Loft Singers
- The Balloon Man
- Shebeen
- The Djembabes
- Quattrio
- Acoustic Mary Jane
- The Three Amoebas
- Contagious Vibes
- Bosun’s Call
- Ian B Dunne
- Hedgemonkeys
- Jigfoot
- Della Perrett’s Sweetedge
- Botyov1791
- Southampton Ukulele Jam
- Atlantico
- OKeh Wranglers
- Chien Bizarre
- Vicki Hobbs
- Jazmorillo
- Beggars Choice
- Black Bart
- Steve Picken
- New Forest Meddlars
- Folk Service by the Association of Romsey Churches
- Barrington
- The Linwood Quartet
- Live Noise
- Pete Gritton
- Retroswing
- Angela Jackson & Friends
- MeloDaemons
- The Soulcatchers
- Segalula
- Deorfrith Morris
- Southampton Folk Orchestra
- Inside the Rain
- Jo Long & The Pure Drop
- Skellig
- King John’s Morris Men
- The Shimmering Bees
- Creative Capers
- Octavi+us
- Kitchen Sync
- Southern Lights
- Glen Stone Magician
- Amorilo
- Swing 39
- Mick Ryan & Pete Harris
- The Real Raj
- Chequered Flag Appalachian Dancers
- Nick Tann
- Bat2K
- Loose Screws Appalachian Dancers
- 2 Came By
- Frescobaldi Consort
- Jazz Therapy
- Broughton Long Sword Dance Group
- Rhodri & Keith
- Skimmer
- Stoney Ridge
- Acoustic Affect
- The Sways
- Sarum Morris
- Colcannon
- Frayed Knot
- Steve Lowis
- Wombat Rock
- Syd Meats
- Marriott Magic
- Popemobile
- Spike Island Band
- Berni2Berni
- Souls of Fire
- Taliesin
- Carlos Rocha
- Hampshire Youth Jazz Orchestra
- Opaque
- Romsey Youth Theatre
- Forever Under Fire
- Holly Copse Molly
- Day 4
- Little Big Band
- The Lynne Butler Band
- Slipstream
- Saltwatersun
- The Fringe
- Fedora Café
- Dr Blu
- Siansa
- The Machine Breakers
- Sarah Saville
- Rock Choir
- Minced Head
- LeeZ Argonauts
- Wishful Thinking
- Cuckoo Pint
- Tant
- Pneumatic Love
- Candle Club
- The Wrong Sort of Biscuit
- Ben Goddard
- Court Rogue
- Los Dos Amigos
- Joe Mongan
- Romsey Ukulele Group
- Meg Linford
- Tom Martin
- Showcase Drumming Academy
- Voices Of The Forest
- Miles Apart
- Danielle May
- Revel Weird And Wild
- Juddy
- Moonshine Border Morris
- Rex Trayhorne
- The Tudor Roses
- Riverside Blues Band
- Guith Morris
- Tenderlore
- Tuba-Libres
- Fidanka
- Oyster Girls
- …and many, many others
If you’re ever tempted to add your name, group, chorus or juggling act to the above in the future and are local to Romsey (within 25 miles) then please Contact Us to be considered. Further information can be found on page Want To Take Part?
If you’re tempted to assist us in making the festival happen then please Contact Us. An extra pair of hands is never refused!
