What is a Beggars Fair? When did it all begin? Where is the missing apostrophe?
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 with the Cornmarket crowd sat on straw bales, it has grown to 2018’s 26th outing with 90+ acts in multiple venues.
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.
There’s only a few snaps from 1997 and earlier. However…if anyone should have photographs, digital or print, from 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
- Innominata
- Contraband
- Romsey Baptist Worship Group
- Lee Jongleurs
- Hand to Mouth Theatre
- Gary Nunn Ticklish Allsorts Show
- Arts & Crafts
- Home Folk
- Wickham Morris
- Flûtes Légères
- Skimmington Ride
- Man in the Brown Hat
- Johnny Jet
- State of Undress
- Red Stags Morris
- Mary Jane
- Ken Wood and The Mixers
- Hursley International Dancers
- Hampshire Garland
- Four Chords Sake
- Captain Driver’s Delight
- Southampton Ukulele Jam
- Samhain Morris
- Mac III
- The Soulcatchers
- The Intruders
- The Balloon Man
- Southampton Folk Orchestra
- Quattrio
- New Forest Meddlars
- MeloDaemons
- Jigfoot
- Jero Férec
- Atlantico
- Three’s Company
- The Travelling Talesman
- The Djembabes
- Tant
- Shebeen
- Motley
- Deorfrith Morris
- Cuckoo Pint
- Chris Whitfield
- Andover Museum Loft Singers
- Acoustic Mary Jane
- Vicki Hobbs
- The Three Amoebas
- Southern Lights
- Segalula
- OKeh Wranglers
- Live Noise
- Jazmorillo
- Ian B Dunne
- Hedgemonkeys
- Della Perrett’s Sweetedge
- Contagious Vibes
- Chien Bizarre
- Botyov1791
- Angela Jackson & Friends
- Twangdillo
- The Linwood Quartet
- Steve Picken
- Romsey Ukulele Group
- Retroswing
- Pete Gritton
- Little Big Band
- Joe Mongan
- Folk Service by the Association of Romsey Churches
- Chequered Flag Appalachian Dancers
- Captain Driver’s Delight
- Black Bart
- Beggars Choice
- Bat2K
- Barrington
- Voices of the Forest
- Ticklish Allsorts
- The Shimmering Bees
- The Real Raj
- Swing 39
- Stoney Ridge
- Skimmer
- Skellig
- Second Time Around
- Sarah Saville
- Rhodri & Keith
- Octavi+us
- Nick Tann
- Mick Ryan & Pete Harris
- Marriott Magic
- Los Dos Amigos
- Kitchen Sync
- King John’s Morris Men
- Jo Long & The Pure Drop
- Jazz Therapy
- Inside The Rain
- Frescobaldi Consort
- Tuba Libres
- …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 Sign-Up on the Take Part at Beggars Fair page.
If you’re actually tempted to assist the organising team in making this annual festival happen then please Email our Chair. An extra pair of hands is never refused!
