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About
Each year the Hospital of St Cross hosts their biggest fund raising event, the much loved Michaelmas Fair; which is set at our beautiful Medieval site nestled south side of Winchester. This late summer fayre traditionally marks the end of the agricultural season and welcomes the new one; combining the Michaelmas Feast in the Christian calendar, celebrating St Michael the Archangel.
On Saturday the 27th September, our Michaelmas Fair runs for the whole day. The Fair promises to bring you a wonderful variety of entertainment for all. This year includes: The Free Co of Aquitaine, who are setting up a Medieval camp for a living history experience; bringing with them their tales, armoury, clothing, weaponry, special skills, and the general domestic life they experience whilst being on the move as mercenaries in the 100 year War. Visitor Participation Essential.
Alongside this we have our popular French inspired family outside giant games, a jolly beer tent to whet the appetite, and plenty of hot and cold food vendors offering delicious local foods to munch on; catering for All tastes. For music we have the traditional Madding crowd singers joyfully presenting in our inner quad. For Christmas shopping, we're offering plenty of lovely artisan and craft stalls for visitors to enjoy these selective wears.
In keeping with our Medieval theme, the highly skilled calligraphers from Winchester Cathedral will be offering informal workshops on the art of Calligraphy in the North Transept of the Chapel, alongside a medieval tent set up outside, showing the art of illuminations and medieval type for visitors to experiment with.
For our classic car enthusiasts; we are pleased to invite the Austin Healy Club - New Forest, who will be eager to discuss and show their display of these elegant 50's/60's stylish sports cars.
Our site will be accessible for all to explore and wonder at the beautiful gardens, the magnificent chapel, saunter through our majestic historic halls and Tudor kitchen, then settle down in our much loved HMH Tearooms for sumptuous cake and coffee. Early birds can get a bacon bap too at our café.
Once you are full from excellent nourishment, entertainment and cheer, please head to the Porter's Lodge to receive your Wayfarers Dole - a morsel of wholesome bread and a swig of darkest local ale.
The day runs from 10:30am - 4:30pm
Admission; £4
Disabled Access through all site
The Michaelmas Fair is raising money for the upkeep of our beautiful ancient buildings, and for all to continue enjoying our 900 year old unique space, as well as to preserve our residential almshouse for many more future generations in need.
'An extraordinary rarity, a medieval settlement still standing serene in its antique river landscape' , 'Here lies England's oldest and most perfect Almshouse'; Simon Jenkins.
We look forward to seeing you all at the Michaelmas Fair 2025!
Opening Times
| Season (27 Sept 2025) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day | Times | |
| Saturday | 10:30 | - 16:30 |
