Play to the Crowd – the arts and education charity that runs Theatre Royal Winchester, Hat Fair and Playmakers – is delighted to announce that its Strategic Partner, Kuoni, has pledged to continue to support the charity’s mission to delight and unite the community through live performance.
Kuoni has extended its Strategic Partnership with Hat Fair for a further 12 months, renewing its confidence in the charity to present another joyous Outdoor Arts festival in Winchester city centre, free for all to attend.
The worldwide travel brand, with a branch on Winchester High Street, became a Strategic Partner in July 2024 and as part of its one-year agreement, it donated an exclusive prize holiday to the Maldives, which audiences could win through a charity prize draw. This year, as part of its renewal, Kuoni will be donating another holiday – and prize draw information is coming soon!
Kuoni Winchester Store Manager, Paul Hermann, said: “With our store on the high street the team at Kuoni feel very much part of the Winchester community so we are delighted to be supporting Play to the Crowd again this year. We hope our soon to be announced holiday prize proves as popular as last year’s and raises much needed funds for this local charity.”
The aim of these charity prize draws is to raise awareness of several challenges people face including poor mental health, isolation and limited access to the arts, which Play to the Crowd strives to help support, in part through its outreach work with communities and with Hat Fair, a festival which entertains, brings people together and is free, allowing all people to attend.
Every entry into the prize draw supports the charity’s ongoing work to ensure that culture and creativity thrive in the community for everyone. Last year’s draw helped the charity raise over £6,000 and it is hoped Kuoni’s continued support will help to raise even more this year.
“We’re thrilled that Kuoni is continuing as a Strategic Partner,” said Andrew Loretto, Hat Fair and Playmakers Director. ” Their support helps us keep Hat Fair free, accessible and full of joyful, surprising moments that bring people together.”
Becca Moore, Fundraising Manager for Play to the Crowd, added: “We’re so pleased to be working with Kuoni again. Their generosity last year helped us raise vital funds and gave someone a dream trip to the Maldives – not a bad way to support your local arts charity! The partnership is a great example of how local businesses can make a difference and we’re excited to build on that success.”
Hat Fair – the UK’s longest running festival of Outdoor Arts, which celebrated its 50th birthday last summer – returns to Winchester city centre on Saturday 5 July 2025.
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