Winchester 900 Festival (1093 - 1993)- TrustNews Spring 1993
The Winchester 900 Festival celebrates the 900th Anniversary of the Dedication of the Cathedral. Maundy Thursday in 1093 saw the new Norman cathedral used as a place of worship for the first time and Maundy Thursday in 1993 will see the start of the Winchester 900 Festival, marked by a commemorative opening service. The Festival includes music, drama, exhibitions and long-established city events, such as the Hat Fair and the Folk Festival and will extend from April until September. The history of Winchester through 900 years will be unveiled by a series of Themed Walks by the Winchester Tourist Guides. As well as being the venue for many of the major events such as the Southern Cathedrals Festival and the Festival of Flowers, the Cathedral will be holding a series of lectures by eminent speakers, including the Archbishop of Canterbury and Cardinal Hume.
The Winchester 900 Club has been formed to raise money to administer and promote the Festival this year and to provide a basis for a regularly held festival. Individual members of the community can support the Festival by joining the Winchester 900 Club as Patrons for 900 pence and organisations can join as Founders for £900. As well as supporting the future development of arts and cultural events, members of the Club will receive a range of benefits. Further details of these benefits and of the Winchester 900 programme can be obtained from PO Box 900, Winchester S023 9WF or by telephoning the Winchester Tourist Office on (0962) 840500.