Hampshire Writers’ Society

We are responsible for conserving and enhancing the New Forest and promoting understanding and enjoyment of the things that make it special. We are the local planning authority for the National Park. As well as our nature conservation and visitor information responsibilities, our services include education, interpretation, recreation and archaeology.

Winchester Poetry Festival – a registered charity – is a local and national poetry community that inspires and excites everyone to read, write, perform, and enjoy poetry in all its forms. Our work ranges from our acclaimed biennial festival and our popular competitions, to our wider year-round engagement work with community organisations and schools. We share, showcase, celebrate, and champion great poetry because we believe in its power to bring us all together and make a positive, enriching difference to our lives and to our society. We collaborate with a wide range of partners and businesses – including with Hampshire Cultural Trust and the work of the Hampshire Poet – and and we act as a local. national & international hub for poetry.

Play to the Crowd is an Arts and Education Charity. We believe in a world where Communities are Delighted and United through live performance and participation. We put culture, learning, joy and community at the heart of all our work. We run both a beautiful heritage venue, Theatre Royal Winchester, and the internationally recognized Outdoor Arts Festival, Hat Fair. Our charitable mission is to Delight and Unite Communities through the power of live performance and participation by; Celebrating the joy excellent creative performance experiences offer Connecting people together to improve community cohesion and reduce loneliness Improving mental wellbeing and fostering happiness Nurturing talent and offering opportunity