ONE of Bridport's favourite events full of silliness and outrageous hats returned for the first time since 2019.
The sun shone down on Millennium Green as the Bridport Hat Festival hosted a garden party on Saturday, September 4.
Hundreds of residents engaged in the festivities on the green, sporting an array of unique, colourful and creative headwear.
There was a festive atmosphere throughout the day, with music, dancing, a dog party and plenty of food and drink, alongside the variety of outrageous hats.
There was also a hat hurling challenge and a performance from hat juggler Joel Brooks.
Organisers described the event as 'busy but not overcrowded' and said that the day went 'wonderfully'.
Donation pots were dotted around the event on the day and more than £700 was raised for Brain Tumour Research and the Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust.
Brian Atkinson, the organiser of the event, said: "With the pleasing surroundings of Bridport’s beautiful Millennium Green and on a delightful warm sunny day with a light breeze, it was perfect conditions for a garden party.
"With a programme that included music from local players, the Bridport Hat Hurling Challenge, appearances by the Lyme Morris Men, a dogs party and Hat Juggler Joel Brooks; plus tea and cakes provided by Brit Valley rotary Club, Bacon and pulled pork rolls by Bigger Bites, the Jurassic Fields bar and a hat fest Prosecco stall; the green was pleasantly filled with a good natured and happy crowd, with plenty of room for people to spread out.
"A charity collection was made and we are pleased to be able to report that over £700 was raised for our charities."
He added: "All in all, a wonderful end of season event – we look forward to being able to stage a full hat festival next year."
The garden party was the 11th instalment of the remarkable event, and residents were glad to see it back after the 2020 event was cancelled due to coronavirus.
The event begun with Bridport Town Crier John Collingwood, introducing deputy mayor Councillor Sarah Williams, followed by music and hat hurling, before the traditional mass photo at 1pm.
This was followed by the announcement of the winners of the hat hurling competition and a display of hat juggling at 2pm, the music then continued until around 4pm.
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