Following a successful trial year, a Bridport fair is set to return this month.

The Bridport Community Charter Fair will be held on Saturday, May 20 from 9.30am-4pm across town.

The free event will see a range of much-loved local performers including The Big Band, Bridport Choral Society, Shiraz, and Rough Assembly take to Bucky Doo Square from 9.30am-4pm.

Elsewhere at Mountfield, there will be maypole dancing, followed by the crowning of the May Queen with special performances from the Lyric School of Dance, Bridport Young Performers, Trumbonium, Bridport’s Ukrainian Choir and many more.

Speaking about last year’s event, Bridport Mayor Ian Bark previously said: “I was really pleased with the event and could not stop smiling whenever I reflected on it.”

More than 40 community stalls will also be at Mountfield, as well as a children’s area complete with a face painting stand, organised by the Young Performers, and featuring encounters with artist Jo “OOPSWOW!” Burlington.

At 10.15am, the annual awards for outstanding service to the community will be presented at Mountfield and there will also be a bar provided by the Jurassic Fields Festival, and refreshments by Brit Valley Rotary Club.

Last year the experimental event was met with extremely positive feedback.

In order to assure that entry remains free, sponsorship for the event has come from McCarthy Stone Retirement Properties.

Nicki Beswarick, Divisional Marketing Manager of the company said: “We aim to support initiatives in the towns and communities in which we build that will help to create a lasting, positive legacy, such as the Bridport Community Charter Fair. It is our pleasure to support this brilliant work within the local community.”

The Bridport Community Charter Fair is a partnership between The Charter Fair, Bridport Town Council, Bridport Community Fair, and the national (now international) 'Love Your Local Market' initiative.

Market stall holders will be starting their monthly 'Bridport Colour Walk' at the fair.

One stallholder said: “We look forward to meeting you on the streets of Bridport, wearing your most colourful clothes, a whole outfit, or just a scarf. Wear, walk, chat, laugh! You’re all welcome.”

More information is available from Claire.Peters-Way@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com with programmes available at the TIC.