There is not long to go until the return of a popular west Dorset fair.

The annual Bridport Community Charter Fair will take place on Saturday, May 18, at the Millennium Green, Mountfield from 9.30am-3pm and in Bucky Doo Square from 10am-3pm.

More than 40 community stalls will be present at the event, including one for the Community Shed, and there will also be entertainment from a number of local acts.

These acts include the Lyric School of Dance who will be providing traditional maypole dancing on the green and following this, the mayor of Bridport will officially crown this year’s May Queen.

The fair celebrates both the granting of a Market Charter by King Henry III more than 700 years ago, and Bridport’s Citizens’ Charter, reflecting the principles of the 1998 Human Rights Act, and confirming Bridport as the UK’s first Rights Respecting Town.

As well as entertainment, there will also be an awards ceremony to recognise those who constantly help and assist within the community like Alan Williams.

For many years, Alan has contributed funding to local organisations, including the Arts Centre, Bridport Musical Theatre Company, Bridport Young Performers, and Axe Valley Ring and Ride bus service.

Alan also helped to save the X53 Sunday bus service between Bridport and Weymouth, for which he was awarded a medal by the Campaign for Better Transport at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.

The Charter Fair Trophy for a group or organisation will also be awarded to the Ropemakers pub on the day.

READ MORE: Bridport residents recognised at Community Charter Fair

READ MORE: Bridport Community Charter Fair to return this year

Entertainment throughout the day will take place at Mountfield, featuring acts like Rough Assembly, Bridport Steel Band, Bridport Young Performers, Local Vocal, Bridport Musical Theatre, and many more.

The children’s area at Mountfield will have face painting and arts activities, whilst a magic show will be presented by Strawberry Jam Entertainments.

Refreshments will be provided by Brit Valley Rotary, together with a bar by Jurassic Fields Music Festival.

Organisers have expressed their thanks for the much-needed sponsorship provided by Countryside Partnerships and Barratt David Wilson Homes, the Rex Trevett Fund, Bridport Choral Society and Linda Larcombe.

The fair is a partnership between Bridport Town Council and the Charter Fair Committee.

For more information, contact: Claire.Peters-Way@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com.

Free programmes are available from the TIC in Bucky Doo Square.