Fifth Bridport Hat Festival is unqualified success as thousands attend

THE streets of Bridport were packed tight as thousands entered the town to enjoy the fun and frivolity of this year's Hat Festival.
Following music from Hank Wangford and the Lost Cowboys and other noted bands on Friday, it was standing room only as hundreds gathering in Bucky Doo Square on Saturday morning to witness the Mayor's welcome and explore the dozens of stalls and events lining the streets.
Speaking about the event Bridport Mayor Maggie Ray said: “We are building a new tradition in Bridport. The festival is now in its fifth year and it's absolutely wonderful. There are lots of smiling faces and it really is Bridport at its best.”
She added: “We went on a county-wide promotional tour but whereas in earlier years people didn't know much about it, this year they did. It really is going from strength to strength and getting better and better.”
By early afternoon thousands had gathered in the square for the mass photo call, photographers leaning out of upper-story windows picking off snaps, while organisers rallied the multitudes below. 
Matthew and Anita Count, attending for the first time, were delighted to see such a large turnout and looking forward to the programme.
“We just moved to the area a year ago and live in Bothenhampton. We've been looking forward to the Bridport Hat Festival since we first arrived,” said Matthew.
Jerry Aptid, a Bridport local, was the talk of the town as his pack-of-monkeys hat caught the eye. “I had a choice of a white bowler hat with skiers, a hat with flowers on it, or the monkeys. The only problem with them is that they keep deflating but I have the pump with me just in case.”
Other attractions included live music in Bucky Doo Square and Millenium Green. Exhibitions and displays involving the local museum and arts centre provided further interest for visitor's, in addition to a talk at the Bull Hotel led by Festival founder Roger Snook.
Street collectors were also present, gathering donations for the two chosen charities, Brain Tumour Research, and The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust.
Hugh Adams, head of campaigns at Brain Tumour Research, said: “This is the third year for us in being associated with the biggest hat festival in the country and we're delighted to tie up with it.”