THE weekend summed up what makes Bridport such a special place - there were people with seagulls on their heads, boys in boats, a moving mountain (well, hill), puppets, one enormous one, maypole dancing, tug of war and of course, cake.

And what were the events that epitomised what makes Bridport so well-loved? The weekend saw the Spirit of Bridport pageant, the Charter and Ropewalk Fairs with the crowds enjoying both the spectacles and the fun and games.

Crystal Johnson, one of the leading lights behind the events.which are part of the Season of Heritage, said: "The weather was so fantastic and so many people came along.

"The idea behind it was to involve lots of local schools and community groups and as many people as possible and was focused very much on everything we feel makes the area special.

"We split it into three sections - a coastal section, a town section and a countryside section and then school groups worked with Holly Miller from the Lyric Theatre to make different creations for different sections."

There were more than 90 creations made by local schools and community groups in the parade and around 500 came to visit the Ropewalk Fair.

There were also competitions with Instant Redress winning the shop window for the best use of rope and net and the RSPCA winning the heritage window.

Museum curator Emily Hicks, who was also involved in organising the events, said: "We would like to thank everyone who took part, supported and helped us make it happen."

Millennium Greet trustee Paul Bennett conducted a walk around the Millennium Green and wood with talks at specific points on history and features as well as the plans for the future.

Mayor-elect Anne Rickard added: "What an inspired spectacle the Spirit of Bridport pageant was. I was so pleased to have the opportunity to be part of it, proudly wearing a seagull on my head, along with my little grandson in a boat with a line full of fish - and of course everyone else taking part. Altogether a lovely experience for everyone, both partakers and onlookers. How amazing that we have so much talent in this town and that it is shared so freely for everyone to enjoy.

"As I passed by, I heard someone in the crowd say "I only came into town for a pair of jeans!"

"I was quite astonished at the quantity, quality and variety of items made, and the hours put in, all for people to just come and select.

"The following day I attended the Rope Fair - another very lovely and lively event.

"Huge thanks must go to all who were involved in this lovely event - the talent, generosity, work, management and cooperation throughout this town seems to have no bounds. The Samba band was just perfect too! Equally important was the inclusivity. This is exactly the kind of thing that makes our town what it is.

"The Spirit of Bridport is alive and very well indeed."