It's here! One of the biggest and most highly-anticipated dates in Bridport's calendar - Bridport Hat Festival!

Thousands of people are expected to flock to Bridport today sporting their best - and weirdest - hats.

Don't forget to send us a photo of your wonderful creations. You can do that by emailing news@bridportnews.co.uk or post it below:

Here's what's happening, where it's happening and when it's happening:

BUCKY DOO SQUARE

10am Town crier and mayor’s welcome

10am-1pm Live music

10am 'Best Hatted' competition on street shortlisting for the categories: Lady, Gent, Girl, Boy, Couple, Family or Group

1pm Mass hatted photo

1.30pm Final judging and prize-giving for the Best Hatted competitions

2pm-5pm Live music

MILLENNIUM GREEN

10am-10pm All day live music. Local folk bands until 2pm, followed by Jazz Band Trio, Shelby's Elbows and Vinyl Monkeys in the evening.

10am The Bridport Hat Hurling Challenge (prizes at 12.30pm)

10am-4pm Body painting

11am Best hatted dog competition. (Please be sure your dog is happy wearing a hat before entering)

11am-5pm Vintage tea party. Tea, cake, soft drinks and Prosecco for adults

4pm Most Elegant Ensemble. Public Competition For the lady, gent and couple sporting the most stylish and sophisticated complete costume topped by a suitable hat

BOROUGH GARDENS

11.30am-12pm Dynamic Dance - modern jive demonstration. Audience participation encouraged

BULL HOTEL

11am-12pm Talk by Sue ‘Darling’ Outhwaite of Snooks in the ballroom

2pm-3pm John Richards' Lapenotière. A talk by Kathy Brown in the ballroom.

6pm Cocktails in the Venner Bar

OTHER LOCATIONS

8am-4pm Bridport Market on West, East and South Streets

10am-4pm Hatfest HQ and The Hat Market Hat and millinery stands in Bridport Arts Centre

10am-4pm Hat and Craft Stalls and Childrens’ Poster Competition display in Town Hall

10am-5pm Art & Vintage Quarter St.Michael’s Trading Estate

11-11.30am Children’s storytime at the library

12pm-3pm Live music at the Bridport & West Dorset Club

8pm Hank Wangford & The Lost Cowboys at The Electric Palace (Tickets £12.50 adv from electricpalace.org.uk or £15 on the door)

9.15pm Live music from Pronghorn at the Ropemakers

Also keep your eyes peeled for pop-up bands, buskers and street performers throughout the town.