ONE of Bridport’s most historic events is scheduled to go ahead later this year.

The Bridport Charter Fair will take place on Saturday, September 25 - in Bucky Doo Square and at the Bridport Arts Centre.

The event will feature performances from the likes of the Phoenix Youth Band, Rough Assembly - formerly known as Tinker's Cuss, Mitch Norman, the Trombonium, the Bridport Choral Society, Dan Shakell and Sue Smith with more to be announced.

A spokesperson for the fair said: “All being well we’ll have our usual eclectic mix of free entertainment, both in Bucky Doo Square and on the Arts Centre stage.

“The Arts Centre has been tremendously helpful and encouraging, and by that time their exciting new piazza-style forecourt café area should be up and running. Unusually, the auditorium will not be packed to bursting with as many stalls as possible, but a wide variety of local charitable organisations will be represented in a safe environment.

“We will, of course, and just like all other event organisers, have to wait to see what the situation is like nearer the time, but if you don’t plan for a future then chances are there won’t be one.”

The Bridport Charter Fair is held in celebration of the granting of the town’s first Market Charter by Henry III in 1253, and the reconfirmation of the right to hold a market by Elizabeth I in 1554.

The market, listed in the top ten nationally and described locally as 'The Heart of Bridport', has helped shape the Town’s character over hundreds of years.

Unlike so many events in 2020, last year's fair was able to go ahead in October with social distancing restrictions in place.

The event went ahead in Bucky Doo Square thanks to the efforts of a small group of organisers and local buskers.

If you would like to play your music, sing your - or someone else's - songs, or apply to take a stall for your organisation to raise funds, awareness or both, contact a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com.