A POPULAR food market is set to return next weekend.

The Dorset Foods and Arts Market will go ahead on Saturday, August 7 from its new location in the Great Field in Poundbury.

The market will take place from 10am to 4pm and will showcase a variety of local, food, drink, arts, craft and talent.

Held on the Saturday closest to the late Queen Mother's birthday, the festival follows the pattern of previous years and offers free entry.

The market will be scaled down this year, so won't include its usual cookery demonstrations of live music performances, but organisers are hoping to have some buskers on site to give the event some atmosphere.

Caz Richards, co-ordinator of the event, said. "The Great Field in Poundbury is a fantastic outdoor venue with plenty of room for social distancing. We shifted the festival location to give us more space and to operate safely, but look forward to returning to our natural home in Queen Mother Square next year.

“We really hope the local community and 'staycationers' will come and support this popular event and look forward to seeing everybody. Shopping and in the fresh air, catching up with friends and supporting local producers. It’s a winning combination.”

The Festival is supported by the Duchy of Cornwall and in 2018, coordination of the event was taken on by Dorset Food & Drink.