IN A new initiative designed to ensure the future and further development of Bridport’s most historic event, organisers of the Charter Fair have entered into a partnership with Bridport Town Council towards creating Bridport Community Charter Fair.

The new event will be held on Saturday, May 14, and will coincide with the now international event Love Your Local Market.

Charter Fair Chairman Arthur Woodgate said: "This makes sense, given that for years the Charter Fair has commemorated and celebrated the granting by King Henry III in 1253 of a charter giving Bridport the right to hold a weekly market – a market now recognised nationally, and described locally as 'the heart of Bridport'.

This also comes after Town Surveyor Daryl Chambers being presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award for services to markets at a recent conference of the National Association of British Market Authorities.

Joining the new event, which will be held at Mountfield, will be the annual Community Fair, previously held at the Town Hall, and the Charter Fair’s existing partner, Bridport Rights Respecting will also be represented, celebrating the town’s declaration and the (rather more modern) Citizen’s Charter of 2018.

Bridport Community Charter Fair will be a free event for community groups taking part and for the public attending. There will be stalls, demonstrations, refreshments and entertainment throughout, with highlights being a Family Area for children and, thanks to Teresa Grinter, the return of Maypole Dancing on the Green and the crowning of the May Queen.

The Charter Fair Trophy will continue to be presented in acknowledgement of exceptional service to the community, with last year’s recipients being Bridport Medical Centre.

To book a stall contact Claire.Peters-Way@bridport-tc.gov.uk

For all other matters contact Daryl.Chambers@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com