The Bridport Charter Fair has been hailed a success as hundreds of visitors showed up for the celebrations.

The event took place across Bucky Doo Square and the Millenium Green and the two locations were the setting for a whole load of festivities including maypole dancing and live music.

Bridport Deputy Mayor, Ian Bark said: “Everyone I have spoken to had nothing but positive things to say. The Community Charter Fair was a triumph - congratulations on another roaring success.”

The event ended with a special performance by Bridport’s Ukrainian Choir.

Choir member Valentina said: “We performed at the end, and obviously people did not want to leave. Such events bring people together and allow you to plunge into the atmosphere.”

For six busy hours there were almost non-stop performances from the likes of the Big Band, Bridport Choral Society, Shiraz, Rough Assembly, Bridport Young Performers, Trumbonium, Local Vocal, Wyld Morris, Bridport Musical Theatre, and Phoenix Youth Band.

There was also an unexpected didgeridoo performance by Ant Sauchella, adding a sound not often heard in Bridport.

Two annual awards for outstanding service to the community were presented by the deputy mayor.

The “Above and Beyond” Award went to Dr Jo Millar for her work with the Living Tree Cancer Support Group, whilst the Charter Fair Award went to Jim and Jenny Tigg for organising and providing support for refugees in the Community.

Many got involved with the event, including 47 community groups, attracting plenty of new volunteers on the day, whilst a number involved in fundraising reported having completely sold out.

Teresa Grinter, of Teresa Grinter’s Lyric School of Dance, who provided some entertaining Maypole Dancing, described the event a 'the perfect day.'

Bridport town was re-created in model form in the Children’s Area with local artist Jo “OOPSWOW!” Burlington, whilst the Young Performers held a face-painting stall.

Refreshments were provided by Brit Valley Rotary Club, and the Bar by Jurassic Fields Music Festival.

Chairman of the Bridport Charter Fair, Arthur Woodgate, emphasised the importance of Bridport Town Council’s involvement, offering a special thanks to Claire Peters-Way, Terri Foxwell, Jill Beed, and Daryl Chambers and his team for their hard work.

He said: “Without them, there simply wouldn’t be a Community Charter Fair.”

The Bridport Community Charter Fair is a partnership between the Charter Fair, Community Fair, Love your Local Market, and Bridport Town Council.

Sponsorship for the event came from McCarthy Stone Retirement Properties, Rex Trevett Fund and Linda Larcombe.

Thanks to Tim Russ for photographs.