AN exciting new event is coming to West Dorset.

This spring Bridport will celebrate its rope-making heritage and net-making future, helping to secure the future of one of the town’s historic buildings.

Local organisations, employers and volunteers are joining forces to a put on a fundraising Ropewalk Fair to raise money for the restoration of the Literary and Scientific Institute (LSI) in East Street.

LSI restoration project co-ordinator Crystal Johnson said: “Bridport’s place in the landscape and the layout of its streets and long gardens lay testament to its rope-making heritage.

“Today, its net-makers are still are the forefront of design, production and innovation – the Bridport name is linked with nets from Wembley to Wimbledon, aviation and defence to children’s play areas.”

The Ropewalk Fair will be a community event that will, over the weekend of May 10 and 11, host a range of activities including sporting challenges, heritage walks, talks, skill-sharing and live music.

Emily Hicks from Bridport Museum said: “The Ropewalk Fair will be about more than just a great weekend of fun and learning for all ages – organisers are keen that events before the fair will draw in community groups, young people and employers. The fair will raise money for Bridport’s Literary and Scientific Institute and Bridport Museum redevelopment projects.”

The Saturday will revolve around talks, walks, music and exhibitions in the town, while Sunday will be the main event – a family fair with stalls, activities and food, themed on ropes and nets.

Among other things there will be the chance to form a team for the tug o’ war, try spinning rope or trace your family’s rope-making past.

For details email Crystal Johnson at crystal@bridportadt.org.uk or call 07968 577867 or Emily Hicks, Bridport Museum curator on 01308 45703 or email curator@bridport museum.co.uk