SUCH is the success of Bridport’s Hat Festival it has prompted other towns to ask for help to put on festivals of their own.

Committee member Brian Atkinson said: “Festivals are now held at Canterbury, Faversham and Malvern, with enquiries being received from as far afield as Jersey.

“We wish them all the very best, but must advise them that Bridport is the original and best because of its singular advantage – the wonderful and eclectic mix of people that make Bridport what it is.”

There will be plenty of stalls, live music, completions, games, talks, demonstrations and of course plenty of eye-catching hats – from the sartorially beautiful to the remarkably bizarre.

This year the festival is from Friday September 5 to Sunday September 7.

For more information on the programme of events visit the bridporthatfest.org website.