HISTORY enthusiasts will turn back the hands of time as a popular biennial festival returns.

The Echo-backed Milton Abbas 18th Century Street Fair will be taking place this Saturday and promises to bigger and better than ever before.

Youngsters from the village have been busy producing all the props needed for our Children's Procession and Performance, with this year’s theme being nature.

Following the children’s performance, a storyteller will follow at St James Shelf behind the church with stories for our young and young at heart visitors.

As ever, it is not just the children that have been getting involved.

Throughout the village people have been busy adding finishing touches to their 18th Century costumes.

The streets will be heaving with stallholders selling their wares, with more than 150 stalls booked.

A variety of products will be up for grabs, ranging from handcrafted bird and insect boxes, beautifully crafted wooden clocks, basket making, handmade Gallianai Glass jewellery, straw marquetry and even a Pyrography stall.

There will also be demonstrations ranging from blacksmithing, Dorset Button making, lace making and hurdle making, with the famous white thatched cottages open to be viewed.

Dave Morley, chairman of the organising committee, said: “Whatever the weather we hope you enjoy joining in the fun of our street fair.

“We have tried to recreate the flavour of a country occasion using costume, rural crafts, entertainment and craft demonstrations.

“We have over 150 stalls, with food and drink venues throughout The Street and Lake Field.

“Please do visit the Lake Field at the bottom end of The Street where you will find additional stalls, entertainment and activities for children, including a fun fair and donkey rides.

“This area also provides an ideal opportunity to relax in a slightly less congested area.

“We hope you will join in the spirit of the day and spend your money freely in support of local good causes which also benefit the communities in the surrounding villages.”

Throughout the day, there is also a diverse range of entertainment for all ages to enjoy.

There are more than 30 entertainment groups already booked, with music from genres such asfolk, jazz, country music, a ukulele band and even a group playing ancient music filling the airwaves.

There will be dancers ranging from Morris, Clogg, historic and Steps in Time, a group of young people performing dances from the 18th Century, plus Handbells, a Dulcimer, opera singers and a Raconteur.

For the children there is Punch and Judy, a Magic Man, maypole dancing and a children's fair – something to suit everybody of all ages throughout the day.

The day lasts from 11am and 5pm.