A CHURCH is gearing up for its St George’s Day fair.

St George’s Church in Fordington will hold its annual fair on the church green at the weekend.

This year marks the 60th anniversary of the fair, however, organisers say records show there has been a fair/market in the village on St George’s Day for more than 600 years.

To make things a little bit more exciting there will be a medieval theme.

During the fair, visitors will be treated to an exhilarating archery demonstration from the Purbeck Archery Club and will be given the opportunity to give it a go if they fancy a thrill.

There will also be some traditional entertainment with a performance from the Morris Men and the Durnovaria Silver Band.

The fair is a family-friendly event and visitors can expect activities for all ages, including a bouncy castle, feeding the fair’s hungry dragon and throwing wet sponges at anyone who is in the stocks.

There will also be lots of tasty food and drinks for sale, including sweet cider, a traditional hog roast and cream teas.

As well as this, there will be a tombola, bric-a-brac stalls and more.

The purpose of the event is to remember the St George, the patron Saint of England in the run up to St George’s Day on Monday April 23.

According to the legend, St George was a soldier in the Roman army who killed a dragon and saved a princess.

Revd Fiona Hall, vicar of St George's Church, Fordington explained the importance of celebrating St George’s Day.

She said: “The many stories and myths surrounding St George can act as a reminder that there is still a need for people of courage to speak and act on behalf of those facing dragons bringing tyranny or fear, including poverty, injustice and violence.”

The event will take place on Saturday April 21 from 1pm to 4pm and is free to attend.