VILLAGERS in Milton Abbas are preparing for a trip back in time.

Organisers are busy getting ready for the popular 18th Century Milton Abbas Street Fair on Saturday, July 30, with interest at an all-time high.

The Dorset Echo-backed event, which takes place every two years, attracted around 8,000 people last time round and raised an impressive £30,000 for local community groups.

Spokesman Michael McAvoy said: “There is a record demand for stalls and demonstrations – it’s up by 50 per cent.

“We have got 150 stalls booked with more people wanting space if it can be provided.

“There will be everything from conventional gifts and plants and things like that to a little more exotic things like didgeridoos.”

There will also be local craftsmen demonstrating traditional skills such as wood turning, thatching and lace making.

Entertainment will include folk music, Morris dancing, clog dancing and a performance by local singing group Serenade as well as Maypole Dancing and a Punch and Judy show.

There will also be plenty of games and activities to keep children entertained on the day.

A Dorset Farmers’ Market will offer local produce while there will also be a bar and barbecues as well as other refreshments.

Mr McAvoy said preparations were in full swing and he hoped the Street Fair, which runs from 11am to 5pm, would prove as popular as recent years and provide another boost to local worthy causes.

He said: “Last time we reckoned we had probably about 8,000 people there. It’s a fundraising opportunity for local community groups and last time we raised about £30,000.”

Car parking is free on the day, with a donation of £6 for adults requested at entry, £3 for children under 16, £4 for seniors and £13 for families.

For more information about the Milton Abbas Street Fair visit miltonabbas.org.uk