THOUSANDS of people flocked to an 18th-century street fair that is proving increasingly popular.

More people than ever visited the Dorset Echo-backed Milton Abbas Street Fair on Saturday.

They took a trip back in time to soak up the traditional village atmosphere and mingle with costumed residents and stallholders.

The main village street was lined with around 150 stalls and visitors had the chance to watch indoor and outdoor performances.

Organisers estimated that the previous record of 8,000 visitors set by the biennial event in 2009 was smashed.

Michael Coleman, chairman of the village alms house committee, helped to run the tombola stall.

Mr Coleman, who dressed as a ‘poor farmer’ said: “The street fair has been running since 1972. It’s growing bigger and bigger.

“I think we will beat 8,000 people this time. Despite all the cutbacks, people are still spending money among the stalls.”

The street fair committee expected to raise around £30,000 from the day for local and national charities.

Committee chairman Nigel Hodder, who was dressed as a peasant, said: “We had a slow start with the weather drizzly this morning, but it soon brightened up.

“We probably had about 100 people involved helping who are from the village or who live nearby.

“We’re so grateful to the residents who give up their lawns every two years for this. We have a team of ladies who make the costumes and have worked out a system so we have free car parking and keep the roads clear.

“It will all start in earnest for the next street fair with the organising committee as soon as we finish this year.”

Dave Northover and Jackie Clayton, who were visiting from Weymouth, said they were having a great day out.

Jackie said: “The organisers have made a brilliant effort. They’ve really brought it all together.

Caroline Cookson, of Stratford-upon-Avon, combined a visit to Milton Abbas resident Susan Tabbitt with a visit to the fair.

She said: “It’s really lovely and it was worth coming down for.”

Performers Mary Myerf, of Dorchester, and Roza Aldridge, of Winfrith, sang some numbers for visitors in the church with 12 singers and 10 musicians from the Purbeck Village Quire.

Roza said: “This is our first time at the street fair.

“It’s a lot of fun and it’s lovely that it’s stayed dry.

“It’s such a diverse event.”

Police Community Support Officer Rich Mullins, of the Blandford Safer Neighbourhood Team, said the event remained incident-free.

Milton Abbas resident Brian Isherwood, one of the event organisers, said the village residents are largely supportive of the event, which closes the main village street between 10am and 6pm.

“In the main we couldn’t put it on without all the village support that we have,” he added.