WHETHER it’s for crimes against fashion or just to clear out the loft, the great Bridport Hat Amnesty could provide the answer.

Organisers of the Bridport Hat Festival are asking people to hand in unwanted, outmoded, or just plain tasteless headwear and to boost the festival’s chosen charity at the same time.

All the unwanted titfers will be auctioned off at the West Dorset Club in South Street, Bridport on Wednesday, August 29 at 7.30pm when anyone needing something special to wear for next month’s festivities is urged to come along and bid generously.

This year the proceeds will go towards Brain Tumour Research and Bridport hatter Roger Snook is hoping that his amnesty box at his shop, T Snook in West Street, will be filled to overflowing.

Any hats not sold at auction will be available for sale at the festival on September 14, 15 and 16, when it is hoped that everyone in the town will be wearing a hat of some description.

Roger “Crocodile” Snook, whose own favourite headgear is an ageing Australian Akubra hat, said: “Even if you don’t want a hat, someone else will.”

Hopes are high that this year’s third Hat Festival will surpass even last year’s success, which brought thousands of people to the town and put Bridport on the world map of hat-wearing.

Crowds filled Bucky Doo Square for the mass hat-wearing event.

Country and western star Hank Wangford will again be bringing live music to the festival with The Lost Cowboys and the weekend will also feature demonstrations, exhibitions, workshops, food and drink, children’s entertainment, trade stands and the chance to win £500 in the hat-making competition.

Full details of the programme are available at bridporthatfestival.org.