The third annual Dorchester Cider Festival was an 'outstanding success' and succeeded in raising £5,400 for local causes.

This is a new record for the festival, which raised £3,500 in 2016 and £3,000 the year before.

The event was organised by Dorchester Round Table, and brought together cider-producers such as Dorset Star and the West Milton Cider Company to provide more than 75 ciders for festival-goers.

Local bands including the Skimmity Hitchers, who headlined the event, and the Leggomen played at the free celebration, which was held in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens.

The festival, which ran from 3pm to 10pm, also featured notable artists such as Nina Garcia, Koast, The Darwins, and Elijah Wolf.

John Palmer, chairman of the Dorchester Round Table, said: “I’m happy to say that the third annual Dorchester Cider Festival was an outstanding success for both our guests and our charity with over £5,400 raised for good causes in Dorchester.

“The atmosphere was fantastic from start to finish thanks to our largest ever audience in the gardens, made up of families and seasoned festival goers alike, all enjoying the wonderful ciders from our local producers and some cracking entertainment made possible thanks to our generous sponsors and the support of Dorchester Town Council.

“I’d like to thank all of our dedicated Round Table members for helping to make the event happen.

“If you’d like to find out where the proceeds from the festival are distributed, or join the Round Table to help with future events then you can find our more by searching for Dorchester Round Table on Facebook.”

Other attractions included the Heckle and Squelch comedy tent, the Owermoigne Cider Museum’s cider-making display, and a crowd-surfing badger.

Neil Corbett, from the Dorchester Round Table, said: “Kath Buik, the crowd surfing badger witnessed when the Skimmity Hitchers brought the event to a fantastic climax was quite the unexpected sight!”

“We think we’ve set ourselves a tough act to follow for next year’s event, but with the support of our cider loving guests and local businesses we can’t wait to give it our best shot.”

John Palmer added: “After a short break we’ll be getting to work on how to make next year’s event even better for the town.”

For more information visit Facebook.com/Dorchesterroundtable