A TOWN'S most historic event has been 'reborn' and given new life.

A new-look Bridport Charter Fair took place on Saturday, and saw a 'bouncing, bubbling and fun-filled' Bucky Doo Square and Bridport Arts Centre.

The aim for this year was to revitalise the event - and it did not disappoint.

Bridport’s renowned street market brought crowds out in droves and there was plenty to enjoy, with 23 community groups involved. There was plenty of free entertainment in Bucky Doo, with St Swithun’s Band, the Allstars Dance Team, Local Vocal, Tinker’s Cuss, Silver Lining, Pete Pope and the Phoenix Youth Band.

Music by Aidan Simpson, Eve-Appleton-Scott, Jo Martin, Dave Easeman and Mitch Norman was performed on the forecourt of the Arts Centre, thanks to the Folk Festival’s Chris Deacon, whilst on the Arts Centre stage the packed auditorium was entertained by Bridport Young Performers, Hattie Stewart’s Keep Fit, children from the Lyric School of Dancing, the massed ranks of Bridport Choral Society, and talented young singer Chloe Rainey accompanied by David Powell and Lauren Good.

David and others, including students from the Sir John Colfox Academy, promoted the new Citizens’ Charter, with Bridport the first in the UK to become a Rights Respecting Town.

Bridport Charter Fair chairman, Arthur Woodgate, said: “It was interesting just how many people had no idea of what the charter fair was, why it was and why it still is.

"The involvement once again of so many young people added a freshness and a vivacity to the event. The computer whizz kids of Bridport Raspberry Jam, Bridport Young Performers, outstanding young singers, dancers, the Trick Factory gang – all helped create a lively yet very relaxed atmosphere that was really enjoyable. To round off a great day, we couldn’t have asked for anything more enjoyable than the Phoenix Youth Band – they were sensational.”

The Charter Fair celebrates the granting of the first Market Charter by Henry III 765 years ago, and the reconfirmation of the right to hold a market by Elizabeth I 464 years ago.