ORGANISERS of a new event are calling on the public to come along and support small businesses amid 'difficulties' left by the pandemic.

Over 20 small businesses will pitched up around the grounds of Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum for the first annual Mid-Summer Market.

The venue, in High West Street, Dorchester, is hosting the free-to-enter event, which will see a variety of goods from food and drink to jewellery and photography.

A spokeswoman for the event said: "The last year has been incredibly difficult for small businesses, with so many not being able to work for months. We wanted to offer local businesses an opportunity to showcase their products and engage with new customers."

The museum at Shire Hall will not be open for visitors over the market weekend, however, people will still have the chance to look around this Grade I-listed building.

Market stalls will be spread across Shire Hall, from the café and exhibition rooms to the historic courthouse and cells.

Shire Hall’s Mid-Summer Market is an indoor event and will be following all current Covid-19 guidelines.