Bridport Community Charter Fair

Bridport Community Charter Fair 2024
The Charter Fair has over a number of years celebrated the coming together of the old and the new: the right to hold a market with a Charter granted over 700 years ago by King Henry III, and Bridport’s Citizens’ Charter, reflecting the principles of 1998 Human Rights Act, and confirming Bridport becoming the U.K.’s first Rights Respecting Town.
The former, with the market now listed in the top ten markets nationally, and recognised locally as “The Heart of Bridport” has helped shape the Town’s character over the centuries – the latter will be influential in determining its future identity.

Based at Mountfield’s Millennium Green (09.30-15.00) and in Bucky Doo Square (10.00-15.00), this free event will feature over forty Community Stalls, including the Community Shed, and there’s entertainment from fourteen local acts.
Refreshments are provided by Brit Valley Rotary, together with a bar by Jurassic Fields Music Festival.

First up at Mountfield is the traditional Maypole Dancing on the Green with the Lyric School of Dance. The Mayor of Bridport will crown the 2024 May Queen.

The Fair’s Annual Awards for service to the community will then be presented by the Mayor.

The 2024 “Above and Beyond” Award for an individual goes to Alan Williams. Alan has for many years contributed funding to local organisations, including the Arts Centre, Bridport Musical Theatre Company, Bridport Young Performers, and Axe Valley Ring and Ride bus service.
As reported nationally, he saved the X53 Sunday service between Bridport and Weymouth, for which he was awarded a medal by the Campaign for Better Transport at a parliamentary reception in the House of Commons.

The Charter Fair Trophy for a group or organisation will be awarded to The Ropemakers Pub and its proprietors, John and Geraldine Baker.
They said “We’re delighted to have been selected for this trophy. We believe that we are perfectly placed to host events and raise money for charity. We firmly believe that a pub should be for the community and should be the central hub for social events.”

Entertainment throughout the day is offered (at Mountfield) by Rough Assembly, Bridport Steel Band, Bridport Young Performers, Local Vocal, Bridport Musical Theatre, Trumbonium, Wyld Morris, and the Phoenix Youth Band.
And in Bucky Doo it’s the Bridport Big Band, Bridport Choral Society, Silver Lining, and duo Shiraz.

The Children’s Area at Mountfield will have face painting and the ever popular “OOPSWOW” Arts Activities, whilst at 10.15 a Magic Show will be presented by Strawberry Jam Entertainments.
Following this, Forest School Leader, Kate, will be demonstrating skills which the children and parents can have a go at.

This annual event, arguably Bridport’s most historic, celebrates both the granting of a Market Charter by King Henry III over 700 years ago, and Bridport’s Citizens’ Charter, reflecting the principles of 1998 Human Rights Act, and confirming Bridport as the U.K.’s first Rights Respecting Town.

The Fair is a partnership between Bridport Town Council and the Charter Fair Committee, and the organisers have expressed their grateful thanks for the much-needed sponsorship provided by Countryside Partnerships and Barratt David Wilson Homes, the Rex Trevett Fund, Bridport Choral Society and Linda Larcombe.

More information can be obtained from Claire.Peters-Way@bridport-tc.gov.uk or a.c.woodgate@btinternet.com, and free programmes are available from the Tourist Information Centre in Bucky Doo Square.

SATURDAY 18th MAY

BUCKY DOO SQUARE
10.00-11.30 Bridport Big Band
11.50-12.35 Bridport Choral Society
12.50-13.50 Silver Lining
14.05-14.50 Shiraz

MOUNTFIELD
09.30-10.00 Maypole Dancing + Crowning of the May Queen
10.00-10.15 Presentation of Awards by The Mayor
10.20-10.50 Rough Assembly
11.00-11.30 Bridport Steel Band
11.40-11.55 Bridport Young Performers
12.05-12.35 Local Vocal
12.45-13.00 Bridport Musical Theatre
13.10-13.40 Trumbonium
13.50-14.20 Wyld Morris
14.30-15.00 Phoenix Youth Band Plus

CHILDREN’S AREA
Oopswow Creative Art

Face Painting with Bridport Young Performers

10.15: Magic Show
Strawberry Jam Entertainments

FREE ENTRY

About Bridport Community Charter Fair

SOUNDS by Nick Good and Tom Hughes
BAR by Jurassic Fields Music Festival
REFRESHMENTS by Brit Valley Rotary Club
MAYPOLE DANCING by Lyric School of Dancing
COVER PHOTO courtesy of Bridport Camera Club
LOGO designed and donated by Michael Bloys
ADDITIONAL SPONSORS
Rex Trevett Fund, Bridport Choral Society, and Linda Larcombe
This event seeks to reflect the diverse creativity, passions and pastimes of the Bridport Community, with all ages and interests  welcomed and encouraged to take part .