More than 3,000 attend Bridport fair in its 40th year

The Bridport Allington Hill Country Fair drew more than 3,000 people over the bank holiday weekend as it marked 40 years, giving the two-day event its largest confirmed turnout in the facts provided. The fair included music, refreshments, children's activities and a dog show, all organised by the Allington Hillbillies.

Allington Hillbillies and Bridport support

Bridport Town Council supported the fair, while the 1st Bridport Scouts provided food and assistance throughout the event. Chris Deacon of Bridport Folk Festival also contributed, and Sam and Dan from Dorset Mobile Bars & Disco served drinks to attendees. The event depended on that mix of volunteer help and local participation to run across both days.

Dog show at Bridport fair

The dog show drew 91 entries and was managed by Karen Piercy. Jo Sadler, a contributor to the fair, created the distinctive willow tusks for Ropey the Elephant's guest appearance. Those details show the fair was not a single attraction but a set of separate activities that each drew their own crowd.

Bridport's 40-year mark

The attendance figure and the 40-year milestone together give the clearest reading of the weekend: the fair remains a working community event rather than a one-off celebration. For readers planning around it, the practical takeaway is simple — the fair drew a large crowd, relied on named local groups, and included a dog show that alone brought 91 entries.