Step back in time and experience the delights of a Victorian Fayre.

Dorchester's Victorian Fayre is back for a third year and will be bringing music, songs and poetry as well as workshops exploring crafts and rural skills.

The event is being organised by the William Barnes Society and aims to celebrate the life of the Dorset dialect poet.

The day will feature musician John Blackmore who will be performing songs from his forthcoming album as well as a variety of rural craft demonstrations and talks including: hurdle making, pimp making, net making and bobbin lace making.

A wonderful array of craft stalls selling jewellery, handmade wooden toys, corn dollies, Dorset buttons, and a fantastic display of Dorset Bonnets will also be at the event.

There will be a Children's corner with activities such as wood cuts and printing, silhouette craft, drawing, dressing up in period costume, and much more.

And that's not all, there will also be a raffle and tombola as well as a whole host of refreshments and sweet delights.

Proceeds will go towards the publication of a new William Barnes poetry book, Sixty Poems Selected by Dr Alan Chedzoy. This is the first publication of Barnes’s poems for nearly 25 years.

Funds will also go to St Peter’s Church organ restoration fund. The organ is in need of complete renovation. Barnes was very much involved with St Peter’s Church as from the 1830s he was church warden and one of three secretaries to the Fabric committee that undertook the major project to repair, modify and refurbish the building in 1856.

The fayre will be held at the Corn Exchange on Saturday, February 24 from 11am until 3.30pm.

Marion Tait, secretary of the William Barnes Society, said that it was very exciting to be celebrating the life of William Barnes at the Victorian Fayre in the Corn Exchange as it was here that Barnes had given many of his poetry readings. Marion also thanked all the local businesses, market traders and volunteers for their commitment and contributions to the event.

For more information visit williambarnessociety.org.uk