A VILLAGE fete is to be even bigger this year.

Upwey’s fete – the 'Big Affair' will be held on the afternoon of Sunday, August 11 from 2pm to 6pm in the grounds of Upwey House, Church Street.

This year, there’ll be the usual wide range of craft stalls and entertainments, including alpacas, bouncy castle and the ever-hilarious tug-of-war.

In addition there’ll be Vikings, in the form of re-enactors Hrafnslith, and Festus Derriman morris dancers – Upwey’s local side.

Food will be available – with pulled pork, Asian street food and local baker Lizzie Crow as well as sticky delights such as ice creams, candy floss and donuts.

Refreshments will include wine from Little Waddon Vineyard and ales from Cerne Abbas Brewery.

A rocking set of music will be provided by a fantastic local band comprised of Robbie McIntosh (the Pretenders, Paul McCartney and many more) Upwey’s own Steve Wilson on bass, Johnny Burden (guitar) and Ady Milward (drums).

Craft stalls include preserves, jewellery, soaps, cosmetics, wood furniture and turning, children’s books and many more.

The original Upwey “Big Affair” began in the aftermath of the Second World War to raise money for what is now the Memorial Hall.

In 1945 almost 5,000 people attended to see a range of displays and events. An astonished 13,000 crowd arrived the following year – which included a gymkhana, marching displays, music and fireworks.

The event is organised by the Upwey Society.

Tony King, chairman of the society, said: “We absolutely love putting this event on.

"Each year we find something new and different to make the day even better than the year before. We’d love to see as many local people as possible for what will be a great family afternoon.

"We aren’t charging for entry, though donations will be welcome.”