THE medievel hill-top town of Shaftesbury celebrates its annual Gold Hill Fair this weekend.

Events kick off at midday on Saturday with the Grand Parade, led by schoolchildren accompanied by the Wessex Highlanders.

The Abbey has a loose programme of impromptu events all day from classical recitals to belly dancing and the promise of a fleeting glimpse of Elvis no less before Circus Berzercus take over with workshops and full shows from 5.30pm.

Meanwhile, there's a full line up of free live music at Music in the Park organised by the estimable Wayne Jukes in St James Park from 3pm. Among those appearing are hotly-tipped Bournemouth-based singer-songwriter Zac Harris, Bournebeat progenitors Bird Jaguar (featuring former members of The Vapors, PJ Harvey and Bewley Brothers) and The Pineapple Thief.

Sunday's highlights include Bournemouth's international musical fusionists The Huckleberries and The Hollywood Killers, much-championed by the late John Peel. Also on stage are electronic hip hop jazz fusionists Achilles and the anarchic Bag of Rats.

Elsewhere in the town on Sunday will be an on-going medieval happening in which various period-clad characters will be popping up to take audiences back in time.

More information at shaftesburydorset.com and myspace.com/goldhillfair