A SPIRIT of Selfridge weekend, dedicated to celebrating Harry Selfridge's Highcliffe links, will take place later this month.

Organised by The Lord Bute in Highcliffe, the celebration will include a Spirit of Selfridge evening.

The seaside village has recently featured on ITV's Mr Selfridge, with filming at Highcliffe Castle for the latest series.

Simon Box, co-proprietor of The Lord Bute said: "Our 'chin chin' to the opulent Mr Selfridge comprises a range of events held over a two day period with the pièce de résistance being The Spirit of Selfridge Evening Soiree which takes place on Saturday May 21."

Gary Payne, fellow proprietor, said: "The soiree held in our 1920s inspired “Palm Court” restaurant will reflect Harry Selfridge’s loves and favourite pastimes and will be a decadent evening of champagne, sumptuous food, lively Twenties entertainment and, of course, fun gambling.

"An evening where our guests, in the inimitable words of Harry Selfridge himself, can eat drink and be merry."

Fellow organiser, Karen Lindsey, said: "It is generally accepted that the week following Whit Sunday has historically been a time for celebration.

"Harry Selfridge himself staged a Whitsun Fete at the Castle which attracted some 5,000 people. Similarly, the high street promises to be packed with food purveyors and the public eager to taste the best that Dorset and Hampshire can offer.

"Coinciding with the Highcliffe Food Revival festivities will, we hope, be a terrific way to help showcase Highcliffe and all of its diversity to the many people who will be visiting the seaside town over the weekend."

The weekend will include an afternoon tea plus a bespoke tour incorporating places associated with Harry which include a respectful visit to the Selfridge family graves.

The Lord Bute will be making a donation towards the upkeep of Harry Selfridge’s final resting place.

Go to LordBute.com/TheSpiritOfSelfridge.com for more information.