THE streets of Blandford were jam-packed with visitors to the town’s 18th Georgian Fayre on Bank Holiday Monday.

The fair featured everything from farm animals and birds of prey to traditional stalls, children’s entertainers and music bands.

Youngsters were thrilled when they got the chance to stroke friendly miniature ponies Splash, Dinki and Locket, owned by Healing Hooves Therapy Ponies in the Crown Meadows.

The Tarrant Valley Players also performed a selection of songs from their forthcoming production of Oliver from May 18 to 22 including Oom Pah Pah and Consider Yourself in convincing Cockney accents.

Fiery Jack thrilled the crowd with juggling and other fun and there was a drum display by 130 Squadron ATC corps of Drums in the market place.

Richard and Emma Grey, from Mere in Wiltshire, were visiting the fair for the first time with their children Holly, two, and Oliver, four.

Emma said: “It’s a good event.

“On a bank holiday you need something like this to come to.”

Pauline Murphy, 48, said she was on her way to meet her grandson, adding: “It’s a great family event, a nice atmosphere and lots going on.”

Many traders got into the spirit of things including family butcher Simon Mato, who offered home-made burgers from his stall decorated with English flags.

Somerset cider, cheese, ostrich and buffalo meat and hog roast was also on offer and country crafts stick making, spinning and woodturning.

People also bopped along to Boogie Woogie outside the Corn Exchange.

And psychic Christine offered readings from her booth down East Street.

Attending for the first time were the Galactic Knights who thrilled adults and children alike wandering around dressed as Darth Vader and his Stormtroopers.

Jackie Baker, committee chairman of the fair, said: “The weather stayed kind to us.

“It always has done.

“It’s the community working together.

“That’s really what it’s all about.

“We’ve raised over £100,000 for community initiatives since it started and last year gave out over £12,000.”