THOUSANDS of visitors are expected to descend on the picturesque village of Milton Abbas as the biannual street fair returns this summer.

The popular Echo-backed event celebrates its 40th anniversary this year and organisers are bracing themselves for a record turnout. The village will be transformed on Saturday, July 27 and visitors will be able to take a step back in time to enjoy sights, sounds, costume and entertainment from the 18th century.

There will be over 100 stalls set up and a new addition for 2013 will see a dedicated area for a range of children’s games and activities.

Around 7,000 people attended the last fair and Michael McAvoy from the event’s organising committee said hopes were high that figure could be eclipsed this time round. He said: “We have got to the point where all the stalls are sold out and we have got a good programme of entertainment as we normally do.

“Given a decent day we have every reason to expect this to be a record year.

“It’s got a good, long-standing reputation and there is a lot of local support for the event.”

The fair runs from 11am to 5pm with entry costing £7 for adults, £5 for concessions and £3 for children under 16 or £15 for families. Proceeds from the event will go to local charities.

For more information and queries about what will be on offer on the day of the carnival please go online and visit miltonabbas.org.uk