TAKE a step back through time this weekend with the Echo-backed Milton Abbas Street Fair.

Residents will string homemade bunting from traditional thatched roofs and dress in eighteenth-century garb on Saturday to herald the 240th anniversary of the construction of the village, and the 40th anniversary of the first-ever fair.

The main street will be closed to traffic between 10am and 6pm and all cars are moved for the day, helping visitors to believe they have travelled back through the years to 1773.

And two local figures will step off the pages of history books to officially launch the event – Lord and Lady Milton, who had the old town of Middleton destroyed before the model village of Milton Abbas was built to house estate workers.

One of the fair’s organisers, Michael McAvoy, said: “We have more than 100 stalls for this year’s event, as well as lots of entertainment for both adults and children.

“It is the first year that there will be a section dedicated to children’s amusements, so it’s very exciting. They will be entertained with swing boats, roundabouts, donkey rides and more besides.”

The event is based on the original fair that used to take place in the Middleton on the feast of St Sampson, and last year, 7,000 visitors made their way to the town to enjoy the festivities.

Mr McAvoy said: “There are around 20 entertainers throughout the day.

“We will have dancers, bands, musicians and craft demonstrations, so there is something for everyone to enjoy.”

Many locals and stallholders will dress up for the occasion, and visitors are encouraged to join in with the fun.

The Street Fair will take place tomorrow between 11am and 5pm.

For more information, visit miltonabbas.org.uk