Dorchester is gearing up for its biggest day of the year.

Organised by volunteers and supported by Dorchester Chamber for Business, Dorchester Bis and the town council, 'Christmas Cracker' will take place on Sunday, 10 December.

It returns in a new all-day format, running between 11am and 4pm. The town's High Street will be closed to traffic and filled with festive stalls and there will be plenty of entertainment on offer.

Cracker chairman Steve Bulley said: "Due to the huge success of the event in 2022 we had traders signing up for space at the 2023 event within a few hours.

Cracker chairman Steve Bulley with Paddington, who will be leading the children's Santa hat parade.

"High West Street in Dorchester will be transformed into a festive shopping spectacular with over 100 trading stalls, and a Christmas fair with a further 75 tables, this year over two floors, which will be held in the Corn Exchange. Our thanks to our Christmas fair supporters Farnfields Solicitors."

This year there will be an entertainment stage, managed by local radio station KeeP106, which is sponsored by Al Molo Dorchester, with festive musical acts entertaining across the day.

The very popular Santa Hat Children's Parade will leave the top of High West Street at 12 noon.

The 2023 event is sponsored once again by Kingston Maurward College and Everycare Dorchester.

Lorrie Truelove, Registered Manager and Director of Everycare Dorchester said: "We are thrilled to be sponsoring the Cracker event again this year, which will be our third year of sponsorship.

"We always have a positive response from visitors and the event has now become part of our social calendar. We are looking forward to meeting up with our clients, staff, and friends on the day."

Esther Baker, marketing manager at Kingston Maurward, added: "We are delighted to offer the continued support again this year. We believe that the event is vital in bringing the community together and showcasing local products and produce."