To celebrate the return of Dorchester Christmas Cracker, everyone is invited to take part in a new fancy dress parade.

Turn up in fancy dress to the all-day event on Saturday, December 12 and join the town crier, Elmer the elephant, a bear found at Dorchester West Station and other characters for the parade through the town.

It will be led by town crier Alistair Chisholm and start from the Old Tea House in High West Street at 12noon, making its way to the main stage outside St Peter's church, where a full programme of live music and entertainment will start from 12.30pm.

It is not only festive costumes that people can dress up in, adults and children are encouraged to come in other fancy dress, and it is free to take part.

Every child in costume that joins the parade will receive a small prize and everyone in fancy dress will get free entry to Dorset Museum on Dorchester Christmas Cracker day only.

As well as the parade there will also be a craft fairs in the Corn Exchange and Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum with a large number of exhibitors, and Dorset Museum is running Christmas-themed craft sessions at 10.30am and 2pm.

Children will also be able to meet Father Christmas at the Christmas Fayre in the Trinity Club, Trinity Street. It costs £5 per child but is free to enter to browse the stalls. To book, email [email protected]

For more information and a programme, visit dorchesterchamber.co.uk

On the day, High West Street and High East Street will be closed to traffic.

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