Saturday 7th September 2019
Each year thousands of revellers don their favourite hat and flock to Bridport's Bucky Doo square for a fun filled day of hat celebrations. This weird and wonderful annual event aims to raise much needed funds for a range of head related charities and promises a great day out for the whole family.
Best Hat Competition
Now in its 10th year, the Bridport Hat Festival takes over the small market town and creates a wonderful party atmosphere for all ages to enjoy. Both locals and visitors wear an array of colourful and quirky hats, with a range of elaborate home made masterpieces on show. A team of discerning judges take to the streets to scrutinise entries and shortlist their favourites for the award ceremony. Prizes are awarded for a range of categories, including best male, female, child, couple and group! There's even a prize for 'best hatted dog' and the 'most elegant ensemble'!
Photo Credit: Gerrald Girls, Flickr
Music, food and drink
Over the course of the day there are a number of activities on offer, including craft workshops, informative talks, face painting, hat hurling and a popular hat auction. There's also a programme of live music taking place throughout the day and into the evening at Millennium Green, with live performances from local folk and jazz bands. In the afternoon the whole town congregates in Bucky Doo square for the traditional mass hat photo.
Photo credit: Shawn Spencer-Smith, Flickr
The weekly market takes place in south street offering visitors the chance to purchase a range of home baked goods, artisan produce and vintage wears. There's also hat trade stalls and delicious food and drinks vendors to treat yourself throughout the festival.
Getting there
The acclaimed Bridport Hat Festival is only 20 minutes by car from our
Charmouth Holiday Park. If you don't fancy driving there's also a regular bus service into the town centre.