THOUSANDS of people are expecting a fun day out at a fundraising fayre being held next month.

All ages are welcome at the Berwick St John Country Fayre on September 14 and 15, which is raising money for the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

Attractions on offer include steam engines, vintage tractors, dog show, rural crafts, beer and tea tents, heavy horses and classic cars, as well as a live auction held by Southern Counties Auctioneers.

The bi-annual event, run by volunteers and residents, attracts huge crowds from across the country and even further afield.

Show secretary, Louise Hall, said: “The Fayre is a fantastic weekend full of things to see and do for all ages.

“From steam engines, military vehicles, classic cars, motorbikes, trucks, to trade stands, live music, dog shows, a bar selling local cider and more, as well as a lovely tea tent with homemade treasures, a great selection of food stalls and rural crafts, there is something for everyone.

“The Stars Appeal is a fantastic local charity and we are so proud to support its work enhancing the care of hundreds of people every day at Salisbury Hospital which so many of us involved in the Fayre and the local community have benefited from.”

Organisers promise something for everyone at Berwick St John Country Fayre. Picture: Donald Capewell

The Berwick St John Country Fayre has been running every other year since 1992, raising hundreds of thousands of pounds for a wide variety of charities over the years, including the Stars Appeal, before committing long-term support to the charity in 2012.

The fayre in 2022 raised £63,117.18 – the largest amount of money raised in its 30-year history.

Dave Cates, of the Stars Appeal, said: “We are thrilled to once again be the beneficiary of this marvellous traditional country fayre and express our thanks to the committee and all the other volunteers for making this possible.

“The money raised will help provide the very best care for local people being treated at Salisbury Hospital, from premature babies to our oldest patients.

“We encourage all our supporters to come along and enjoy a fabulous fun-filled day out in the heart of the Dorset countryside.”

Money raised will go towards the £1 million the Stars Appeal aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital.

The charity is also fundraising for six high-definition video scopes to help diagnose head and neck cancer more quickly, costing £115,000, and £50,000, to provide 36 ‘by your side’ sleeper chairs so that vulnerable patients and those at the end of their lives can have a loved one stay by their side in comfort.

Gates at the fayre open at 10am. Entry is by donation with all profits going to the Stars Appeal.

Ahead of the main fayre, there will be live music and a beer tent on Friday, September 13, from 6pm to 11.30pm.

For more details, log on to www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk.