A MUCH-LOVED Wiltshire village fete is set to return next month with duck racing, dog agility, live music and plenty of homemade cake.

Barford St Martin’s annual fete will take place on Saturday, June 20, with organisers promising an afternoon packed with family entertainment at the village recreation ground.

The event, organised by the Barford St Martin Community Fund, will feature craft stalls, plants, a BBQ, beer tent and children’s attractions including a bouncy castle and coconut shy.

One of the biggest draws is expected to be the popular duck race on the River Nadder, where 200 yellow ducks will be released into the water as spectators cheer them towards the finish line. A cash prize will be awarded to the winning duck.

Family pets will also get the chance to take centre stage during dog agility displays and fun challenges hosted by Fieldtastic from Chilmark.

Aspire Martial Arts from Salisbury will give demonstrations in TaeKwon-Do and kickboxing, while Radio Odstock DJ Kevin Lawrence will broadcast live from the fete throughout the afternoon.

This year’s event will also be officially opened by bestselling thriller writer Mark Dawson, who previously lived in Barford St Martin and regularly features familiar local landmarks in his books. He is expected to sign copies of his novels during the day.

Stephanie Wheatley, one of the organisers, said: “The Barford St Martin Fete is guaranteed to be a fantastic day out for all the family.”

The Cranborne Chase National Landscape team will also be attending with information about its work across the Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, while ALABARÉ Development Centre will sell handmade ceramics, woodwork and vegetables created by its clients.

The fete takes place from 12.30pm to 4.30pm at the recreation ground in Duck Lane.