LIVE music, classic cars, and a dog show are just some of what visitors to this year’s Berwick St John Country Fayre can look forward to.

Over 20,000 people are expected to take part in two days of fun family activities at the fayre next weekend (September 14 to 15) – all while supporting the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity.

A selection of beer and tea tents will be on offer, as well as vintage tractors, rural crafts, heavy horses, steam engines and even a live auction held by Southern Counties Auctioneers.

The biennial event attracts huge crowds from across the country and even further afield.

It is run by a dedicated committee of volunteers, with the entire local community and village residents getting involved.

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!

There’s something for everyone at the fayre

“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.”

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 Stars Appeal 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 £1million the Stars Appeal, Salisbury Hospital’s Charity, aims to raise this year to fund new equipment, enhancements to buildings, and ongoing projects supporting patients across Salisbury Hospital including the Stars Appeal Wi-Fi, hospital chaplaincy, support for patients with cancer and the Stars Appeal play assistant on Sarum Children’s Ward.

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 open from 10am. The fayre is located between Berwick St John village and the A30, SP7 0EX.

Entry is by donation with all profits going to the Stars Appeal. There is also a raffle. Ahead of the main fayre event, there will be live music and a beer tent on September 13, 6pm to 11.30pm.

Berwick St John Country Fayre times:

Saturday, September 14, 10am to 11.30pm

Sunday, September 15, 10am to 4pm

To find out more visit www.berwickstjohncountryfayre.co.uk