The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair Costume Competition
Tuesday, May 28th, 2019The first Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair is coming to Dorchester this weekend, and visitors & business owners alike are all encouraged to dress in Victorian Costume for the occasion.

There’s less than a week to go until The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair comes to Dorchester on Sunday 2nd June. Have you thought about what your costume might be? There will be a Children & Adult’s costume competition before the event opens. Victorian or Thomas Hardy costumes can take many forms, it could be rich or poor, a rural farm worker, wealthy land owner, elegant Victorian lady, or even Thomas Hardy himself.
Entry to the costume competition is FREE – categories are best Victorian boy or girl and best Victorian lady or gentleman. Meet at the Corn Exchange at 10.00am for judging by Victorian Judge Spracklen.

Victorian The event organisers are also encouraging shopkeepers and retail staff to dress up in Victorian costume both on Saturday 1st June and Sunday, 2nd June (during the event itself). Perhaps business owners may want to be in theme for your business, e.g. shop keeper, barber, dairy maid etc.
Judging for local businesses will happen on Saturday 1st June, from 9.30am – 11.30am by a Victorian Judge (accompanied by a professional photographer), who will visit your business. Look out for digital images of business owners in costume outside their shop and published on the Facebook Event page and on the Wessex FM website and Dorset Echo.
The event promises to be a fun filled day for all the family, with plenty of Victorian and Thomas Hardy themed activities taking place. High West Street and High East Street will both be closed to traffic. Be sure to come along to Dorchester’s first Victorian Street Fair to celebrate the 179th Birthday of one of Dorchester’s most famous residents.
Please note that dressing up in period costume is optional, but adds to the fun. Get involved with the The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair this weekend and help to make it a success!
Why not hire your costume, Alter Ego fancy dress shop has stocked up especially for the event.