With a novelty dog show judged by Martin Clunes and Clydesdale horses dancing to music, Buckham Fair certainly puts the fun into fundraising, as Helen Stiles discovers

Hosted by Martin and Philippa Clunes on their gorgeous farm near Beaminster, Buckham Fair dog and pony show, is a fun-filled way to raise money for a much loved Dorset charity and enjoy a great day out. The popular local event, which this year is on Sunday 21 August, is raising money for the Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.

Part of Buckham Fair’s appeal is that you can just pitch up on the day and enter your dog for classes such as Waggiest Tail, Best Trick, Fancy Dress and Dog Most Like Its Owner. All novelty classes are judged by Martin Clunes in person. Buckham also hosts the heart-warming final of Best Recue Dog of the Year. New for this year will be the Gatwick Border Force Dog Display and a Gun Dog Display. In addition the horse show is now open to riders over 18, and there will be Clydesdale horses dancing to music! Something Martin is particularly looking forward to as he has his own pair of Clydesdales - Bruce and Ronnie.

“The trick with Buckham Fair is to keep the day fresh but also to keep it the traditional fun day out for families that it has become over the last eight year,” enthuses Martin, who was awarded an OBE last year for his services to drama, charity and the community in Dorset. “We have lots of new spectacles in the main ring, loads of great food stalls in our amazing Food Court and there is even a dressage display with Clydesdales using one of my big boys, Bruce. We’re delighted to be supporting Weldmar Hospice Care Trust again as we know how much people in Dorset feel about this fabulous local charity.”

In addition to all this thrilling hoof and paw action there is a wonderful range of local craft and trade stalls and a fun fair with big wheel, helter skelter and dodgems.

The main sponsor for Buckham is local solicitors Kitson and Trotman, and you too could also be a sponsor of Buckham. Sponsorship starts from £25. Download a sponsorship from buckhamfair.co.uk where you will also find details of all the dog and pony events. So make a date Sunday 21 August gates open at 9am.

More Martin Clunes…

• Martin Clunes on receiving an OBE, this year’s Buckham Fair and Doc Martin - As filming for the seventh series of Doc Martin comes to an end, Martin Clunes OBE is busy preparing for his next starring role at Buckham Fair. Carol Burns caught up with Martin and his furry co-star on set in Port Isaac