Martin Clunes revives fair to raise hospital cash

Martin Clunes revealed plans to revive Buckham Fair earlier this month

A fair hosted by actor Martin Clunes and his film producer wife, Philippa, is being revived in 2026 to raise funds for Dorset County Hospital's (DCH) new emergency department.

Buckham Fair in Beaminster, Dorset, ran from 2009 to 2018, raising more than £600,000 for local charities.

The hospital in Dorchester launched a £2.5m appeal for enhanced facilities in the new emergency department and critical care unit, which is due to open in 2027.

The couple, who have supported numerous hospital projects, said they decided to "reboot the fair as a one-off, specifically to raise money for the cause".

The Men Behaving Badly and Doc Martin star revealed the plans in front of an audience at Dorchester Literary Festival earlier this month, while in conversation with BBC radio presenter Steve Harris about his new book.

Doc Martin and Sliding Doors producer Philippa Braithwaite said she and Clunes had originally taken "a break" from the fair because it had become a "year-round commitment" but the pandemic meant it was never revived.

Martin Clunes was in conversation with BBC's Steve Harris (left) at Dorchester Literary Festival

She said: "We recently went to a fundraising evening for the DCH Emergency Department Appeal.

"We thought it would be good to reboot the fair as a one-off, specifically to raise money for the cause.

"We have all had to visit DCH over the last few years and it is a wonderful hospital which we are lucky to have."

She said the event, scheduled for 2 August, would have the "same great feel", with a fun fair, local produce and food and drink, adding: "Our incredibly popular dog show classes will be back and this time we are having heavy horse displays, a heavy horse village for people to come and meet the gentle giants, and a large selection of other dog and horse displays."

In previous years, the fair has attracted between 8,000 and 10,000 visitors.