THE Bridport Hat Amnesty has been declared.

Hat Festival publicist Matthew Count said: “As part of this year’s Hat Festival, any unwanted headwear can now be taken to Snook’s Hat Shop in West Street, where it will receive the respect and sympathetic treatment that it deserves.

“All the hats received will be re-homed at the hat auction which will be held this year on Thursday September 1 at 8pm at the Bridport & West Dorset Club in South Street.

“Auctioneer Jim Rowe will be officiating at this fun night which is one not be missed. “There will be lots of bargains to be had and all money raised will be donated to charity including Brain Tumour Research and The Brain Injury Rehabilitation Trust.”

“This year’s Bridport Hat Festival organisers are delighted to announce that Hank Wangford and the Lost Cowboys are confirmed as kicking the festival off to a fun start on Friday September 2 at the Electric Palace.

“Hank is an authentic country singer/songwriter, with a wide emotional range and is known as country music’s ‘King of Pain’.

“He’s renowned on both sides of the Atlantic for his originality and long years on the country music scene and will be accompanied by his four all-star hard-core country musicians - including B.J. Cole, one of the world’s greatest pedal steel guitar players.

Mr Count added:”There will be a celebratory party atmosphere in the elegant surroundings of Bridport’s Palace with optional - but approved of - vintage dress, so pick a decade and dress glamorously, and don’t forget your hat!

“The Palace has a dance area and Hank is uncommonly fond of a waltz - so dust off your dancing shoes. All proceeds will go to the festival charities.”

There is a new committee this year and members are brimful of new ideas – one of which is the chance to get your music act featured on YouTube.

The main festival day will be Saturday September 3, with the usual crowded – mass photo in Bucky Doo square at 1pm.

There are events from Thursday to Sunday including an opening event on Friday evening at the Electric Palace.

New for this year is a music stage from 10.30 to 1pm run by the Artists and Vintage quarter in St. Michael’s estate.

Mr Count said: “This music stage will offer, for a small fee: a “minute of fame”, including the use of the stage and sound system with every performance filmed and uploaded to YouTube. Show the world that Bridport’s got talent.”

Also new for this year is Saint Marys’ bell ringing group holding a ‘Tower Open Day’ on Saturday from 10.30 to noon There are also all the usual events of live music, talks, tea dancing, dog competitions, refreshment stalls, competitions for best hat and millinery.

Up-to-date information can be found on the website bridporthatfest.org.

Matt adds: “If you would like to be involved in the running of the day, the need for volunteer stewards. Contact us via the website or telephone 01308 250350.

The Hat Festival raises money for head related charities. In 2014 the event donated £2280 to charity and in 2015 £3030.