The organisers are pleased to announce that the designated charity for this year's Honiton Charter Day, due to be held on Saturday 31 July, is Honiton Memory Cafe.

Commenting on the announcement, Chairman of the organising committee for Charter Day, Terry Darrant, said: "We hope everyone will support us and the shops participating in our window dressing competition to raise as much money as we can for them."

Heather Penwarden, Chairman of the Honiton Dementia Action Alliance, added: "Memory Cafe members were absolutely delighted to be chosen as the Charter Day official charity for 2021.

"As with other local charities, the usual opportunities for fundraising have been severely compromised. So it is with much gratitude that we thank the Charter Day committee for supporting us in our work, as we gradually and safely all start meeting up again."

The organisers have been planning for several years to put Charter Day back to its original date of the Saturday after Hot Pennies, as it was for the first event back in 2007.

The hope has always been to make this a really big event, to coincide with the 800th anniversary of the Royal Charter of 1221 which granted the right to hold an annual fair in Honiton.

Terry Darrant said: "I think that after us all losing a year of our lives, everyone is looking forward to a summer of fun and freedom.

"And I hope Charter Day can be a slice of that cake of merriment; as long as the Government and the weather stay on our side!

"We have received some much-appreciated donations from both the Chamber of Commerce and Honiton Lions, as well as a promise of support on the on the day from Honiton Community Church.

"We have also been delighted at the support we've received from both local and national companies, such as Jewsons and Amberon Ltd."

The organisers are still accepting requests for free charity and non-profit group pitches, and have some space for trade stalls in return for a small donation to the designated charity.

To contact the organisers, email: [email protected].