A DORSET event raised a massive £138,000 for the Dorset County Hospital Charity – featuring Men Behaving Badly on the day in the form of actors Martin Clunes and Neil Morrissey.

The Buckham Fair Committee has handed the record-breaking amount to the DCH Charity’s Emergency and Critical Care Appeal – which aims to raise £2.5 million to boost the department.

The 2026 Buckham Fair was held on Sunday, August 2 and welcomed more than 8,000 people to enjoy a raft of attractions including stalls, a beer tent, displays, a fun fair, dog shows and heavy haulage exhibits.

It was founded by Martin and Philippa Clunes with 2026 marking a return after eight years.

Neil Morrissey and Martin Clunes were re-united to judge the dog show together, with the very special category of ‘dog most like Neil Morrisey’ among the prizes handed out.

The fair returned after an eight-year break. Picture: Josh & Zach Gale

After the event, a Buckham Fair Committee spokesperson said: “Thank you to all our volunteers, friends, neighbours and supporters, not to mention the thousands of happy visitors who came from far and wide making the whole day such a success. We are so proud to support DCH and this Appeal and its essential work to furnish this splendid new building.”

Simon Pearson, head of the DCH Charity, added: “We feel incredibly grateful and privileged to be chosen as the benefitting charity for the return of Buckham Fair this year.

“We would like to share heartfelt thanks to the Buckham Fair Committee, and all the volunteers and staff from DCH and the wider community who have come together to give their time and expertise to help make this fantastic event happen.

The DCH Charity volunteers at the Buckham Fair. Picture Faye Neal Photography

“The atmosphere on the day was extraordinary, and visitors were so keen to support our Appeal, which is something we truly appreciate. This major donation has taken us over the £2 million milestone for our Appeal, which will benefit so many local people using our local hospital, for generations to come.”

Funding for construction of the £100 million project has been provided by the Government’s New Hospital Programme and is due to be completed in 2027.

To find out more about the Appeal, other areas it will fund and how you can help, visit the Emergency and Critical Care Appeal page at dchcharity.org.uk.

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