The magical Richmond May Fair weekend is set to make its return after a three-year absence.

The three-day event includes the Fair itself as well as the prestigious May Ball, which has raised more than £1m for local good causes over the past 50 years.

The events, which will also see the return of the Arts Richmond's Book Picnic, all take place in and around a marquee in the prestige location of Richmond Green.

The May Fair weekend, which always attracts thousands of residents, was halted by coronavirus and the associated lock-downs.

The centre piece of the event is the May Fair, which will take place on Saturday, May 13.

It has grown from a few stalls around the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene to become borough's major charity fundraising event.

As well as hundreds of charity stalls filling the Green, a thriving Craft Fair takes place in the main marquee and there is entertainment all day on stage and around the Green.

The glamorous Richmond May Ball will be held in the elegant main marquee on The Green on the eve of the Fair – Friday, May 12.

Traditionally, it has welcomed many famous names from stage and screen who live in the borough who gather to support local charities. And the organisers are looking to hear from sponsors and famous names who would be keen to support this year's event.

The 2023 Ball will benefit two wonderful and deserving local charities: Home-Start RKH, which supports families in the most difficult circumstances; and Skylarks, which provides activities and resources for children with additional needs and their families.

On Sunday, May 14, the main marquee is the venue for Arts Richmond's Book Picnic.

Three years ago, the town was gearing up to celebrate the May Fair's golden anniversary, however that was halted by the fall-out of the pandemic.

For 2023, a committee of local volunteers has worked hard to reinstate the fair, and will take it back to its roots as a true community event.

Pamela Fleming, who chairs the 2023 May Fair committee, said: "We are delighted to be bringing back the May Fair.

"It provides a key opportunity for our local charities to raise vital funds – which are needed more than ever, at the moment – and we know that people have missed coming together to celebrate our community in such a special way.

"Borough residents have told us that the May Fair is part of their family history – those that once looked forward to coming with their parents or grandparents are now bringing their own children to ride the helter skelter.

"The fair plays such an important role in bringing the people of Richmond together to support good causes and enjoy a great day out.

"We are also pleased that the glamorous Richmond May Ball will be returning on the previous evening Friday 12th May."

Be Richmond, which represents over 300 businesses in the town centre, organised the fair in 2018 and 2019 and will sponsor the 2023 event.

Be Richmond's manager, Ellen Amorina Storrar, said: "On behalf of the business community, Be Richmond is thrilled to support the 2023 May Fair.

"Town centre events such as this often bring new visitors to the area, who we hope will return time and time again to explore all that Richmond has to offer."

Details for the event, including how to apply for a stall and buy tickets for the May Ball can be found on its website here - https://richmondmayfairweekend.org.uk/