ON BANK holiday Monday medieval dress became the standard attire for Malmesbury residents as the town celebrated St Aldhelm’s fair in historic fashion.

After the event was opened by Mayor of Malmesbury John Gundry in his ceremonial dress an array of stalls and activities were open to passersby and visitors.

As well as ancient pursuits like archery with longbows demonstrations were given into Malmesbury lace making techniques and young and old alike delighted at the entries for a riddle competition.

Malmesbury's Athelstan Players marked the day by dressing up to address visitors and many others dressed as knights, princesses and monks to make the day extra special.

Cllr Gundry said that the day in honour of the ancient saint from Malmesbury was blessed with good weather and saw many people visiting stalls, trying the activities and getting in to the fun of the event.

He said: "I thought it was excellent and want to say well done to organisers, Cllrs Poole, Doody, Kettley and Julia Bowen who are to be congratulated."

He added: "The man lived from 640 to 709AD and St Aldhelm's Fair we know was granted to the abbey by William the Conqueror even though he would have been dead for 300 years or so.

"He really, really helped put the town on the map."

St Aldhelm was a famous priest, rising to the role of Abbot of Malmesbury Abbey and was also known throughout Europe for his scholarly works in Latin.

On top of his other achievements Aldhelm was also reported to have performed several miracles and was known to serenade people with his lute before preaching to them.

According to Malmesbury's Athelstan Museum St Aldhelm’s well still runs and St.Aldhelm’s mead is named in his honour.