Castle Bytham, just 15 miles south of Grantham, will be holding its famous Midsummer Fair on Sunday (June 21).

And as an extra incentive to visit, the organisers have waived the usual car park charge.

The Fair has become a keenly anticipated highlight of the summer in this part of Lincolnshire and it's not hard to see why.

For one day a year this normally peaceful and picturesque village bustles with bargain hunters sifting through stalls selling all manner of things from crafts and collectibles to bedding plants and bric-a-brac.

For 2009 there's an even greater emphasis on family entertainment, with fairground rides and lots of traditional village fete games for kids of any age to enjoy.

This year the exhibition of classic cars looks set to bring in a record number of entries, while those who prefer four legs to four wheels, will be drawn to the fun dog show, which always attracts an impressive selection of our canine friends and their proud owners.

The usual residents of the village pond will be making way for demonstrations of model boats.

And you'll get a chance to cheer on your own entrants in the annual duck race along the stream that flows in front of the castle mound – which is all that remains of a fortress built by Norman lords after the invasion of 1066.

A reminder of a more recent conflict is provided by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight Spitfire which will doubtless stir up some memories for the older visitors during its flypast at around 3.30pm

And still on a military theme, there's a Harrier cockpit display to inspect.

The Rutland Morris Men are making a welcome return visit, and there'll be other live music to entertain throughout the day.

There will be plenty of choice of refreshments, from beer festivals and a barbecue to home-made cakes in the village hall, where there's also a Bygone Bytham photographic exhibition.

The village' two pubs will be open and there will be local produce for sale in the excellent Castle Bytham Stores.

The event is organised by volunteers from Castle Bytham and since 1998 it has raised more than £30,000 for local projects, charities and contributed towards the upkeep of St James' Parish Church.

The Fair opens at 10am (bacon butties in the village hall until 11am) and closes with a 'Songs of Praise' in the parish church at 4.30pm. Parking is free and this year we're using a new site that is much closer to the action. We hope you have a fabulous day.

For more information visit www.castlebytham.com or get in touch via midsummerfair@googlemail.com