Information and support for people affected by dementia will be available when an East Hampshire school holds an important festival later this week.

More than 20 stalls will set up stall at Churcher’s College this Friday for the fifth annual East Hampshire Dementia Festival inspired by the late Jeff Williams.

The event organised by Dementia Friendly Petersfield could be a lifeline for families, carers and people living with the condition.

Visitors can find specialist support and top advice from local charities and organisations during the free drop-in event from 10am to 1pm in the auditorium.

Supporters East Hampshire District Council have billed the festival as a “marketplace” of stalls and information stands with each providing dementia-related support – and an opportunity to meet and chat with people who share similar experiences.

“We’ve got more than 20 organisations coming in to provide information for people living with dementia,” said co-organiser, Audrey Morton.

“I think it has become part of the East Hampshire calendar as it’s such an important event for so many.

“We also get a lot of support from EHDC and they’re helping us out this year, again.”

There’s more to the festival than stalls and information stands with a programme of talks being lined up.

Visitors can expect presentations on Lasting Power of Attorney, Living with Dementia – A Carer’s Perspective and Funding for Long-term Care.

There will also be question-and-answer sessions, a café run by Winton House, and a chance at 12.45pm to hear the Dementia Choir sing.

Organisations taking part include Alzheimer’s Society, Princess Royal Trust for Carers, Dementia Friendly Alton, Home Instead East Hampshire, Petersfield Dementia Choir and others.

The festival will be opened by East Hampshire MP, Damian Hinds, at 10am. Free entry and parking, everyone welcome, for more details contact Audrey on 07966 759929 or Julie Butler on 07786 243138.