� A dog show featuring celebrity judges will be one of the highlights of this year’s Highgate Fair in the Square.

West End musical star Harriet Thorpe, television actress Mathilda Thorpe and MP Lynne Featherstone will be judging local canine talent for the waggiest tails and hottest tricks.

Russell Hatton, owner of PetVet, judge and organiser of the event, said: “Highgate is a very doggie place. I have no doubt we are going to have the cream of the crop of dog talent.

“Highgate people are cultured and educated and tend to buy nice dogs from good breeders, rather than fashionable dogs.

“The dogs here have more street-cred and are more streetwise. They know dog manners and are socialised.”

The Fair, which has been a fixture in Highgate for the last 20 years, will take place in Pond Square on June 18.

The Hornsey School for Girls Steel band will kick-start the fair while the Mayor of Camden will officially open it.

This will be followed by a diverse range of on-stage performances from more than 200 local people ranging from music and dance to martial arts. Acts include a Cuban band, circus performers, salsa, ballet and belly-dancing.

Marje Isabelle, chair of The Highgate Fair committee, said: “The fair is Highgate’s biggest day out. It’s fun for all the family, and also free.

‘‘You get the opportunity to meet your neighbours and make new friends.”

Activities for children include Punch and Judy, fairground rides, a treasure hunt, face painting, storytelling, an opportunity to learn circus skills and an art competition.

There will be almost 90 stalls selling gifts and knick-knacks, as well as over a dozen food stalls selling tasty treats.

The fair is looking for volunteers to help out on the day, as well as people to get involved in organising next year’s event. Interested people should email thefairinthesquare@gmail.com.

n Visit www.fairinthesquare.co.uk and full programme details will be in the Ham&High on June 16.