The fair takes place on the Saturday afternoon of the festival (November 13) at STEAM, and runs from 10am to 4pm.

A string of individuals and groups have already committed to taking part, including the Swindon Advertiser, which is mounting a display of photographs and will also provide the public with a rare opportunity to see some of the bound copies of the paper from its private library, which date back to the 1850s - before Alfred was even born!

Although many of the exhibitors will have connections with Alfred, the theme is local history in general, so the Society is encouraging any group or individuals with an interest in our heritage to have a stand.

There is no charge - either for exhibitors or visitors - as the whole event is subsidised by a generous grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and, indeed, is designed to be a true community event.

Graham Carter, who is the Vice-chair of the Society and was the author of The Chronicle of Swindon, which the Advertiser published in 25 weekly parts in 2006, is organising the Local History Fair. He said: "We don't think anything like this has ever been done before, so it's a must-see event for anybody interested in heritage, history or just plain old nostalgia.

"We are delighted to have some key organisations involved already, but we also want to hear from anybody whose hobby is related to local history and would like to have a stall, show off their collection and talk about their researches with visitors.

"It's a great chance to meet the public, share information, drum up interest and maybe get more members.

"We'd also like to hear from you if you are a researcher and/or author who has written about local history. Why not come along, meet visitors and maybe sell some books into the bargain?"

Individuals already booked to take part are Mark Sutton, the town's authority on Swindon's role in the First World War, and Paul Williams, who will be bringing part of his collection of postcards and memorabilia associated with bygone Swindon photographer William Hooper. Both Mark and Paul will also be giving talks about their subjects.

David Macey is also bringing his collection of artefacts tracing the history of Swindon Co-Ops, while Roger Trayhurn - best known as a librarian - will be displaying items relating to his research into the history of Swindon's Empire Theatre.

Marlborough-based antiquarian bookseller John Price will also be there, displaying and selling his books, and there will be stands by The Richard Jefferies Society, The Friends of Alfred Williams and others.

"It's not crucial that there is any connection with Alfred," said Graham. "We are mounting our own display of historical material about his life and works, and some of the other exhibitors' displays will be relevant too, but the general theme is local history.

"We also think it's appropriate that the event also has an Indian flavour, in keeping with Alfred's love of its culture, so we also welcome organisations with Indian connections.

"We don't think it's an exaggeration to say it is going to be a celebration of our local heritage. We think there is plenty to be proud of in Swindon's history, and that's the message we want people to take home with them at the end."

Confirmed exhibitors so far:

The Friends of Alfred Williams
The Swindon Advertiser
Paul Williams (William Hooper postcard collection)
The Swindon Society
Mark Sutton (First World War)
The Richard Jefferies Society
Wroughton History Group
The Highworth Historical Society
Rodbourne History Group
David Macey (Co-op collection)
John Price (antiquarian books)
Roger Trayhurn (Empire Theatre history)
Chris Park (Acorn Education)
Wiltshire Folk Arts
Swindon Libraries
The New Mechanics' Institute Trust
Lydiard House
Thamesdown Transport

Talks programme

12pm: Swindon's role in the First World War (by Mark Sutton)
1pm: The story of Alfred's life (by Paul Williams)
2pm: Alfred's folksong legacy (by Bob Berry of Wiltshire Folk Arts)
3pm: Readings of poems and passages By Alfred, by the Friends of Alfred Williams (Roy Burton, Kaye and Graham Franklin)
It is free to take part in the Local History Fair, and tables will be provided for exhibitors. The Alfred Williams Heritage Society may also be able to assist with your stand, so please contact us to confirm your interest and discuss your requirements. In the first instance, email Graham Carter.

We are also looking for volunteers at the event, so if you can spare some time to help us put up and take down stands, assist exhibitors or other key roles, we'd love to hear from you. Please email Caroline Ockwell if you can help.

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