The former director of famous auction house Sothebys was the special guest at the two-day fair, accompanied by his wife Helen.

He spoke at a gala dinner at Strathalbyn Racecourse on the Saturday and hosted an afternoon tea on the Sunday.

Tim and fellow Bargain Hunters David Barby and Paul Laidlaw have been in Australia filming a five-episode Australian special of the show.

Event convener Bec Smith said David and Paul made the trip from Adelaide to be amongst the action for the Sunday.

"They said 'this is Australia, this is beautiful'.

"Of all the places they'd been, this was a highlight," she said.

"Helen also celebrated her birthday on Sunday."

More than 80 traders and hundreds of antique lovers from around the country gathered in the town for the event.

Ms Smith said the weekend was an overwhelming success and word on the street was more income was generated on the Saturday alone than for the whole weekend of last year.

Traders were set up in four separate halls over the weekend, with exhibits ranging from Royal Doulton and Wedgewood to teddy bears, hatpins and militaria.

On Sunday, August 21, 100 stalls were set up for a giant Open Air Treasure Market on Ashbourne Road.