Key Events in Dorset

Dorset is one of the most peaceful parts of the country but it still buzzes with activity throughout the year. As the seasons turn, film, folk, food and fossil festivals present themselves. Rural pursuits and local crafts are proudly exhibited at steam fairs and agricultural shows. From the quirky and traditional, to events so popular that headliner acts, tv stars and the Red Arrows turn up for a slice of the action, here is just a taster of a whole host of exciting events that take place in Dorset throughout the year...

April
Spring colour weekends at historic houses and gardens
Swanage and Purbeck Walking Festival

May
Lyme Regis Fossil Festival
Lyme Regis Jazz, Blues and Beer Festival
Baby swans hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery
Christchurch Food & Wine Festival
Weymouth Kite Festival
Dorset Knob Throwing Festival
Dorset Art Weeks

June
Dorchester Carnival
Beaminster Festival of Music and the Arts
Wimborne Folk Festival
Bridport Food and Beer Festival
Christchurch Music Festival
Spirit of the Sea Festival
Dorchester Festival

July
Swanage Jazz Festival
Lyme Regis RNLI Lifeboat Week
Camp Bestival
Larmer Tree Festival
Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival
Swanage Regatta and Carnival

August
Christchurch, Bridport and Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Weeks
Weymouth Carnival and Fireworks
Bournemouth Air Festival
Melplash Show
Sting in the Tale - Festival of Stories
Endorse it in Dorset
Buckham Fair

September
Great Dorset Steam Fair
Dorset County Show
Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival
Feast of Dorset Festival

Autumn and Winter
Bridport Literary Festival
Floodlit Gardens Abbotsbury
Christmas Festivals and craft fairs
Chase the Pudding, Weymouth