Events and Festivals in Blandford
Blandford Forum is a town of history, arts and fantastic local food and drink. And the events and festivals which take place here during the year are fun for all ages, whatever your interest and budget.
Great Dorset Steam Fair
This is a well-known fixture in the Blandford events calendar and will next take place in August 2024.
The Fair has been running for over 50 years and regularly attracts more than 100,000 visitors over 5 days. As well as displays of all things steam powered, there is music, food and drink, heavy horses, vintage vehicles, a fun fair and more.
Culture and the arts
Performing arts comes to the small stage in Dorset’s countryside. Usually set within local village halls, all ages can watch fantastic live performances at affordable ticket prices.
The ArtsReach charity not only supports local venues but also local performers too and brings music, theatre and dance to rural Dorset.
Teddy Rocks Festival
Created in 2010 to raise money for children's cancer charities, this annual festival is now firmly on the Blandford Forum events calendar.
Taking place each year over the early May bank holiday weekend, there's always a great line-up of acts including well-known artists and bands as well as local talent. Day tickets, weekend tickets and camping can all be booked online.
Brewery Tours
The Hall and Woodhouse Brewery has been brewing real ales since 1777 and include the interestingly named Fursty Ferret, Hopping Hare and Cranborne Poacher – all part of the Badger Beer brand.
As well as taking a brewery tour and sampling some of the creations, there are also many Hall and Woodhouse pubs all over Dorset where you can enjoy a delicious lunch or dinner and stay overnight.
Christmas in Blandford
The annual Yuletide Festival is a sight to behold. On one evening in December, Blandford is alive with carol singers, a lantern parade, street theatre, music and dancing. Father Christmas also pays a visit and the shops and streetside stalls are open late for those looking for unique and unusual Christmas presents.
During December, shops windows are decorated with Christmas scenes, Market Place is home to a huge Christmas trees and carol services take place at the parish church.
Events coming soon
Garden guided tours at Kingston Lacy
Join a volunteer-led garden tour to discover the history of the formal gardens and enjoy the highlights of the season. Tours run at 11:30am and 2pm every Thursday, Friday, Sunday and Monday. This is a...
Make a paper bug at Kingston Lacy
Make a new friend this half term by creating a paper bug to take home. Choose either a caterpillar or a lady bug – there's no charge (normal admission applies) and no need to book, so look out for...
Marvellous minibeasts at Kingston Lacy
Every day in May and June, explore the woodland walk to find out where our minibeasts live, eat and sleep around Kingston Lacy. Try out the minibeast-themed activities along the woodland walk from...
Create your own bug hotel
Assemble and fill your very own bug hotel using recycled tin cans and natural materials. Create little nooks and crannies perfect for minibeasts to lay their heads. £3 per bug hotel (normal...
Sturminster Newton Car and Bike Enthusiasts
Very popular, family-friendly car and bike event on the first Saturday of every month between 9 and 12 on the Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground (Location - What3words - rests.raves.aimlessly,...
Rosa Torr: Rattus Rattus: The Epic Tail of Man vs Rat
It's New Year's Day 2015 and Rosa's dad has made a life-changing resolution. At the same time, a rat sneaks into her family home and so begins an epic battle for control of the house. As...
Woodsmoke & Wild Bees Workshop Day
A peaceful workshop retreat day, culminating in a hand painted solitary bee hotel and a little bee 'workbook' of your own making. *You will start by making your own simple paper workbook....
Blandford Great Big Green Week
Blandford's contribution to the national Great Big Green Week highlighting sustainability and climate change issues includes a giant jumble sale, a Green Fair with over 30 exhibitors at the Arches...
DorsetFest
DorsetFest is a family-friendly music festival set in the heart of the Dorset Area of Oustanding Natural Beauty (AONB). The two-day event offers a fantastic range of music, entertainment and food...
Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Beer Festival
Ready your tastebuds and raise your glasses, because the 2023 Hall & Woodhouse Dorset Beer Festival is nearly here! Join us Saturday 17th June at our Blandford Forum based Hall &...