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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 May 29

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 May 29

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...

Create your own bug hotel Jun 03

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 Jun 03

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,...

Woodsmoke & Wild Bees Workshop Day Jun 04

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....

DorsetFest Jun 16

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 Jun 17

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 &...

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