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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

Christmas in Blandford Dec 11

Christmas in Blandford

The countdown to Christmas is well celebrated in Blandford with a festive calendar of events enjoyed by both visitors and locals alike. The Woodhouse Gardens will be illuminated from early December...

Christmas in Sturminster Newton Dec 11

Christmas in Sturminster Newton

At Christmas time the community and chamber of commerce of Sturminster Newton run a programme of events during the festive season called Let's make Stur Sparkle!  There is a full...

Handmade for Christmas Dec 11

Handmade for Christmas

Handmade for Christmas from 9th November to 24th December 2023. For just two months each year this unassuming little Victorian Chapel in Sturminster Newton metamorphoses into a glowing...

Storytelling with Santa Dec 11

Storytelling with Santa

This festive season, join us on an adventure to find Santa in his hidden storybook nook for a cosy Christmas tale, an early gift and a photo with the man himself. Make memories, start traditions and...

Bear Jams Christmas Party Dec 16

Bear Jams Christmas Party

We are delighted to be welcoming Bare Jams back after a very successful concert earlier this year. 'Experience the feel-good vibes of Bare Jams, a tight group of experienced musical alchemists....

Christmas Cinema at Bryanston School Dec 16

Christmas Cinema at Bryanston School

We are delighted to be showing a wide range of Christmas films from 16-24 December 2023, including Home Alone, Elf, Nativity, Polar Express, The Muppets Christmas Carol and The Nutcracker. Our...

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