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.
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, the annual Teddy Rocks 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 tribute 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.
Music Festivals
We Out Here Festival returns for another year in August, just a 15 minute drive out of town. Across four days, enjoy the biggest names in Jazz, Soul, Hip Hop, Brazilian and sounds from across the globe, and at night, dance to some of the scene's most exciting DJs. Alongside the music, there'll be a wellness programme (yoga, breathwork, massage, dance and more), a Talks Tent, Roller disco, and independent Record Fair.
In June, the two day family friendly DorsetFest is set in the heart of the Dorset National Landscape. Enjoy a fantastic range of music, entertainment and food stalls. There's even the option the camp to make the most of the weekend.
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
Bob Whitley and Lee MacKenzie - Anne Boleyn Wolf at the Door
Written and Composed by Bob Whitley. Performed by Bob Whitley and Lee MacKenzie.. Bob Whitley (guitar, tenor guitar and mandola) and Lee MacKenzie (baroque cello) take us back to the 16th Century and...
Estate Walk to Badbury Rings and Lodge Farm
A walk with fine views and the opportunity to discover some of the fascinating history of the ancient Iron Age hill fort of Badbury Rings and the medieval building of Lodge Farm. Meet the tenant of...
Motive and the Cue
Sam Mendes (The Lehman Trilogy) directs Mark Gatiss as John Gielgud and Johnny Flynn as Richard Burton in this fierce and funny new play. 1964: Richard Burton, newly married to Elizabeth Taylor, is to...
Women of the Dark Skies
Women of the Dark Skies is an immersive storytelling pilgrimage for women, exploring darkness, power and freedom, crossing the ancient lands of Chettle at night... Travel back in time nearly 2,000...
24th Anniversary Charity Gala Dinner
Join us for a special evening on Saturday 23rd March 2024 to celebrate our 24th anniversary. The night will be a magical evening celebrating our life-saving service and raising vital funds for our...
Easter Bunny Tag
Get ready to hop into an Easter adventure like no other! Our outdoor laser tag event is the perfect way to get into the Easter spirit. Have a go at the Easter Egg hunt laser tag style! You'll have...
Julian Gaskell and His Ragged Trousered Philanthropists - Broadside Bangers
Cornwall's premium post-ragtime, rembetika punk, swing polka klezmer blues trio present an anthology of some of the most melodramatic, gruesome and supernatural broadside ballads from the 17th to...
Make a Foam Easter Basket at Kingston Lacy
Get little fingers (age 5 years+) weaving and make a foam Easter basket to take home. Booking essential, tickets £5 + normal admission applies.
Townsend Productions - Behold Ye Ramblers
From the voices of ramblers and campaigners to the songs and poetry inspired by past and current struggles, 'Behold Ye Ramblers' is a new play about The Clarion newspaper and the organisations...
Blandford Forum Farmers and Makers Markets
Blandford Forum Farmers & Makers Markets 2024. The market will return this year, and they are planning for the following dates that fall on a Sunday: 24 March, 28 April, 26 May, 23 June, 28 July,...