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Events and Festivals in Purbeck

 

On the Isle of Purbeck, there is a year-round calendar of events to keep you entertained at all times and in all weathers. So whether you are wanting to take an art class, watch open-air theatre or eat all you can at a foodie festival, there is plenty on offer.

Toe tapping fun

If you’re a music lover, then we’ve got just about everything you could want, from headlining acts at Camp Bestival to up and coming local bands performing in pubs.

Blues, Roots and Folk are big on the list of music festivals which take place every year and have a huge following – so book your accommodation early to avoid disappointment.

Something for all seasons

It’s not just the summer which is packed with events. If you are visiting at Easter, you’ll find chocolate egg hunts and treasure trails for all ages – who doesn’t love chocolate!

Autumn brings Halloween fancy dress parties, pumpkin festivals and amazing firework displays and bonfires on Guy Fawkes Night. And then to close the year, you can celebrate the Winter Solstice, witness the lighting up of our towns and villages with Christmas lights, join in with some carol singing, and then ring in the New Year with a glass of bubbly or two.

Challenge yourself

Are you the fitness fanatic in your family whose idea of a relaxing holiday is to go for a 5 mile run every morning? Then you might like to take part in or watch one of our many sporting events – marathons, rowing regattas, walking challenges and triathlons are just a few. Or why not make up your own running, cycling or walking route – there are plenty of hill climbs to get the heart racing!

Family friendly

The events calendar is bursting with things to keep the kiddies amused or to entertain the whole family during your visit.

The Tank Museum’s TankFest is a highlight of the year – the world's biggest and best live display of historic armour, living history, and much more at the Home of the Tank. And then when summer arrives it’s all about carnival week with fun and games, competitions, fancy dress and parades.

If art is more your scene, you won’t want to miss Purbeck Art Weeks where there are open studios to watch the artists at work, exhibitions and musical performances.

And if you are visiting during the school holidays, our local attractions always have extra special events to let the children burn off some energy and the adults put their feet up for five minutes!

Book your stay on the Isle of Purbeck

So you've planned what you are going to do while on holiday, now find somewhere to stay. You'll find lots of choices from homely guest houses to 5 star campsites. For extra advice, contact one of team at Swanage Information Centre.

 

Events coming soon

Artisans on the Beach Dec 08

Artisans on the Beach

Set on Swanage seafront over the Christmas season, approx 30 beach-huts are taken over by local crafters and tradespeople all looking to sell the ideal creative gifts for you and your loved ones....

Christmas at Corfe Castle Dec 08

Christmas at Corfe Castle

For Christmas 2023 we invite you to get into the festive spirit with a visit to Corfe Castle where you can discover winter traditions old and new. Wayward children are invited to join our rather...

Christmas in Swanage Dec 08

Christmas in Swanage

The beautiful Victorian seaside town of Swanage is the perfect destination to soak up the Christmas atmosphere. Christmas Shopping Whether it is strolling through the town's main thoroughfare...

Christmas in Wareham Dec 08

Christmas in Wareham

The build up to Christmas is a bustling time in the town of Wareham. The historic market town is decorated with Christmas lights and a wonderful Christmas tree which stands on the town crossroads....

Lighting up Lives - The Switch On Dec 08

Lighting up Lives - The Switch On

Our Christmas 'Lighting Up Lives' is back. Over the last two years this magical event, lighting up the iconic Swanage Pier, has made it possible for hundreds of people to fondly remember...

The Polar Express Dec 08

The Polar Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Swanage Railway. These are our FAQ's – frequently asked questions! If we...

Christmas Street Market Dec 09

Christmas Street Market

Christmas Street Market 2023, in North Street, Wareham, from 10am until 4pm on Saturday 9th December 2023. Join us for a jolly holiday, festive retail experience with lots of stalls to compliment...

Visit Santas Grotto on Swanage Pier Dec 09

Visit Santas Grotto on Swanage Pier

Ho, Ho, Ho, Father Christmas is returning to Swanage Pier! When you arrive, you'll be greeted by one of Father Christmas Merry Elves who will entertain you in the winter wonderland grotto. You can...

Narthen Trio - Icicles and Inglenooks Dec 10

Narthen Trio - Icicles and Inglenooks

The winter season whilst often cold can be thawed by heart-lifting music that includes polyphonic, unaccompanied carols from Yorkshire and beyond, and tunes that make you want to dance. Throw into the...

Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concert Dec 10

Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concert

The Ridgeway Singers & Band invite you to join them for an evening of Dorset carols, folksongs, toe-tapping dance tunes, and local poems and stories to welcome and celebrate the coming of...

Wareham Christmas Celebrations - Father Christmas Dec 10

Wareham Christmas Celebrations - Father Christmas

Father Christmas with his golden boots comes to Wareham. Come and join the residents of Wareham for their traditional Christmas parade and celebrations parade from 4.30pm on Sunday 10th December...

Christmas on Swanage Pier Dec 16

Christmas on Swanage Pier

This year we are in full festive swing. We have live music, Christmas donkeys, Christmas entertainment and a chance to visit the big man himself, there is something for everyone! ** Visit Farther...

VRï Dec 16

VRï

Jordan Price Williams (cello, voice), Aneirin Jones (violin, voice) and Patrick Rimes (viola, violin, voice) are three young men from deepest chapel-going Wales, who have mined the cultural upheaval...

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