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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.

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!

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.

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 03

Artisans on the Beach

Artisans on the Beach is an event that is run for 4 to 5 weeks every November and December to enable local artists and crafts people to show and sell their handmade and handcrafted items from a Beach...

Christmas and New Year in Wareham Dec 03

Christmas and New Year 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....

Christmas in Swanage Dec 03

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...

Purbeck Artist and Stallholders Christmas Fair Dec 03

Purbeck Artist and Stallholders Christmas Fair

A Christmas event in beautiful Worth Matravers on the Isle of Purbeck. Explore a range of locally hand made crafts, art work and tasty festive treats. Find us at Worth Matravers Village Hall. Open...

Swanage Town Band Concert Dec 04

Swanage Town Band Concert

Swanage Town Band Christmas Concert will take place at 7.30pm on Wednesday 4th December. T his will be John Watkins' first Christmas Concert leading Swanage Town Band and he has chosen some great...

Purbeck Folk Club Dec 05

Purbeck Folk Club

Our next evening at the Village Hall on the 5th December 2024 will feature The Well. The Well are creative spirits with very different artistic and cultural backgrounds who have formed an enthusiastic...

The Polar Express Dec 05

The Polar Express

THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride. We look forward to welcoming you aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride at Swanage Railway.  A choice of dates and departure times are available to book,...

Christmas Party Night Dec 06

Christmas Party Night

Join us at Kingston Country Courtyard in our Winter wonderland themed 16th Century barn from 18:30 through until midnight for an evening of food and dancing by our award winning resident DJ. Three...

Lighting up Lives - The Switch On Dec 06

Lighting up Lives - The Switch On

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

Near-ta Theatre - Christmas. Time. Dec 06

Near-ta Theatre - Christmas. Time.

Charlie and Toby are feeling low, and why wouldn't they? It's Christmas Day and they're serving time at His Majesty's pleasure. But why shouldn't they be having a Merry Christmas...

Swanage Christmas Market Dec 07

Swanage Christmas Market

Join Swanage & Purbeck Rotary Club for their annual Christmas Market. Enjoy browsing the many and varied stalls of fresh and locally sourced produce. Traders will be selling their wares from...

Tom Jones Tribute Night Dec 07

Tom Jones Tribute Night

Our fabulous Tribute Night party night consist of: Three course sumptuous meal Party on the dancefloor to Tom Jones Located in our wonderful 16th Century barn which benefits from underfloor heating...

Festive 'Pho-dog-graphy' Dec 08

Festive 'Pho-dog-graphy'

At Margaret Green Animal Rescue, we are excited to be hosting Festive 'Pho-dog-graphy' at our Church Knowle centre in Dorset on Sunday 8th December 2024, which is proudly sponsored by...

Wareham Christmas Celebrations - Father Christmas Dec 08

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 4pm on Sunday 8th December...

Winter Wonderland Feast Dec 08

Winter Wonderland Feast

Join us before your big day or night out for our feast…. Our fabulous festive feast will be served in our Sawmill Restaurant, open from 12noon £20 per adult with children 8 and under for...

Winter lights at Corfe Castle Dec 13

Winter lights at Corfe Castle

Explore the ruins of Corfe Castle lit under warm glowing lights with the stars above you. Gather around a fire pit to toast marshmallows whilst catching up with friends or family. Braziers and festoon...

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