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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

A Visual History of Swanage Pier Jun 17

A Visual History of Swanage Pier

Step onto the Lower Deck of Swanage Pier and explore its history through photographs. This exhibition shows Swanage Pier's journey from its Victorian beginnings to its role in maritime history....

Geoff Robb – The Music of Trees Jun 17

Geoff Robb – The Music of Trees

A Purbeck Guitar Festival concert at Sandy Hill Arts, Corfe Join Geoff Robb at Sandy Hill Arts in Corfe for an atmospheric evening which celebrates nature and beautiful acoustic guitar music. Inspired...

Intermediate Yoga on Swanage Pier Jun 17

Intermediate Yoga on Swanage Pier

The Thursday morning sessions are more dynamic in pace and will include the opportunity to explore some more challenging postures. We will explore breath awareness and movement practices, with...

Kings' View Experience Jun 17

Kings' View Experience

Called the Kings' View, the platform stands tall within the Keep where royal living quarters once were. Until now, this part of the castle has been inaccessible to everyone except conservation...

Yoga on Swanage Pier Jun 17

Yoga on Swanage Pier

The Tuesday morning sessions will be a gentle guided flow class suitable for all levels of experience. They will include an introduction to simple breathing techniques, some standing and seated...

Swanage Town Band Concert Jun 18

Swanage Town Band Concert

We are delighted to be playing on Swanage Bandstand again this summer and are looking forward to our first concert there on Wednesday 21st May at 7pm. We look forward to seeing you there and hope you...

Visiting Artists at Corfe Castle Jun 18

Visiting Artists at Corfe Castle

In collaboration with Purbeck Art Weeks Festival, each Wednesday between 11 June - 16 July two visiting artist will be working in the Outer Bailey of Corfe Castle. Come and see these talented artists...

Ricky Romain Concert Jun 19

Ricky Romain Concert

Ricky has performed at festivals and concert halls throughout the UK and in Europe and has also been involved in a wide variety of collaborations and recordings with Classical Indian musicians.He also...

Artisan Crafts Jun 20

Artisan Crafts

Find our friendly artisan volunteers in the Outer Bailey every Friday displaying heritage crafts such as stone carving, wood carving, wattle and daubing, and more! *Displays dependent on volunteer...

Guitar Heroes Concert Jun 20

Guitar Heroes Concert

The Purbeck Guitar Festival and Swanage Jazz Club, proudly present Peter Cooley, a soulful singer and guitarist hailing from Bournemouth. With roots tracing back to soul, funk, and blues, Peter has...

Cancer Research UK Big Hike Jurassic Coast Jun 21

Cancer Research UK Big Hike Jurassic Coast

Take on Cancer Research UK's one-day Big Hike challenge along the Jurassic Coast. Choose between a 10k or full/half marathon distance on Saturday 21 June 2025 and explore the great outdoors - all...

Dorset County Orchestra Summer Concert Jun 21

Dorset County Orchestra Summer Concert

Join Dorset County Orchestra for our summer concert when we return to St Mary's Church with another fabulous and varied programme. This year we welcome Hugo Svedberg who will play Max Bruch's...

Paddington Jun 21

Paddington

"Things are always happening to me. I'm that sort of bear" Come and meet everyone's favourite railway bear Paddington at Swanage Railway on Saturday 21 June and Sunday 22 June and...

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