Events and Festivals in Shaftesbury and Gillingham

With its fantastic location between two counties, there are always lots of events, festivals, art shows and fayres taking place in and around Shaftesbury and Gillingham.

As well as the much loved annual events such as the carnivals and agricultural shows, many of the local attractions also run their own events programmes. Stourhead House and Gardens and Compton Abbas Airfield are only a short distance away.

Good food is a way of life in rural Dorset! So naturally, Dorset plays host to a whole range of foodie events throughout the year to celebrate our excellent local produce. If you can’t wait for a foodie event, there are markets and Farmers’ Markets throughout rural Dorset’s towns at Shaftesbury, Sturminster Newton and Blandford Forum.

Spring colour

From late January into February, be sure to visit Dorset’s highest and oldest town to see the Shaftesbury Snowdrops.

With the aim of becoming Britain’s first snowdrop town, hundreds of thousands of bulbs have been planted around the town and will make their appearance in late winter. There are snowdrop walks and activities to enjoy as well as the popular illuminated Lantern Parade.

Feastival

The new Shaftesbury Feastival will take place in May. The town will be filled with stalls, live cooking demos and lots more.

If you’re feeling up for a challenge, sign up to take part in the Cheese Race. Keen entrants run up Gold Hill carrying a 35cm (45 – 55 pounds) wheel of locally made cheese. The whole family can take part or just sit back and cheer them on.

Family Fun

At the end of September, Shaftesbury Carnival week begins. The week leads up to the procession through the streets where donations are collected for charity and awards are given out for best dressed participants.

In the week running up to the Gillingham Carnival procession, expect live music, competitions, quizzes and more. The Carnival takes place in early October.

Shaftesbury Fringe

One of the largest fringe festivals in England takes place in July. Shaftesbury Fringe is 3 days of performances, live music, readings and comedy acts.

Country shows

In April, the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Spring Countryside Show has show gardens, livestock shows, trade and craft stands, food hall, farmers market and more.

Gillingham and Shaftesbury Agricultural Show takes place in August and is a traditional show with 1000s of animals, trade and craft stands and arena events, plus a Kennel Club Dog Show, food hall and farmers market.

Towards the end of September, enjoy a day out at the Wessex Heavy Horse Show and Country Fair.

Get your boots on

The Gillingham Walking Festival takes place in early September. Along with guided walks, there are other events which welcome walkers to the town.

Christmas in Shaftesbury

To get you in the festive spirit, indulge in some late night shopping in the town centre and enjoy the Michaelmas Fayre and Christmas Street Fair.