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Events are thick on the ground in Dorset! From the arts, food and drink and theatre to history, music and nature, there’s so much going on, it’s hard to fit it all in to the year. Here’s a snippet of the very best events...
Art lovers are well catered for here in Dorset, with the biennial Dorset Art Weeks.
Dorset Arts Weeks is one of the largest Open Studio events in the country that seeks to bring the public face to face with the artists and makers, whilst exploring the delights of one of the country's most beautiful counties. Profoundly different from entering a public gallery, the artists, designers or makers are on-hand and keen to talk about the extraordinary range of materials, skills and traditions that inform their work.
But that's not all, Art Events take place throughout the whole year, so whatever time you visit, you won't be disappointed.
The multi-award-winning Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival is one of the largest food festivals in the country, taking place annually in July around Weymouth’s charming harbour. Enoy Nyetimber Champagne with fresh oysters, taste different seafood dishes on offer from almost 100 stalls, watch live cooking demonstrations from the region’s best loved chefs AND taste their dishes in the Fisher & Paykel Social Kitchen. Head on down to the Piddle Bar or the ‘Sirens’ Cocktail bar serving lovely local Conker G&T’s & more. Even better, it’s all brewed in Dorset!!!
Food fanatic? See our full list of Foodie events.
Set in the serene venue of Sherborne Abbey, Sherborne Abbey Music Festival is an exciting celebration of contrasts in music and performance. Relax and enjoy the improvisation workshops, poetry and close harmonies to salon baroque, madrigals and classical ukelele. Whether audiences are looking for atmospheric acoustics, or rousing sea shanties, the early May bank holiday weekend in Sherborne is the place to be.
Let yourself be serenaded at more music events in Dorset.
July brings with it the Dorset Festival of Sport which includes a two day sports arena, two disability sports days, a team sports day, fun day, Battens Charity Volleyball Championship and RAF Beach Volleyball Classic. Held right on the sandy beach in Weymouth, it’s a great opportunity for residents and visitors alike to get involved with various sports such as kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, beach volleyball and more!
Feeling active? Take a look at more Sports Events in Dorset.
One of the most popular natural events in Dorset is the arrival of the cygnets at Abbotsbury Swannery, which heralds the first days of summer. Abbotsbury Swannery is the only place in the world where you can safely walk through a colony of mute swans and see cygnets hatching and learning to swim. Visitors can also take part in the twice-a-day mass-feeding of these graceful birds, something that is truly unique to Dorset.
If you love the great outdoors, you’ll love these other Nature Events.
If after reading this you can’t wait to come down to Dorset to experience it all, then you’ll want to know where you can stay. Rest your head on a plush pillow or camp under the stars, it’s up to you – we’re here waiting to welcome you to delightful Dorset.
Easily book your accommodation online now:
Number of results: 89
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Music
LYME REGIS
Those familiar with singer Lucy Wainwright Roche are aware of her bell tone voice, her unshakable melodies, and her knack for wise, wry lyrics that clench the heart. It’s no surprise that Wainwright Roche is the daughter of Suzzy Roche (The Roches)…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Festival
LYME REGIS
*THIS EVENT IS RESCHEDULED TO FRI 02-SAT 03 APRIL 2021 - please save the date!!*
With over 20 beers and 20 live acts across the weekend, this promises to be a hearty celebration of beer and music. Join us by the sea for drinking, singing, and…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Music
LYME REGIS
He's played with the Beatles, Paul McCartney, T Rex, The Who, Cliff Richard and Mark Ronson. Legendary sax player Howie Casey brings his 11 piece band to the Marine to celebrate The Beatles and The Wings, who he toured with in the early 70s.
A few…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Theatre
LYME REGIS
This event has been rescheduled from 8 May 2020. All original tickets are valid.
This is a special theatre show about the world's most famous comedian in history.
“WHAT A SAD BUSINESS, BEING FUNNY” – “LIMELIGHT” (1952)
BOOK NOW
Bar opens6:30 P.M…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Music
LYME REGIS
This event has been rescheduled from 18 September 2020. All original tickets are valid.
Dave Cousin's legendary band originate from the 60s and traverse rock, folk, bluegrass, and prog. Former members include Sandy Denny, Rick Wakeman, and…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Heritage
WIMBORNE MINSTER
Design your own linocut in this introductory workshop.
Learn how to create a linocut design that can be used to make your own prints.
Material pack available to purchase from tutor on the day (£10)
Image "Nordic Heart" Linocut, Julie…
Museum of East Dorset, Wimborne Minster
Arts and Culture
LYME REGIS
This date of this event has changed (the previous date was 18 April 2020). All original tickets are valid for the new date.
The pianist from folk duo O'Hooley & Tidow, who wrote and performed the theme song for Gentleman Jack, presents her new solo…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Comedy
LYME REGIS
A big-name comedian known for his tour de force of one-liners, stories, poems and jokes. He's one of Britain’s most loved comedians for his multiple, memorable and moving television appearances, his critically acclaimed writing and his legendary…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Talk or Lecture
SWANAGE
Swanage Pier have immense pleasure in announcing a series of five talks about the wildlife, geology, and coastal history around the Purbeck Coast. Thanks to the Victorian entrepreneurs, George Burt and John Mowlem, Swanage has a unique collection…
Swanage Pier, Swanage
Festival
The world-famous Dorset Knob Throwing and Food Festival will return in 2021.
Music
LYME REGIS
Described by Classic Rock Magazine as "One Of The Top 5 Must See Tributes In The UK", his seven piece Latin rock band continues to amaze fans with its celebration of the music of the legendary Carlos Santana.
BOOK NOW
Bar opens 7:00 P.M.
Starts 8:00…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Music
High Street, Wimborne Minster
Publication of his Vespers in 1610 almost certainly helped Monteverdi secure the post of maestro
di cappella at St Mark's in Venice. Famed for its thrilling rhythms, grand choruses and beautiful solo movements, this is surely one of the most…
Comedy
LYME REGIS
Comedian Lloyd Griffith is back on the road with his latest stand up tour. It’s been a busy few years for Grimsby’s favourite (for now, anyway) comedian/choirboy. He’s recently been supporting Jack Whitehall on tour, and you may have also seen him…
Music
LYME REGIS
We're delighted to welcome the Ivor Novello award-winning singer songwriter for a very special solo concert.Over 14 years and with his seventh album on the horizon, Matthews has continued to push the envelope with songs of breath-taking majesty.…
The Marine Theatre, West Dorset
Dance
Bournemouth
This event has been rescheduled from May 2020.
The new dates are Thursday 20 - Friday 21 May 2021.
If you have any queries about your booking please email bhlive.tickets@bhlive.org.uk
Following the incredible success of Strictly…
Art
Dorset
Dorset Arts Weeks is one of the largest Open Studio Events in the country. It brings artists and visitors together in ways that are often remarkable and profoundly different from entering a public gallery.
Talk or Lecture
SWANAGE
Swanage Pier have immense pleasure in announcing a series of five talks about the wildlife, geology, and coastal history around the Purbeck Coast. Lying on the seabed about a mile off the coast is the wreck of the Kyarra. Arguably one of the most…
Swanage Pier, Swanage
Festival
WIMBORNE MINSTER
We are excited to invite you to our 2021 festival, Family Fest! Taking place on Saturday 29th and Sunday 30th May 2021, join us at The Meadows, B3078, (BH21 3DH) from 11am to 7pm on both days. We have a fantastic line up for Family Fest including.…
Event
Exeter Road, Bournemouth
Rescheduled from June 2020.
The new date is Tuesday 1 June 2021 and your existing tickets will be valid for this date.
If you have any queries about your booking please email bhlive.tickets@bhlive.org.uk
As well as…
School Holiday
Dorchester
Cancelled for 2020 but please note 6th June 2021 in your diaries for when this celebration returns.
The Thomas Hardy Victorian Fair is returning to Dorchester for its second year to celebrate the 180th birthday of the literary giant.
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