What’s going on in Dorset – the big events and festivals you need to see!

Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival

Saturday 13th July – Sunday 14th July 2019

One of the biggest food events in the country and winner of many coveted awards, this is a festival not to be missed, especially for those that revel in the taste of seafood. Oysters are a particular favourite in this area, but in truth, there’s very little aquatic life that you won’t find on a skillet here - and tasting delicious.

With 100+ stalls, classes in cookery instruction, an assortment of celeb chefs, and plenty of the famous Pommery Champagne to be quaffed, this Festival is a gastronomic riot for the whole family.

Dorset Art Weeks

Next occurring in 2020

Taking place every other year, this stimulating event is an amazing opportunity for the public to interact with artists, designers, makers and cultural shakers, all keen to explain the knowledge, process and skill that goes into creating extraordinary works of art.

If you have even a passing interest in painting, sculpture or any form of artwork, this event should teach you something new, and bolster your creative spirit; newbies might even be inspired to pick up an easel and brush themselves afterwards.

And with the next event due to take place in 2020 you have plenty of time to arrange a visit and buy some watercolour paints.

Sherborne Abbey Music Festival

3rd May – 7th May 2019

This event has been awarded Gold in the “Dorset Tourism Awards” so where does it go from there? Well, onwards and upwards from the looks of it.

Now in its 20th year the busy program offers an eclectic mix of wonderful live music at Sherborne Abbey and the surrounding areas: Classical, Jazz, Gospel Choirs, Swing, Barbershop, Folk Music and more, with up to 75% of the events free of charge to attend.

There’s also dedicated workshops, poetry, madrigal (yes, we had to look it up too), chamber music and more; you might even hear a sea shanty or two, though don’t confuse it with a Pirate Festival (there’s one in Devon and one in Hastings) - though an eye patch accessory can never be considered a bad look.

Dorset Sport and Well Being Festival

July 2019

If a sports festival sounds like a bit too much effort when you’re on a Dorset holiday, bear in mind it’s always fun to watch other people being active. And with this Festival set on beautiful Weymouth Beach, you can just stretch out by the sea and catch rays, while the kids get sweaty. Anything that gets the children off their ipads and playing volleyball, cricket, football and more, has to be a good thing.

Bridport Hat Festival

Haturday 7th September 2019

Do you own a hat? Can you borrow a hat? Better yet, could you create an outrageous and interesting-looking hat? Great, because that’s all you need to attend the Bridport Hat Festival, a fundraiser for head-related charities, and a big summer event with live music (excitedly “The Vinyl Monkeys” are confirmed for 2019), shows, demonstrations, talks and all manners of hat-related goodness, including HATTED DOGS!

It’s a festival with a tremendous sense of camaraderie and fun - hat’s off to the organisers!