the community news that matters
Response to Weymouth seafront drinks licence objection
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
Assurances over drink sales and tackling litter have been given by the operator of a Weymouth beach kiosk during an application for a drinks licence.
Sara Hall, from Wintertime Events Ltd, told a licensing panel ...
Proposal to replace the Clay Pigeon Race Track with holiday lodges
by Trevor Bevins, Local Democracy Reporter.
A Dorset karting circuit that helped launch the careers of Formula One legends Jenson Button, Lewis Hamilton and Lando Norris, could be swept away under redevelopment plans for the Clay Pigeon leisure complex.
Developers behind ...
DJ Greg James begins his Comic Relief Cycle Challenge from Weymouth
Idris Martin reporting.
Radio 1 DJ Greg James has embarked on a tandem bike for his 630-mile cycle challenge for Comic Relief.
The Breakfast Show presenter will pedal 1,000km through England, Wales, and Scotland over eight days until he crosses the finishing ...
It’s back to Southern Premier League action for two of our local football clubs this weekend following their Dorset Senior Cup final clash.
Dorchester and Weymouth locked horns at the Avenue Stadium on Tuesday evening, and both managers took the ...
Waste collection days changing for thousands of homes in Weymouth and Portland
Thousands of homes in Weymouth and Portland will see changes to their waste and recycling collection days from 13 April, as Dorset Council updates its bin collection routes to make services more reliable and efficient.
Around 32,000 households are affected and residents whose collection day is ...
Your invitation to get involved in the Great Dorset Beach Clean 2026
Dorset residents and visitors are invited to roll up their sleeves and make a real difference this Easter as the Great Dorset Beach Clean returns from 1 – 12 April 2026. With clean-ups taking place across the Dorset coastline, ...
Celebrate World Heritage Day and 25 Years of the Jurassic Coast
On Saturday 18 April 2026, the Dorset Museum will host a landmark celebration of World Heritage Day, marking not only this important global observance but also the 25th anniversary of the Jurassic Coast being inscribed as a World Heritage ...
Delightfully Different, every time
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Is your organisation running an event which the community needs to know about? You can promote a charitable or non-profit event on our popular What’s On page, FREE OF CHARGE, to boost interest.
Below are the next 5 upcoming events. There’s much more in the Local Events Diary…
Sat 14 Mar to Wed 1 Apr
"Heartfelt" Treasured keepsakes we just can't let go of
10:00 am to 4:00 pm
Location: Nothe Fort, Barrack Road, Weymouth, DT4 8UFSelected dates between 14/3/26 and 1/4/26. See website for details. Heartfelt at Nothe Fort showcases sentimental objects donated by Dorset residents, each paired with the personal story behind it, alongside artworks by Artwey members. Free with fort admission.
Contact: Artwey | Email | Web | MapTue 17 Mar
Film night – Potiche
Location: Corn Exchange Dorchester, High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1HF7:30 pm. A clever and witty comedy starring Catherine Deneuve and Gerard Dépardieu. This story turns the battle of the sexes on its head as trophy housewife Suzanne saves the day – and the family business – in a man’s world. Funny, charming, uplifting and stylish! Comedy/Drama—Cert 15. In French with subtitles. £6 cash or card on the door (members £5)
Contact: Dorchester-Bayeux Twinning Society | 01305854915 | Email | Web | MapTue 17 Mar to Tue 20 Oct
Historical guided walk with cream tea in Brownsea Castle
1:30 pm to 5:00 pm
Location: Brownsea Island, Poole Harbour, Poole, BH13 7EEEmbark on a fascinating journey through Brownsea Island’s rich history as you explore the island and the castle’s picturesque grounds. A rare opportunity to enter the castle itself, view the paintings and artefacts of past owners. Afterwards, head to the Morning Room and help yourself to a warm drink and a delicious scone with cream and jam. Two walks per month except Mar/Aug & Dec.
Contact: National Trust | 01202 707744 | Email | Web | MapTue 17 Mar
Night Falls
7:00 pm to 9:00 pm
Location: Dorford Centre, Bridport Road, Dorchester, DT1 1RRFor Lent 2026, Riding Lights Theatre Company are proud to present Night Falls, a new passion play by Paul Birch. Four final days before an execution that will change everything. Three enemies that want to put an end to the so-called Messiah. Two strangers torn between faith and doubt, hope and grief, trying to prevent Jesus of Nazareth from getting himself arrested. One safe house in Bethany.
Contact: Dorchester Baptist Church | 07979350116 | Email | Web | MapWed 18 Mar
Tapas and Cocktails
Location: Crossroads Cafe, Crown Street, Poundbury, Dorchester, DT2 9SW7:00 pm. Come and join The Oddfellows for an evening of Spanish Tapas and cocktails at the Crossroads Cafe, Poundbury. Cost £20.00 with a £5.00 subsidy for members of The Oddfellows. Please confirm by 10th March if you would like to join us.
Contact: The Loyal Hand in Hand Lodge of Oddfellows | 07788436797 | Email | MapOn demand, at your convenience
Commonwealth Day Ceremony at County Hall, 9th March 2026
The annual Commonwealth Day Flag Raising Ceremony for Dorset was held at the Memorial area outside County Hall in Dorchester on Monday 9 March at 10:00am.
This year’s theme, ‘Unlocking opportunities together for a prosperous Commonwealth’, highlights the importance of ...
Countryside Matters 57, 02.03.26
Jeannette Hampstead and her husband Graham have been running a much-needed and excellent rescue and rehabilitation centre for one of Britain’s most loved, and sadly most endangered mammals: the hedgehog. A visit to their home and the centre in ...
Cosplay event coming to Dorchester in aid of Epilepsy Action
On the 11th of April, a special cosplay event will be taking place at Dorchester’s Corn Exchange in aid of Epilepsy Action. There will be many different cosplay characters attending, including Captain America, Disney Princesses, Daleks and many more. ...
Countryside Matters 56, 16.02.26
In this programme:
Managing Director of the Gardens Group Mike Burks talks about the amazing and ancient tree species, the Wollemi Pine, from Australia, a specimen of which is growing in Sherborne’s Pageant Garden – and this particular one carries ...
Woke! The Opera – a new musical on the horizon by local folk
Woke! The Opera is a powerful new musical following a mixed-race family from the 1950s to today. Meet Eric, a cheeky Londoner, and Florence, who arrived in the UK from the Caribbean as part of the Windrush generation. Guided ...
At last construction of 15 flats for social rent begins in Dorchester at Old Tennis Courts
Having been proposed for nine years, building work has at last begun on fifteen social rent flats on land which was formerly the old tennis courts in Dorchester. Instrumental in this project has been the Dorchester Area Community Land ...
