What’s On – Local events guide

Celebrate Easter with an exciting woodland adventure at Brownsea Island! Embark on our fun, interactive trail to discover the amazing lives of birds. And don’t forget, there’s a tasty chocolate prize waiting for you at the finish!

Music at St Peter’s offer a devotional performance of Rutter’s Requiem for Good Friday. Admission free.

From 10am. Prizes for the best decorated eggs and the eggs that roll the furthest. All ages welcome, categories 0-5 years, 5-10 years, 10-15 years and 15+ years. Plus Easter themed activities including Say Hello to the lambs.

2025 will see the release of Track Dogs’ 11th album, but this one is a little special. The Essential Track Dogs; Tracks Laid, Tracks Covered will be a double CD featuring the best of their originals and cover tracks. The band are delighted to return to Dorchester Arts as part of their biggest UK tour to date!

3:00 pm. Free concert with refreshments available. Henry VIII’s favourite ship – the Mary Rose – sank 480 years ago this year. His reign and the life of the Mary Rose coincide almost exactly. Discover more and hear music of the time played in costume by Courtlye Musick on instruments including the types found on board this remarkable ship. Donations invited to support Dorset Rural Music School and St Nicholas & St Lawrence Primary School.

This popular event in our fundraising calendar will be held at 8 Grosvenor Road, Dorchester. Any plant donations, in advance or on the day, will be gratefully received. Either deliver to Culliford Road or ring Annie Aldridge on 01305 269245 for collection. Thank you for your support.

Come and meet our Councillors & some of the partners we have worked with over the last year. This is also the last chance to talk and comment on the Council’s draft 2025-29 Corporate Plan. Free drop-in event with refreshments. All welcome

Across Dorchester

Free entry – 50+ Vegan Stalls from local businesses offering delicious hot and cold food & drinks, yummy cakes, ice-creams, tasty cheeses and other fine cuisine. Along with health and beauty care, ethical clothing, eco-friendly products, jewellery, information & advice and more! If weather permits, there will be a Kid’s Inflatable Play Zone and exciting free Crystal Bowl & Gong Bath sessions.

Variety of Club Exhibits, Sales Stands, Refreshments, Very Limited Parking, Good Access except to stage area. Admission Free (charity box near front door)

The Open for Art Trail returns from 17 May to 1 June! Get ready to explore the vibrant world of local art! 60 talented local artists will be throwing open their studio doors & filling surprising venues across Weymouth, Portland, Dorchester and beyond. It’s free, it’s friendly, and it’s the perfect way to discover amazing local art. Pick up a brochure locally & follow @openforartdorset on Facebook.

West Dorset Singers are bringing Carl Orff’s Carmina Burana to Bridport. Inspired by medieval poems about life’s earthier pleasures, it has become a 20th century classic, so join WDS, a choir of local children, professional soloists, two pianos and percussion. From April, tickets (£15, u18 free) at Bridport Music Centre, www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds or on the door.

This afternoon concert will consist of songs depicting the four seasons of the year including light hearted madrigals from the 16th century, beautiful romantic songs by Elgar and Holst and a fantastic evocation of the cold wind of a late autumn day, by the contemporary Estonian composer Veljo Tormis. Entrance is FREE. The retiring collection will be in aid of the children’s hospice Julia’s House.

7:00 pm. Wessex Musical Theatre presents ‘Oliver!’ Tickets £20 (£15 under 15) Matinee Saturday 2pm. Featuring Shakira Berrisford and Stella Brading (Michael McIntyre’s Big Show)

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

3:00 pm. Free concert with refreshments available. Step back in time and let Courtlye Musick and Ars Nova of Cherbourg transport you from 1450 to 1600 on a musical journey through the courts of Europe. Costumed performance on reproduction instruments. Donations welcome for St Mary’s church roof.

3:00 pm. Free concert with refreshments available. Step back in time and let Courtlye Musick and Ars Nova of Cherbourg transport you from 1450 to 1600 on a musical journey through the courts of Europe. Costumed performance on reproduction instruments. Donations invited to support Dorset Rural Music School.

The evening starts with a scenic journey aboard the vintage Dorset Queen yacht, with fish and chips (vegan option available) The evening adventure will start at the new hide overlooking the lagoon, watching and listening to the nesting birds calling and catching fish. Afterwards, we will be using bat detectors to locate and identify a variety of different bat species.

Once again Dorchester & District Lions will be organising Summerfest in 2025 – a free family fun day on the Great Field, Poundbury. As well as raising money for the Lions, the event provides a platform for local charities & organisations to come along , showcase & promote their own charities. There will be over 12 attractions, food & refreshments on sale and bar by the Convivial Rabbit.

7:30 pm. A concert by The West Dorset Singers .The choir was founded in 1966 and has since grown to become the largest choir in West Dorset. For over 60 years they were known as The New Elizabethan Singers, but in 2023 they decided to change our name to the West Dorset Singers. The director is Matt Kingston.
Also in the programme will be items from The Broadoak Choir. Tickets via web link below.

Flower Festival, Art exhibitions and Music Concerts in the glorious setting of St Mary’s Church. The event is raising funds for Weldmar Hospicecare. Free Admission. Artisan stalls on Friday and Saturday, 13th & 14th. Meet Ben McGregor the winner of Landscape Artist of the Year 2025 on Saturday 14th. Floral demonstration on Saturday 14th 11am.

7:30 pm. Get ready to be swept away by the harmonious sounds of the Dorchester Rock Choir! This talented and versatile choral ensemble invites you to an unforgettable evening filled with a diverse range of popular music that will resonate with audiences of all ages. Also joining the concert will be guest artists. All ticket sales support Weldmar Hospicecare. Tickets via web link below

7:30 pm. This concert promises a captivating blend of classical and contemporary music. Matt’s musical journey began at Downside School, and he later earned an organ scholarship at Homerton College, Cambridge, while studying classics. He is currently on a UK tour of Cathedrals and Churches across the UK. Supporting Weldmar Hopsicecare. Tickets via the web link below.

The evening starts with a scenic journey aboard the vintage Dorset Queen yacht, with fish and chips (vegan option available) The evening adventure will start at the new hide overlooking the lagoon, watching and listening to the nesting birds calling and catching fish. Afterwards, we will be using bat detectors to locate and identify a variety of different bat species.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

Join us for a fun evening of live music with The Mother Ukers, begin your night with a scenic harbour cruise aboard the Dorset Queen, with a complimentary drink. Enjoy the quirky performance, featuring unique and lively ukulele tunes. Savour a delicious pasty as you soak in the music and the stunning island views. The event price is all inclusive.

The superb annual Sunflower Trail to raise funds for local good causes. Check dates. The trail will be throughout August, but check exact dates nearer the time.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

From 12:00 pm. Purbeck Valley Folk Festival is a small festival set on a farm on the beautiful Jurassic Coastline. We’re a festival that’s loved by everyone because there’s loads for kids to do, loads for parents, and loads for the old folkies too! This year’s lineup is already shining with Buster Sledge, John Bramwell, and Ellie Gowers—and there’s more to come! Stay tuned!

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

Join us for a fun evening of live music with The Mother Ukers, begin your night with a scenic harbour cruise aboard the Dorset Queen, with a complimentary drink. Enjoy the quirky performance, featuring unique and lively ukulele tunes. Savour a delicious pasty as you soak in the music and the stunning island views. The event price is all inclusive.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.

We are running both morning and afternoon 1 hour Bushcraft taster sessions every Friday during school holidays. Starting at 11am, 1pm & 3pm. Master skills including basic knife techniques, fire lighting, shelter construction, and identifying plants and trees. at the birthplace of Scouting.