What’s On – Local events guide

7:30 pm. The popular Encore Singers will present a FREE concert featuring songs from the shows, and young flautist Myeongsuk Ha’s solo. Refreshments available. A voluntary collection will be held in aid of Read Easy South Dorset, who provide free, one-to-one tuition for adults over 18 who have reading difficulties.

Brownsea Island is a haven for bird enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. Our guided walks, led by an expert Dorset Wildlife Trust ranger, take you through the island’s vibrant wetlands. After your birdwatching adventure, relax with a light bite at the harbour-front café. Note, these walks are repeated on 26th April, 24th May, 28th June, 20th Sept and 18th Oct. See website for details.

Do you already love singing? Would you like to experience singing with a big choir? Do you wonder if you are a singer but are not sure? Bridport’s WDS invite you to Come-&-Sing selections from Carmina Burana with them under Matt Kingston, the WDS Music Director. Registration from 1pm. An informal performance, also in the church, starts at 4.30 pm and everyone is welcome. Entry for this is free.

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.

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!

This performance of J S Bach’s Mass in B Minor will be the farewell concert conducted by Colin Howard as Director of Music of Dorchester Choral Society. He has led the choir for ten fruitful years. With the Salisbury Baroque orchestra and professional soloists Georgie Malcolm (Soprano), Abigail Hooper (Soprano), Guy James (Alto), Simon Irwin (Tenor) and Edward Caswell (Bass).

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.

A unique, immersive, living history festival over one weekend across Dorchester. In addition to two live, hour-long gladiator shows each day by Britannia Reenactment Society at Maumbury Rings, there will also be Roman Dorchester guided walks, tours and talks to book over the weekend, including on Friday 11th April. Many of these additional events are being hosted by Dorset Museum & Art Gallery, a key partner of the festival. The whole town is getting involved in the festival. Dorchester Arts will be showing the film Carry on Cleo on the Saturday night. Shire Hall Museum will be running a Roman Crime and Punishment Trail on Friday and Saturday. There will be a fee for joining in with some these additional activities, but they all really will bring to life Dorchester’s Roman history.

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.

Across Dorchester

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

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.

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.