What’s On – Local events guide

Raising funds for the animals at the sanctuary. On offer – VIP feeding sessions feed the baby kid goats, hand feed the sheep and big goats, get up and personal cuddles. Pony visits have a visit to your home with the ponys dressed up (location dependent). Pony pamper session- groom, plait- take your pony for a walk. Goat interaction – goat walking. Guinea pig cuddle sessions.

3 pm (doors open at 2:30 pm). On the shortest day of the year The Quangle Wangle Choir will celebrate Christmas & the turning of the year with a joyful mix of carols & poetry, from time-honoured favourites to little-known gems. St. Nicholas Church half of the proceeds is being donated to St. Nicholas & St. Laurence Primary School, towards the refurbishment of their Reception year Quadrangle area. Free tea & coffee available.

7:00 pm. Carol concert with performance by Ukrainian children. Donations to Ukraine Response Network supporting Ukrainian refugees in Dorset. Free entry.

Retired or thinking of retiring? Joining u3a gives you the chance to make friends and learn something new or further an existing interest. We currently have 77 member run groups/activities in Dorchester during the day for you to take part in ranging from Archaeology, Art and Badminton to Science, Weaving and Wine Appreciation . Please come along to learn more about what we have to offer.

7:00 pm. The West Dorset Singers present Mendelssohn’s ‘Hymn of Praise’, Parry’s ‘Blest Pair of Sirens’ and Poulenc’s ‘Gloria’. The choir, under its Musical Director Matt Kingston, is accompanied by a professional orchestra and soloists. Tickets (£15, u18 free) from Goadsby Estate Agents Bridport or www.ticketsource.co.uk/wds

West Dorset CAMRA and Dorchester Casterbridge Rotary Club proudly present the 36th Dorchester Beerex. Over the years, Dorchester Beerex has raised £277,000 for local good causes. This year’s event will have 80 real ales, a large selection of ciders & perry and seating for 100 upstairs. There will be hot/cold food available.

Over 25 years, Luke Wright has built up a reputation for being one of Britain’s most popular live poets. He has won an unprecedented 4 Saboteur Awards, a Stage Award, and a Fringe First. He’s sold out shows across the world and regularly tours with John Cooper Clarke. Following the smash hit success of his Silver Jubilee show (“the best thing he’s done and that’s saying something.” Telegraph).