Your truly comprehensive list of local events
Saturday, 27 – 28 June
Hinton St George Open Gardens 11-4pm £8 one day ticket, £12 weekend ticket – proceeds for St Margarets Hospice. Tickets, Parking, Toilets and Refreshments in Village Hall Visit nine unique gardens in this picturesque village. Hinton St George is the quintessential English village with honey coloured ham and local stone houses, a Grade I listed church, community shop and pub. The gardens showcase a variety of styles and features, including cottage gardens, contemporary gardens, classic English country house borders, water features, courtyard gardens, parterres, specimen trees and historic protective walls. You will receive a map when you purchase your ticket at St George’s Hall, Merriott Road, TA17 8SL. Refreshments will also be available in the village hall. For more information email gloriousgardens@st-margarets-hospice.org.uk.
Saturday, 27 June – 5 July
The 29th Beaminster Festival kicks off with hilarious al fresco theatre at Beaminster Manor by The Pantaloons and closes with Bijou Opera’s chamber production of Le Notte di Figaro. There is a huge range of music from the Fibonacci String Quartet to ‘Not the Rolling Stones’, together with literary events, (Nigel Planer, Chris Chibnall, John Kampfner) and ‘Talent in the Town’, a hobbies exhibition. With almost 100 volunteers involved, you will receive a warm welcome to this picturesque, charming, little West Dorset town. St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, 11.30am, 2.30pm, 7.30pm, £12-£26. beaminsterfestival.com or 0333 666 33 66.
Sunday, 28 June
Singing Bowl Soundbath 2-3.30pm Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA. £17 ‘I’ve been to many soundbaths, and that was…amazing. As a musician you obviously know what you’re doing not just ‘blazing away like so many’…Bob, musician ‘I’ve been to soundbaths all over the world-yours are the best!’-visitor from USA. Booking 01935 38655 ahiahel@live.com.
Jazz by the Sea at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis. 8pm. Eddie Gripper Trio. Performing music from his second album ‘Americana’, pianist Eddie Gripper tells the story of an 8,000 km hitchhiking journey from Alaska to California, completed in under two months during the summer of 2022. The music captures the vast landscapes and unforgettable moments along the way – from sleeping in the Alaskan wilderness to cycling down Santa Monica Pier – offering a vivid, hopeful, yet unflinching reflection on American life. Marine Theatre, Church St, Lyme Regis, Dorset DT7 3QB. £16 advance £18 on the door. Tickets available at www.marinetheatre.com. You can also purchase tickets from the Lyme Regis Bookshop and Bridport TIC (01308 424901).
Mozart, Bach, Elgar, Barber: Allington Strings at Crewkerne Methodist Church. 50th Anniversary Concert at 3pm on Sunday. Celebrating the greats of String Orchestra Repertoire: Mozart’s Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, Bach’s Brandenburg Concerto Number 3, Elgar’s Serenade for Strings and Barber’s Adagio for Strings. A truly fantastic concert of phenomenal music. Advance tickets £10 adults | £4 children, available from Delilah Petal, Crewkerne (cash) or via allingtonstrings@outlook.com (card), or on the door at £12/£5 (cash & card).
Wednesday, 1 July
My Ballet since 2012 Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. 10am,11:30am, (1o’clock for 1;15 part seated) & 2:15 Bull Hotel ballroom, 34 East St, Bridport DT6 3LF at the Bull Hotel. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
My Ballet 6:45pm to 8pm Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU – Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Wednesday, 1 – 14 July
Summer of Sweet Peas A display of sweet peas growing on wigwams in the kitchen garden. 10:30 am – 4pm. Forde Abbey TA20 4LU. Free entry to the Kitchen Garden for all visitors to see the sweet peas. Usual entry fees apply to see the main gardens.
Thursday, 2 July
Forde Abbey Concert The Kyan Quartet: This young string quartet brings together musicians from Britain, America, China and France. First Prize winners in this year’s Salzburg Chamber Music competition, they will play the quartet in Eb by Fanny Mendelssohn, Mozart’s Quartet K421 in D minor and Beethoven’s late Op.132 quartet. 7:30pm, Forde Abbey, TA20 4LU. Tickets: £24. To book: www.fordeabbey.co.uk.
Colyton Town History Walk leaving Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement – contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Beaminster Museum throughout July: Our summer exhibition Fire Flood Frost explores how Beaminster and the surrounding villages have battled the elements – from floods and violent storms to bitter freezes – along with the three great fires that devastated the town. The exhibition tells the story of how local people pulled together in times of crisis and learned lessons for the future. Visitors will also find exciting new Pre-history and Geology displays, along with eye-catching accompanying graphics.The Museum is open Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays and Bank Holidays, 10.30am – 4.00pm, Sundays 2.00pm – 4.30pm. Admission is free, but donations are very welcome. Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk.
Friday, 3 July
Move and Groove 10.15am to 11.15am – a dance group for ages 55 to 90 years – exploring movement and dance in a friendly and creative environment. Classes take place at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury. For more details and to enrol contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com @ gmail.com.
Film: My Mothers Wedding (15) 96 mins 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
My Ballet Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. Everybody welcome! Do get in touch and come for a dance! Winsham Jubilee Hall, Church St, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU Fridays 10am and 11.15am Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Friday, 3 – 5 July
Tree of Strings festival will take place in Abbotsbury. Curated by Artistic Director (and locally based, internationally renowned cellist), Adrian Brendel, the inaugural programme spans genres and centuries – from classical chamber music to jazz, folk and contemporary collaborations. The programme is stamped with his original style, showcasing Tree of Strings’ intimate, adventurous and welcoming ambitions across a wide spectrum of music. For more information and to book tickets visit: https://treeofstrings.org.
Saturday, 4 July
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Abbotsbury. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Dalwood Music Day 11.30 – 8.00pm. All styles of music in 4 venues. close to the car park. Jazz ensembles, 60s Band, Choirs, Folk & Country groups, Sea Shanties, World music, Saxophone choir, Popular songs. Free parking and Programme: BBQ, Bars, Teas. All Day Stroller £17.50 purchased on arrival: Dalwood, Near Axminster, EX13 7EG. info at: www.dalwoodvillage.co.uk contact: t.mackenney111@btinternet.com.
The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) speaker at 10-30a.m. will be Dorset resident Beth Wilson, talking about her collection of 1930 ceramics; also the history of the heart of the industry, the life of the “Pottery Ladies”, and what remains of the industry in the 21st. century. So come to Weymouth Library and take a trip down memory lane to “Potter around with Pots” with Beth. Everyone welcome, £3 on entry. Any enquiries phone 01305832613.
Film: Savage House (15) 114 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Sunday, 5 July
Screening: NTL: Les Liasisons Dangereuses (15) 180 mins, 7pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £17.50 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Monday, 6 July
Singing Bowl Soundbath 7.30-9 PM Digby Memorial hall, Digby Rd, Sherborne Dorset DT9 3LN £17 relax reset detox 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com.
Wednesday, 8 July
Kilmington Film Night “H Is For HAWK “(12). Based on the memoir by Helen Macdonald, H is for Hawk follows Helen (Foy), who, after the sudden death of her father (Gleeson), loses herself in the memories of their time birding and exploring the natural world together, and navigates her profound loss by training a wild goshawk named Mabel. “It’s a career-best for Foy, who will doubtless win many awards. I hope the unnamed bird gets one too”. Spectator. Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets £6 (Cash Only) can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681.
My Ballet since 2012 Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. 10am,11:30am, (1o’clock for 1:15 part seated ) & 2:15 Bull Hotel ballroom, 34 East St, Bridport DT6 3LF Bull Hotel. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
My Ballet 6.45pm- 8pm Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Thursday, 9 July
Tabletop Sale 9.00 to 12 noon on the Minster Green, Axminster. Browse through plants, costume jewellery and bric-a-brac. Enjoy coffee and cake. Proceeds in aid of Holy Cross Church. Enquiries 01297 598953.
Film: Tuner (15) 107 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Colyton Town History Walk leaving Colyton Dolphin Car park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement – contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Kilmington Film Matinee “H Is For HAWK (12)” (See 8th July. Doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm. Tickets £6 (Cash Only), cream-teas @ £4. served during the interval but must be pre-booked with your seats see above and www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information.
Friday, 10 July
Move and Groove 10.15am to 11.15am – a dance group for ages 55 to 90 years – exploring movement and dance in a friendly and creative environment. Classes take place at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury. For more details and to enrol contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com @ gmail.com.
My Ballet Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. Everybody welcome! Do get in touch and come for a dance! Winsham Jubilee Hall, Church St, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU. Fridays 10am and 11.15am. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Saturday, 11 July
The Dorset Ceramics Market featuring over 25 potters and ceramic artists, will take place at Dorchester Arts’ Corn Exchange, Dorchester, from 10:00am–4:00pm. Dorset Clay Cooperative is bringing together a one-day market celebrating the variety and versatility of contemporary ceramics, with makers from across Dorset and further afield, including the 2026 winner of channel 4’s The Great Pottery Throwdown, Fynn Allen. Diana Parker (a Dorset potter who was a semi-finalist from series 8 of the same programme) is also joining the market with her porcelain and stoneware decorated pottery.Visitors can browse and buy work spanning sculpture, homewares, ceramic art, jewellery, garden pottery and functional tableware—made using a range of methods and firing techniques. The market will include established makers who regularly exhibit around the UK, alongside newer artists hosting their first-ever stall. Entry is free.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Maiden Newton. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Music: Oas-is, 8pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £19 To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Beaminster Museum: Finds Day. From 12 noon to 2pm, when Dorset Council’s Finds Liaison Officer, Ciorstaidh Hayward Trevarthen, will be on hand to help identify and record any archaeological (not geological) items found within the county boundaries. Admission is free, but donations are welcome. Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk.
Wednesday, 15 July
Coffee Morning including cakes, scones & savouries, and bacon/egg rolls (made to order), 10.30am – noon; all welcome. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. More details from Julia (01460 72769).
Colyton & District Garden Society ‘Colour in the Garden’ by Ben Candlin. Owner of an online shop : ‘Adventurousplants.co.uk’ Venue : Colyford Memorial Hall, Colyford. EX24 6QJ. 7.30 pm. Plenty of parking in the hall car park.
My Ballet since 2012 Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. 10am,11:30am,(1o’clock for 1:15 part seated) & 2:15 Bull Hotel ballroom, 34 East St, Bridport DT6 3LF Bull Hotel. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
My Ballet 6:45 – 8pm Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Thursday, 16 July
Colyton Town History Walk leaving Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm – Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement – contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Friday, 17 July
Film Night Milborne St Andrew Village Hall. Residents of our neighbouring villages are warmly invited to join us for our next Village Hall Film Night, where we’ll be screening Fackham Hall — a brand‑new British comedy that brings back the joyful chaos of classic farce. Doors open at 7pm, giving everyone time to settle in, enjoy a chat, and choose your seat. The film begins at 7.30pm. Tickets are £6.50, which includes a drink or an ice cream.
Move and Groove 10.15am to 11.15am – a dance group for ages 55 to 90 years – exploring movement and dance in a friendly and creative environment. Classes take place at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury. For more details and to enrol contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com @ gmail.com.
Film: Disclosure Day (12A) 145 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
My Ballet Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. Everybody welcome! Do get in touch and come for a dance! Winsham Jubilee Hall, Church St, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HU Fridays 10am and11.15am Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Saturday, 18 July
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Ringstead. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
The Sound of Blue Note A show celebrating the sound of Blue Note Record label which came to define the sound of jazz in the 50s and 60s. Five fine musicians weave their magic to tell the story of this pivotal moment in the history of jazz. 3.00pm. Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets: £16. Book online or on 01308 424901.
Cream Tea and Fancy Dress Show 2.30 – 4.30pm. Featuring St. Swithun’s Brass Band, raffle, tombola, fresh produce stall, teddy bears tombola plus lots of fun and games for all the family. Extra parking at Amsafe, all welcome. St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07741457505.
Sladers Jazz Club presents Alan Barnes (sax/clarinet), David Newton (piano), Ian Smith (trumpet), Ashley John Long (bass). Jazz from 8pm. Dinner from 6.30pm. Tickets from Sladers Yard 01308 459511.
Music: The Sound of Blue Note (afternoon Jazz) 3pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £16 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Sunday, 19 July
Stoke Abbott Street Fair 2-5pm One of the region’s most popular events, the traditional Stoke Abbott Street Fair will open at 2pm on Sunday 19th July with the historic Sick Club Parade. There’s fun for all the family with enticing stalls, live entertainment, ferret-racing, cream teas, the ever-popular Book Barn and more. Highlights for 2026 will include The Big Foolini Magic Show at 3pm together with the Discover Farming team, who will have hands-on rural activities for all ages too. This year, proceeds will go to support the Beaminster’s Foodbank as well as St Mary’s church and the village hall. Free parking from the Beaminster end. Entry £3 per adult, children under 16 free.
The Cattistock Countryside Show is now the official home of Dorset Knob Throwing. Nestled in Dorset’s rolling hills, this is probably the prettiest traditional family country show you could hope for, boasting events for horses, dogs, ponies and Knob throwers. Book tickets online at: https://www.cattistockshow.co.uk/tickets.
Tuesday, 21 July
Turn Lyme Green Talk ‘Recycling: Where does it go?’ Marten Gregory of Dorset Waste Services will give a round up plus a review of national policies.’ 7pm Driftwood Cafe, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis. Free. Refreshments available.
Foyer Sessions: Aidan Simpson & Oliver Jessop, 7pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £15 To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Wednesday, 22 July
My Ballet since 2012 Holistic ballet classes for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet classes to fabulous music. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. 10am,11:30am,(1o’clock for 1:15 partly seated) & 2:15. Bull Hotel ballroom, 34 East St, Bridport DT6 3LF Bull Hotel. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
My Ballet 6:45pm to 8pm Jubilee Hall, Church Street, Winsham, Chard, TA20 4HUWhatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Thursday 23 July
Wild Arts An Evening of Opera: Returning to the stunning surrounds of Forde Abbey for an outdoor performance of their acclaimed show An Evening of Opera. Semi-staged, follow the characters through 75 minutes of spell-binding music filled with dramatic intrigue, jealousy, comedy, idealism, and true love. 7PM, Forde Abbey, TA20 4LU. Tickets: £55, under 25s £25.00. To book: www.fordeabbey.co.uk.
Colyton Town History Walk leaving Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement – contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
New Arts Group Punch and Judy! Speaker: Bertie Pearce Bridport Town Hall 1.30 for 2.00pm . All welcome £10.00.
Friday, 24 July
Move and Groove 10.15am to 11.15am – a dance group for ages 55 to 90 years – exploring movement and dance in a friendly and creative environment. Classes take place at Steps studio, Crepe Farm Business Park, Symondsbury. For more details and to enrol contact Nikki Northover at nikkinorthover43@gmail.com @ gmail.com.
Saturday, 25 July
Powerstock Fete 2.00 – 5.00 pm. Dog show, children’s entertainment and games, tug of war, silent auction, teas, bar and barbecue, numerous stalls including crafts etc. In aid of Powerstock Church. Contact: angelica@riskkennard.co.uk.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from West Milton. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Film & Music: Joe Strummer: The Future is Unwritten screening + Q&A + DJ set from Scratchy, 15+, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £15 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Sunday, 26 July
Singing Bowl Soundbath 2-4pm Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA relax reset detox 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com £17.
Wootton Walks 12 curated walks to choose from, including kids walk, 3 mile Guided Louma vineyard tour and 5 mile Lamberts castle route. Starting and finishing with bacon rolls, cream teas and cake. Starting from 9am. Tea served til 4pm at Wootton Fitzpaine Village hall. Enquiries Teresa 07774 057687.
Repair Cafe 10:00-12:00 at Netherbury Village Hall, DT6 5LR. Bring your items along for repair and our team of expert repairers will do their best. Remember to bring any spare parts if they are needed. As always, we have a selection of lovely homemade cakes and good coffee and tea. Lisa Willis on 07870 950 666 or info@repaircafenetherbury.org www.repaircafenetherbury.org.
Tuesday, 28 July
Folksy Theatre A Midsummer Night’s Dream: Love, laughter, and a little bit of lunacy — enter a world where fairies meddle, lovers quarrel, and magic runs wild! This summer, join us for a breathtaking open-air performance of William Shakespeare’s beloved comedy. 7pm, Forde Abbey, TA20 4LU. Tickets: £21.42, Child (3-16years) £14.11. To book: www.fordeabbey.co.uk.
Bridport U3A talk starting at 2.00 pm. Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ. Speaker is Sally Smith, The talk is entitled, ‘The Woman Who Went round the World’ Talk lasts for 1 hour followed by Q&A, then refreshments. Members free, Visitors pay £ 3.00.
Thursday, 30 July
Colyton Town History Walk leaving Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm. Guided walk approximately one hour. Cost £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement – contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.
Film: Virginia Woolf’s Night & Day (12A) 9 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £9 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Friday, 31 July
Music: Tony Christie The Great Farewell, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £32 adv. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Saturday, 1 August
Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Summer Flower and Produce Show. Competition marquee; cream teas and refreshments; gardening advice; stalls and exhibits. This year celebrating Pollinators. Uplyme Village Hall and Playing Field 2-5pm. Entry £1 adults, 16 and under free.
Loders fete 2-5pm, near Bridport in the idyllic grounds of Loders Court (DT6 3RZ, next to Loders Church). Stalls include tea tent, bar, BBQ, grand raffle, tombola, coconut shy, games, fresh produce and preserves, cakes, plants, books, silent auction and more – there will be magic and mayhem from children’s entertainer Count Backwards, Punch and Judy, music from Lyme Regis Town Band, a dog show and a classic vehicle display. Entry: Adults £2, U12s free. Parking free.
