Your truly comprehensive list of local events
Friday, 28 November
Axminster Flower Club Christmas Demonstration Magical, Mystical Christmas Floral Demonstration with Angie Blackwell of Cottage Flowers, Ilminster. The Minster Church, Axminster EX13 5AH. 2.30pm. Tickets: £10. Contact: 07742964895.
Kilmington Film Night “The Salt Path” (12) Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets £6 can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681.
La Vie En Rose Bridport Arts Centre 8pm. The heartfelt wail of the blues; the sultry heat of the campfire; the crazy swirl of the bal musette, all fused together with virtuosity and passion in the melting pot of 1930s Paris: the result was gypsy jazz. Bridport Arts Centre, South Street, Bridport, DT6 3NR. Box Office 01308 424204 £18/17/9 http://www.bridport-arts.com.
Film: Good Fortune (15) 97 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £8.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
My Ballet All adults 18-80 plus Holistic ballet for all adults Supportive & Non – judgemental classical ballet. For posture, flexibility, strength, balance, fitness, friendship. Join the fun and feel good. Complete beginners welcome!Find out about our beginners courses. 10am – 11:15 with experience 11:30 – 12:30 Mixed ability. Jubilee Hall, Church street, Winsham, Chard TA20 4HU. Whatsapp 07866896978. email: myballetuk@gmail.com www.my-ballet.uk
Saturday, 29 November
Stockland Christmas Craft Market Victory Hall, 10am – 12 noon. Monica.parris@outlook.com. 01404 881535.
Advent Carol Service 4.30pm at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, DT1 1XA sung by University Music Bournemouth Chamber Choir. Traditional Advent carols alongside glorious choral settings by composers including Anna Lapwood, Bruckner, Sally Beamish and John Tavener. The service is free to attend and all are welcome. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 6.5 mile walk from Came Wood. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
WI Christmas Fayre Come along for a warm welcome, tasty lunch, interesting stalls and produce. Free entry! 12noon -3pm at Chideock Village Hall DT6 6JW.
Cantamus presents ‘Magnificat’ a concert of beautiful choral music for Advent. St Mary’s Church, Cerne Abbas, at 7pm. Tickets £12 from the village shop or on the door. Refreshments available. cantamus-dorset.org.
Beginners Sewing Workshop. At the URC church, Chard St, Axminster ( car park opposite) 10 am until 2 pm. Cost £18. Come and learn more about your sewing machine. Make a small project: bag, placemat, fabric box etc. To book a place contact : gina.youens@btinternet.com.
Music: The Skids + Support, 8pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £31. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Bridport Dance Festival Tango Day ‘Celebrate Tango’ A Day of Argentine Tango, art, poetry & performance. 10am – 12pm Beginners Tango with Barrio de Tango. £16 earlybird/£20 thereafter Tea/coffee included. 3.00 – 5.00 Beginners & all levels with Tango Fandango. £20 Earlybird/£25 thereafter Tea/coffee included. 7:30 – 10:30 Evening Milonga, dancing for everyone, Tango dance, poetry readings & performance woven together. By Leo & Tracey Tango Fandango. £20 Earlybird/£25 thereafter – All day Earlybird £50pp £65 thereafter. Earlybird tickets are limited. Bookings: Bridport TIC Phone: 01308 424901 or arrive at the door on the day – Booking recommended. www.bridportdancefestival.org.uk
Saturday, 29 – 30 November
Mapperton’s Christmas Market 2025 Saturday: 10am–6pm | Sunday: 10am–4pm. Get into the festive spirit at Mapperton’s Christmas Market 2025 – a magical weekend of Christmas cheer in the heart of the Dorset countryside. Your £5 entry includes free parking, access to the beautiful Mapperton Gardens, and helps support Weldmar Hospice. Under-15s go free. Santa’s Grotto: £5 per child. The site is wheelchair-friendly and dogs are welcome in the market and café (gardens excepted). Join us for a weekend filled with festive charm, delicious food, and the warmest of Mapperton welcomes.
Sunday, 30 November
Netherbury Repair Cafe 10:00-12:00 at the Village Hall. Why not bring your broken items and see if one of our lovely team can fix them. And while you are waiting you can sample what the cafe offers: home-made cakes, delicious coffee and a range of Clipper teas. Vegan and vegetarian-friendly. We are always looking for new volunteers and so if you love fixing things, baking or being part of a fun community event then come and join us.
Choral Eucharist 10.30am at St Peter’s Church Dorchester, DT1 1XA, with music by Karenza Briggs, James MacMillan and Grayston Ives. The service is free to attend and all are welcome. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org.
Singing Bowl Soundbath 2PM Oborne Village Hall, Oborne, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA £17 Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning give you a sonic deep-tissue massage, taking you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Please book 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com.
Music: Wessex Military Band 4pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £10. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Monday, 1 December
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock. An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug if possible and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00. For more information contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘The Ballad of Wallis Island’, 100 mins, Cert.12 (moderate strong language). Funny, melancholy yarn of a folk duo (Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden) reunited by oddball superfan (Tim Key). Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Ticket reservations £6.50 from csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 07753 603219; tickets also available in advance for £6.50 from Hawkchurch Community Shop or on the door for £7.00 (cash only). Subtitles for hearing-impaired patrons provided if available. Festive home-made cake, teas, coffees, soft drinks, wine and other refreshments available.
Tuesday, 2 December
Scottish Country dancing every Tuesday at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm with tea break. Only £3.00 per evening per person and everyone is welcome, no partner needed . Please wear flat, soft soled shoes if possible. All very welcome to join us for a fun filled evening. Contact Anita on 01460 929383 , email anitaandjim22@gmail.com or visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com.
Screening: Royal Ballet – Cinderella (12A), 7pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £11.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Wednesday, 3 – 14 December
Bridport United Church Christmas Tree Festival Monday – Frday 10am – 1pm. Friday also 2 – 5pm, Saturdays 10am – 3pm and Sundays 2 – 4pm.
Wednesday, 3 December
Bridport Christmas Cheer – Late night shopping throughout the town.
Thursday, 4 December
An evening with Brian Jackman. Come along and join Brian for an inspiring talk on how eco-tourism is helping to preserve Africa’s great wildlife and wilderness. Brian is a respected wildlife travel writer whose work spans decades of African safari experience. Through his writing and advocacy he supports the concept of eco-tourism as a tool to help protect wild places and wildlife. His voice has helped shape and promote the idea that safari tourism when done properly, can help “save” wildlife areas, rather than threaten them. Early booking recommended. 7pm Sladers Yard, West Bay. Tickets are available from The Bridport Tourist Information Centre or online from https://bridportandwestbay.co.uk/product/hoptalks-how-eco-tourism-saved-wild-africa-with-brian-jackman-thursday-04-december/
Clapton & Wayford Film Society Breakfast at Tiffanys (1961, US, PG, 115 mins, Director: Blake Edwards) A young New York writer sponsored by a wealthy woman falls in love with the charming, impulsive and eccentric call girl that lives next door. Based on a story by Truman Capote. The winner of 2 Academy Awards including Best Song. Doors 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £30, guests £5 per film. For more information/book guest tickets, please email mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or k_everard@live.com. Alternatively, ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Julia Borland on 01460 72769.
Dancing at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall alternate Thursdays from 1930 to 2130 hrs (Postcode TA20 3NY). Admission is £4.00 per person and includes a cuppa and a piece of cake! Group is friendly and inclusive and welcomes everyone who wants to do a bit of dancing and social chat. We have live music and a different caller every fortnight. Jeroka are playing and the caller is Jane Thomas. For further information, please contact Neil Arnold (neil.j.arnold@gmail.com) or 01460 234693.
Community Coffee Morning 9.30 – 11.15 am Free fresh coffee, cakes and bacon butties. All welcome. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07741457505.
Zumba with Emmaline! Join us for a fun fitness dance session. Everyone welcome! £10 drop in £7 block booking. 9.30am Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis Contact: blissedoutyoga15@gmail.com
Bride Valley Films will be showing The Penguin Lessons ‘a witty and moving film based on a true story’. Set in Argentina during the mid-1970s, the film follows an English teacher who encounters both political unrest in the country and an unexpected aquatic companion. Starring Steve Coogan and Jonathan Pryce. Litton Cheney Village Hall – DT2 9AU. Doors open at 7:00 pm with the film starting at 7:30pm. Tickets on the door £6 (to include a glass of wine).
Friday, 5 December
The Jurassic Coast Choir presents Christmas Music with soloists at the Minster, Axminster EX13 5AQ. Doors open at 6.30pm for 7.00 pm start. Tickets include mince pies and mulled wine, cost £15 and are obtainable from Archway Books, Axminster or on the door. Anna Gregory is the Musical Director. All proceeds in aid of the Weldmare Hospicecare Charity.
South Somerset Youth Orchestra & Friends, seasonal concert. £7 includes mince pies & mulled wine/soft drink; please book in advance. (Sold out in previous years). 7pm, at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. Doors open at 6.45pm. Further information from Mary (01460 74849) or Julia (01460 72769).
The Symondsbury Mummers performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. Symondsbury Christmas Fair 5.00pm.
Film: Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere (15) 119 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £8.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Saturday, 6 December
Axminster and District Choral Society invite you to Come and Sing, or simply hear, a programme of Messiah choruses. Performance 6.00 pm at Seaton Methodist Church. Details and tickets for guest singers and audience from axminsterchoral.co.uk or 01404 43805.
Christmas Fair for Arthritis UK. Public Hall, Beaminster DT8 3LF. 10 am-1pm. Entry £2. (children under 12 free). Coffee & Cake, Raffle, Bring & Buy Produce, Cakes, Crafts, Clothes, Xmas cards & more.
Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Symondsbury. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.
Wild Words at Symondsbury Estate: Dorset’s New Festival Celebrating Nature, Place & Story. A brand-new literary festival is coming to West Dorset this winter as Symondsbury Estate launches Wild Words, a celebration of nature, place and the art of paying attention to the world around us. Taking place in the beautiful rustic setting of The Old Pottery on Saturday 6th December, Wild Words brings together seven inspiring authors for a day of talks and book signings exploring themes of nature, sustainability, and local life – just in time for Christmas. Line up includes Jeni Bell & Karen Heaney (Authors of 111 Places in Dorset That You Shouldn’t Miss): Hidden Gems of Dorset. Tony Kirkham (Author of Arboretum): The Secret Life of Trees. Tim Laycock (Author of Dorset Folk Tales): Once Upon a Dorset: Tales, Tunes & Local Legends. John Wright (Author of The Forager’s Handbook): A Forager’s Journey Through the British Countryside and Mark Carwardine, zooligist and conservationist and author of more than 50 books incluuding Last Chance to See with Douglas Adams. Part of Symondsbury’s two days of festive events over 5th and 6th December, this intimate new festival will add a fresh chapter to Bridport’s thriving literary calendar, while reflecting the Estate’s wider ethos of living well, locally, and in tune with the natural world. The Old Pottery, Symondsbury Estate, Bridport, DT6 6HG. Tickets: £9 per talk – available from https://symondsburyestate.co.uk/whats-on. More Info: enquiries@symondsburyestate.co.uk.
Christmas Craft Fayre at Musbury Village Hall – 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. A good variety of local craft stalls including hand made willow items, felt and textile items, bee products, Christmas decorations and lots more, not forgetting the Church cake stall,and raffle. Refreshments including bacon buttys! Proceeds to St Michaels Church Musbury. Enquiries 01297 552440/552711.
The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) meeting at 10-30a.m. in the Library will have a traditional Christmas feel. Art expert David Brindley will illustrate how the Christmas Story has inspired art more than any other subject. Come along and enjoy a slice of festive fun. Tickets available from the Library at £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Everyone welcome. Contact Library 01305762410 or else 01305832613.
Christmas Coffee Morning at Beaminster Museum. Join us for tea and coffee, homemade cakes and a mince pie or two. 10.00 am to 12.00 pm, entry is £3.00 on the door. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk
Cantamus presents ‘Magnificat’, a concert of beautiful choral music for Advent. St Mary’s Church, Netherbury, at 3.30pm. Tickets £12 on the door. Refreshments available. cantamus-dorset.org.
The Symondsbury Mummers performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. The White Horse Litton Cheney 5.00pm.
Music: Fleetwood Bac, 8:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £24.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Sunday, 7 December
The Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concerts 2025. ‘The Cheerful Choir’. Folksongs, gallery carols, poetry and dance tunes from Dorset and a bit beyond! 4.00pm St Mary’s Church, South Street, Bridport DT6 3NW. Tickets via www.ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159. Adults £12, Under 18s £6.
Lyme Bay Chorale’s Christmas Concert including excerpts from JS Bach’s Christmas Oratorio plus carols for choir and audience. Lyme Regis Parish Church at 4pm. Followed by wine/soft drinks and mince pies. Advance tickets £16 from tickettailor.com/events/lymebaychorale or £18 on the door. No charge for young people aged 18 and under. lymebaychorale.co.uk.
Screening: Andre Rieu 2025 Christmas Concert: Merry Christmas (PG) 155 mins 2pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £11.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Monday, 8 December
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock. An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug if possible and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00. For more information contact David on 01460 65981. www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Christmas Band Concert 7.30 – 9.00 pm Christmas Music, Carols and Mince Pies. St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07741457505
Tuesday, 9 December
Scottish Country Dancing Christmas Social at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.45 pm. Wear your Christmas hats and jumpers and come and join in the fun. Only £3.00 pay on the door.Christmas refreshments at the interval. For more details contact Anita on 01460 929383 or email anitaandjim22@gmail.com or check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com.
Julia’s House Christmas Carols St. Mary’s Church, Dorchester, DT1 2HL from 7pm (doors open 6.15pm. Tickets cost £10 per adult, £5 per child and U5s go free Carols everyone knows and loves, performed by local choir Encore and the Julia’s House choir. Mince pies and mulled wine included. All proceeds support local children’s hospice, Julia’s House. Event kindly sponsored by Quba Solutions. Book at: www.juliashouse.org/Carols2025.
Singing Bowl Soundbath 9pm Digby Memorial Hall Sherborne DT9 3LN. £17 Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning give you a sonic deep-tissue massage, taking you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Bookings: 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com.
Beaminster Museum Winter Talk: Racing From Beaminster. Brian Earl sharesthe fascinating history of West Dorset’s 19th century racecourse.Tickets are £5 on the door. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road,Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk.
The Marching Band by Emmanuel Corcol – French with English subtitles. Thibaut is an internationally renowned conductor. When he learns he has Leukaemia and needs a bone marrow donor, he discovers that he was adopted and he has a younger brother who plays the trombone in a small marching band. 7.45pm Bridport Arts Centre. Members and Guests (£5) only.
Wednesday, 10 December
West Dorset Community Orchestra present their Christmas concert in St. Swithun’s Church, North Allington, Bridport at 7-30p.m. A varied programme of music with guest appearances. Admission is free with a retiring collection. There will be a raffle and interval refreshments. Contact 01308 456297. www.westdorsetmusic.org.uk.
Kilmington Film Night “The Ballad of Wallis Island” (12A). The Ballad of Wallis Island” is a sublime, adorable comedy. The film bewitches you with its seemingly spontaneous humour, a cadre of original soulful folk tunes, and its adoration of the breath-taking surroundings. Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets £6 can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681
Thursday, 11 December
The Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concerts 2025. ‘The Cheerful Choir’. Folksongs, gallery carols, poetry and dance tunes from Dorset and a bit beyond! 7.30pm. The Exchange, Old Market Hill, Sturminster Newton DT10 1FH. Tickets via www.ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159. Adults £12, Under 18s £6.
Chard History Group in conjuncture with Chard Museum Present another of the Hidden Histories of Chard. 7.00 for 7.30pm Chard Guildhall upper floor (with lift). Members £2.50. Visitors most welcome £3.50. For further details contact Tessa 07984481634.
The Symondsbury Mummers performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. Shipton Gorge Church 5.00pm.
Film: Bugonia (15) 118 mins, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £8.50. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Free food glut stall plus distribution of children’s toys 9.30 – 10.00 am. All welcome. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07778159826
Wild and Messy Church 3.30 – 5.30pm Children and their carers are welcome for an afternoon of fun activities and tea. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07704959426.
Kilmington Film Matinee The Ballad of Wallis Island” (12A) (See 10th December). Matinee, doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm, cream-teas served during the interval but must be pre-booked with your seats @ £4. see above and www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information.
Bridport History Society will be welcoming Lt Col James Porter who will give a talk titled ‘Napoleon: Soldier and Lover’. The talk will be held at the United Church Hall on East Street, Bridport. Doors open at 2.15pm for a prompt 2.30pm start. All are welcome, members £1pp, visitors £5pp. Bridport History Society meets on the second Thursday of each month (except July and August). Membership is open to all (£12 individual / £18 couple). For more information visit: www.bridporthistorysociety.org.uk.
Zumba with Emmaline! Join us for a fun fitness dance session. Everyone welcome! £10 drop in £7 block booking. 9.30am Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis Contact: blissedoutyoga15@gmail.com.
Friday, 12 December
Drax of Drax Hall: How One British Family Got Rich (and Stayed Rich) from Sugar and Slavery. Pluto Books (2025). The Bridport Literary Festival will be holding a festival bookend event chaired by David Olusoga at The Bull ballroom at 16.30. The panel will be Dr Paul Lashmar, author of Drax of Drax Hall, in discussion with Alan Smith, First Estates Commissioner of the Church Commissioner, the Church of England and the person behind between the £100m reparations package. Tickets available at the Bridport Tourist Information Office. Ticket booking line : 01308 424 901.
David Olusoga: History’s Missing Chapters, Includes Q&A + Book Signing , 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £30. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Beaminster Museum hosts Parnham Voices for an evening of festive music. Tickets, which include drinks and mince pies, are £8 and can be booked via brianearl53@btinternet.com. 7.30pm, Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Road, Beaminster DT8 3NB. www.beaminstermuseum.co.uk.
Friday, 12 – 14 December
Christmas Tree Festival at St Michael’s Church, Musbury. Daily from 10.30 am to 4.30 pm. All welcome to this magical event with 20+ trees decorated in the theme ‘Christmas in Song’. Refreshments available. Donations welcome for St Michael’s Church toilet and servery project. Enquiries to 01297 552440/552711.
Saturday, 13 December
The Dorset Fiddlers, 7.00pm at Eype Centre for the Arts. Join us in the stunning setting of St Peter’s Church, Eype Centre for the Arts, for an uplifting evening with the Dorset Fiddlers — a dynamic folk fiddle orchestra showcasing the county’s rich musical legacy. Featuring some of Dorset’s most accomplished folk musicians, the ensemble blends archival manuscript sources (Hardy and Ben Rose collections) with fresh compositions to create a captivating programme. Expect an exhilarating journey through elegant minuets, lilting waltzes, and the irresistible energy of jigs and reels — all reimagined in bold, contemporary arrangements. We can’t wait to welcome you! Tickets on the door or via TicketSource: £16.00 Adults/ £8.00 Children. See the Dorset Fiddlers on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@DorsetFiddlers.
Cantamus presents ‘Magnificat’, a concert of beautiful choral music for Advent. St Mary’s Church, South Street, Bridport, at 7pm. Tickets £12 on the door. Refreshments available. cantamus-dorset.org.
Music: Blame It on the Boogie – Annual Xmas Disco, 18+, 7pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets £23. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Dalwood Jazz Club presents The Riviera Ramblers with Zoe Lambeth – reeds & vocals, John Whitlock – guitar & banjo, Dale Whitlock – guitar and Joe Gass – double bass. at 3pm Dalwood Village Hall, EX13 7EG (near Axminster) Bar for beer/wine/soft drinks and tea/coffee/cake etc. Parking at the Village Hall £12.50p If possible, please book in advance and pay (cash or card) at the door. Thank you! t.mackenney111@btinternet.com.
Sunday, 14 December
Carol Service 3.30 – 5.00 pm 9 lessons and carols with St. Mary and St. Catherine’s Catholic Church Followed by mince pies and hot drinks. All welcome. At St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07967205302.
The Martin Schellenberg Music Trust’s Christmas Concert with Malcolm Archer (organ) Winston Leese (trumpet) and Jan Wyld (festive readings) at 4pm at St Mary’s Church, Beaminster. Tickets £10 at the door (include a glass of mulled wine!). A raffle will be held with excellent prizes! Enquiries: schellenbergmusictrust@gmail.com.
French + Breton Folk Dance, Bal Crewkerne with live house band, in the Speedwell Hall, Abbey Street, Crewkerne, TA18 7HY on Sunday December 14th. Dance workshop for beginners 6-7pm followed by main dance 7-9.30pm. Admission free. Tea and coffee available or bring your own drinks. Free parking in the town centre car parks. More information on our website:https://balcrew.
Monday, 15 December
Scottish Dancing in Chardstock. An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall 7.30-10.00 p.m. Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug if possible and wear soft soled shoes. No partner required. Cost £3.00. For more information contact David on 01460 65981 www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.
Monday, 15 – 18 December
Theatre: BYP – Beauty & The Beast, 7:30pm, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £10. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Tuesday, 16 December
Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR from 7.30 to 9.30 pm with tea break. Only £3.00 per evening , per person and everyone is welcome, no partner needed. Please wear flat, soft soled shoes if possible. All very welcome to join us for a fun filled evening. Contact Anita on 01460 929383, email anitaandjim22@gmail.com or visit our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com.
Bridport U3A Christmas Quiz takes place at. 2.00 pm. Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ. It is a members only quiz with free entry. There are prizes & tea & cakes, mince pies. Solos are welcome as you will be allocated a team on arrival.Teams 4-6 people.
Wednesday, 17 December
Christmas Coffee Morning, including mince pies, scones & savouries, and bacon/egg rolls (made to order), 10.30am – noon; all welcome. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall. More details from Julia (01460 72769).
Thursday, 18 December
Dancing at Combe St Nicholas Village Hall alternate Thursdays from 1930 to 2130 hrs (Postcode TA20 3NY). Admission is £4.00 per person and includes a cuppa and a piece of cake! Group is friendly and inclusive and welcomes everyone who wants to do a bit of dancing and social chat. We have live music and a different caller every fortnight. The Blackberrow Band are playing and Mary is the caller. For further information, please contact Neil Arnold (neil.j.arnold@gmail.com) or 01460 234693.
The Symondsbury Mummers performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. The White Lion, Broadwindsor 7.00pm.
Free food glut stall plus distribution of children’s toys 9.30 – 10.00am All welcome St. Swithun’s Church Hall, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU Contact 07778159826.
Zumba with Emmaline! Join us for a fun fitness dance session. Everyone welcome! £10 drop in £7 block booking. 9.30am Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis Contact: blissedoutyoga15@gmail.com.
Carols in the Gardens Dorchester Borough Gardens 6.30pm. Join us for some festive singing! Carols in the Borough Gardens is one of our favourite traditions of Christmas in Dorchester. Organised by the Friends of the Borough Gardens and the Town Council with the support of Keep 106, the Carols are for everyone to join in, with music from Dorchester’s own band – the Durnovaria Silver Band, accompanied by the Encore Singers. The music starts at 6.30 and goes on for about an hour – and it’s free! All are welcome to add to the atmosphere by bringing their own home-made lantern. Carol books will be provided. Arrive from 6pm to enjoy a warming beverage and some delicious baked goods from Bees Knees Bakes. Please note that in case of very bad weather the event may be cancelled so keep an eye on the Borough Gardens Facebook page for information.
Friday, 19 December
The Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concerts 2025. ‘The Cheerful Choir’. Folksongs, gallery carols, poetry and dance tunes from Dorset and a bit beyond! 7.30pm. Dorford Centre, 2 Bridport Road, Dorchester DT1 1RR. Tickets via www.ridgewaysingersandband.org or call 01305 262159. Adults £12, Under 18s £6.
Saturday, 20 – 23 December
Theatre: Santa Live! Photo opportunity with Santa post show, Bridport Electric Palace, DT6 3NY. Tickets from £14. To book electricpalace.org.uk.
Sunday, 21 December
Free Christmas Concert to Bring Festive Cheer to Axminster Guildhall. Axminster Guildhall is set to welcome the festive season in style with a free Christmas Concert on Sunday 21st December at 3:00pm, featuring performances from the Lyme Regis Town Band and the Axe Valley Community Choir. Doors open at 2:30pm, and the afternoon promises to be a joyful celebration of music, community, and Christmas spirit. The concert will open with the ever-popular Lyme Regis Town Band, entertaining audiences from 3:00–4:00pm with their lively mix of brass band favourites, festive tunes, and modern classics. After a short break, the Axe Valley Community Choir will take to the stage from 4:20–4:50pm, before the Town Band returns for their raffle and a special joint finale performance to close the event in true holiday style. To make the afternoon even more enjoyable, the bar will be open throughout the concert, serving mulled wine, mince pies, and other seasonal refreshments. Although admission is free, attendees are asked to book their tickets online in advance to help the Guildhall manage seating and catering numbers. Tickets can be reserved via the website at axminster-guildhall.co.uk.
Tuesday, 23 December
Carols round the Christmas tree at 7PM (19.00). The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis welcome you to a wonderful start to the Christmas activities, ‘Carols round the Christmas Tree’ in Broad Street Lyme Regis. The Lyme Regis Town Band will play a selection of Christmas Carols for all to sing along! The Mayor will be in attendance with the Town Crier acting as MC. A great start to the Christmas festivities for all to join in. The collection being made by the Rotary Club will be for the Children’s Hospice South West. Please give generously for this very worthwhile charity! President David Sarson has chosen Children’s Hospice Southwest to be the beneficiary of our traditional Christmas Collection and Carols Round the Christmas Tree. The Charity provides hospice care for babies, children and young people with life-limiting conditions and their whole families across the South West. The care offered is wide ranging including hospice stays, emergency care, palliative care and end of life care.
Wednesday, 24 December
1st Mass of Christmas 6.00pm Followed by mince pies and mulled wine, all welcome At St. Swithun’s Church, Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU Contact 07967205302
Sunday, 28 December
Singing Bowl Soundbath 2pm Oborne Village Hall Sherborne DT9 4LA £17 Lie down, relax, and allow the Pure Sounds of a crystal and Tibetan bowl soundbath plus sacred vocal overtoning give you a sonic deep-tissue massage, taking you into the deeper brainwave states of ‘the relaxation response’, while charging and balancing the aura and chakras of the subtle body, and detoxing the physical body. Bookings: 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com
Thursday, 1 January
The Lyme Lunge 1pm Sandy Beach. The iconic Lyme Lunge will return to Lyme Regis beach on New Year’s Day, and a fancy dress dip in the balmy waters of Lyme Bay is just the thing to lift your spirits the morning after. Organised by the Rotary Club of Lyme Regis, the Lunge has raised more than £40.000 for local and national charities over the past 15 years. It is now the most popular way to welcome the New Year in Lyme Regis, and one of the biggest events of its kind in the West Country, with hundreds joining the dash to the sea each year, watched by crowds of thousands.Swimmers will parade their costumes on the beach before a quick dash to the sea at 1pm sharp – and they don’t stay in long, so make sure you get there in plenty of time! This year’s Lunge will be raising funds for The Rainbow Trust and Well Child and Rotary Charities. Hot Soup served for all Lungers (Courtesy of The Harbour inn). Full details and sponsorship forms will be available at www.lymeregisrotary.org , find us on Facebook and Instagram.
The Symondsbury Mummers performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. The Ilchester Arms, Symondsbury 7.00pm.
