Dorset One World Festival is back once again to celebrate the diversity of cultures in Dorset through world music, dance, food, and activities.
This free event will be held on Saturday 8th August from 11am-4pm at the Borough Gardens in Dorchester and will feature a programme of traditional and modern music involving local communities.
There is a packed programme of performances including what will be a scintillating and spiritually uplifting session on the sitar from the highly accomplished Ricky Romain. Later the audience will hear from Gugge 2000—a Swiss carnival band who never fail to bring a smile, and the ever-popular Mustafa Mamu who will be singing some lively traditional Syrian and Kurdish songs accompanied in his performance by the captivating Meena belly dancing—they’re guaranteed to get you on your feet!
The afternoon will be topped off by the Four Corners Collectif who will be providing smooth soul, funky reggae and afrobeat inspired tunes.
There will also be a variety of exciting and diverse dance performances including The Dorchester Malayali Association who will share a traditional Indian dance, Rhythm and Beats with a special performance giving us a ‘taste of Bollywood’, Grains of Hope who will demonstrate some Ukrainian folk dancing, and Dragon of the South who will be sure to raise energy with their historic Chinese lion dancing.
Be prepared to turn up hungry as the Global Food Village will offer a wide selection of mouthwatering fresh food and drinks from around the world. Come and taste some incredible cuisine, from Tibetan dumplings and Middle Eastern falafel to appetising Greek food, authentic Keralan curries, Spanish paella, Italian pizza, Afro-Caribbean jerk chicken, a Turkish meze, or some Nepalese momos! You can finish your meal with a choice of some delectable baklava or scrumptious churros, and wash it all down with a drink from the bar, or a refreshing tropical beverage from World of Juice.
As well as music and food, the event will feature a wide range of stalls and additional activities to get involved with, including crafts, traditional basket weaving, a singing workshop and a free bouncy castle for the children.
The Festival is a free family event and is on Saturday 8th August 2026 – 11 to 4pm at Borough Gardens, Dorchester.
