Dorset, Somerset and Devon Events - Marshwood Vale Magazine

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Your truly comprehensive list of local events

Monday, 31 August

Bardfest 2026 Folk Song Walk with Alastair Braidwood, 11am, Meet outside The Crown, 2 hr walk, wear suitable footwear and clothing. Bring water. £10. Discount advance tickets onlly: Gold Weekend Ticket: £50 – entry to all events. Silver Ticket: £25 – entry to 3 events. Bronze Ticket: £10 – entry to 1 event. Paypal: kevanmanwaring@yahoo.co.uk. FFI: See Eventbrite for individual event bookings.

11:30am, Organ Recital, St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis A fun and sparkling organ recital by Peter Irving. Favourites for all the family including the Finale of Saint Saens’ ‘Organ Symphony’, Bach’s Toccata and Fugue in D Minor, and Elgar’s Nimrod. Retiring collection with all funds raised in aid of the new church toilets.

First-Ever Symondsbury Summer Dog Fête promises fun for the Whole Family. A fun-filled day of entertainment, activities and community spirit is on the menu at one of Dorset’s most dog-friendly destinations. With free entry, the event will transform Symondsbury Estate into a traditional summer fête with a canine twist, offering a packed programme of attractions for dogs and their owners, while ensuring there’s plenty for visitors without dogs to enjoy too. Visitors can enjoy four dedicated activity zones, including a themed obstacle course, fun scurry ring, agility ring and family games area, alongside a dedicated Puppy Zone for younger pups and new owners. A highlight of the day will be the Symondsbury Dog Show, featuring a variety of fun classes and culminating in the ever-popular Paws Got Talent showcase. There will also be the chance to strike a pose at the Pooch Smooch Booth, browse the Pup-Up Market packed with doggy gifts, treats and accessories from local traders, and enjoy delicious food and drink provided by The Symondsbury Kitchen. Four-legged guests won’t miss out either, with puppaccinos, doggy ice creams and plenty of tasty treats on offer. Known for its warm welcome to dogs, Symondsbury Estate has long been a favourite destination for walkers and their four-legged companions. The Summer Dog Fête is the perfect chance for people to experience the Estate for themselves, whether that’s exploring the scenic trails, getting a culture fix at the art gallery, browsing the independent shops, going on our family Summer Explorer Trail, enjoying great food and drink at The Symondsbury Kitchen, or simply relaxing and soaking up the atmosphere. Symondsbury Estate, Bridport DT6 6HG. 10am – 4pm. Free Entry.

Anonymous Festival returns Borough Gardens in Dorchester from 11am to 5pm. This family friendly event, now in its 16th year, is literally bursting to the seams with activities for all ages, from craft and clay to bouncy castles and bungee trampolines. And not only is the event free to attend, but there is absolutely no charge for any of the activities either! You will have the opportunity to battle your friends at inflatable gladiators, get your hair feathered or a glitter tattoo or have your photo taken in a vintage horsebox. You will even have the chance to do a masterclass in how to create a special effect wound! And to top it all there will be musical entertainment taking place throughout day by way of 2 stages which will feature some of our most talented young performers, as well as the locally loved Vinyl Van who will be spinning discs in the chill out corner. There will be a range of affordable, delicious food on offer, including burgers, sausages and chips, mouth-watering freshly cooked Thai dishes, authentic falafels, and delicious curries. For the sweet of tooth there will also be popcorn, candy floss and ice-cream, and the park kiosk will be open for light snacks and drinks. Feel free to bring your own blanket or deckchair and make a day of it. Borough Gardens in Dorchester, 11am – 5pm.

Thursday, 3 September

War Paint-Women at War (2025, UK, 12,112 mins, Dir:-Peter Cattaneo) Margy Kinmonth’s feature documentary shines a light on the trailblazing role of women war artists, on the front lines round the world, championing the female perspective on conflict through art and asking: when it’s life or death, what do women see that men don’t? Traditionally a male domain, war art by women has been largely unrecognised. Until now… 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.

Scottish Country Dancing St Michael’s Scottish Country Dancing Club. 7.30-9.39pm at the Davis Hall, Howell Hill, West Camel BA22 7QX. First two visits free, £2 per session; £1.50 for members. A warm welcome assured and no partner needed. Please bring a mug – tea, coffee, biscuits provided. See website www.stmichaelsscdclub.org or contact secretary: Elspeth 07972125617 elspeth_a_wright@hotmail.com.

Colyton Town History Walk leaving from Colyton Dolphin Car Park at 2 pm. Guided walk, approximately one hour, £5, children under 16 free. No booking required, all weathers. Group Bookings by arrangement: Contact 01297 552514 or 01297 33406.

Michael The Story of a Global Icon Axminster Guildhall will screen Michael, bringing the highly anticipated biographical drama about one of the most influential entertainers of all time to local audiences. Directed by Antoine Fuqua, Michael stars Jaafar Jackson, the real-life nephew of Michael Jackson, in his feature-film debut as his uncle. The film explores Michael Jackson’s extraordinary journey from child star with the Jackson 5 to global solo superstar, charting his meteoric rise, phenomenal success and the personal challenges that accompanied his unprecedented career. Set against the backdrop of some of the defining moments of Jackson’s life and career, Michael offers audiences an opportunity to experience the story of the man behind the music on the big screen. Axminster Guildhall, Axminster, EX13 5NX Tickets: £5. For further information, interviews, images or media enquiries, please contact Axminster Guildhall.

Saturday, 5 September

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7.5 mile walk from Whitchurch Canonicorum. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) talk at 10-30 a.m. in Weymouth Library, will have speaker Brian Margetson looking at the history of Poole Harbour, then – and now how it serves today’s users. The entrance fee is £3 per person. Everyone welcome. Any enquiries: ring 01305 832613.

Forde Abbey Autumn Plant and Gardening Fair. A special half price entry of £7.50 to the Plant & Gardening Fair, includes admission to Forde Abbey’s thirty-acre gardens. Parking is free. Last Entry to the gardens at 3:00pm. Tickets can be purchased from www.fordeabbey.co.uk/events

Sewing for Beginners Come and learn how to sew and how to use your sewing machine. Learn about seams, stitch length, cutting out etc. Make some useful items for yourself and for the home. 1from 10 am until 2 pm Cost £18 this includes tea and coffee. At The United Reformed Church, Chard St, Axminster EX13 5EB. To book a place contact : gina.youens@btinternet.com.

Sunday, 6 September

Organ Recital A chance to enjoy a performance by the remarkable young organist, Oriel Chapman, taught at St Michael’s church by Richard Godfrey and now Organ Scholar Elect at Downing College, Cambridge. 3:30pm, St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis.

Tuesday, 8 September

Scottish Country Dancing every Tuesday morning 10 am till noon and 7.30 to 9.30 pm at Horton Village Hall TA19 9QR, Only £3.00 pay on the door. Classes suitable for beginners and no partner required. For further information contact Anita on 01460 929383 email anitaandjim22@gmail.com and check out our web site at www.ashillscd.wordpress.com. see you soon.

Wednesday, 9 September

Armonico Consort’s Great Bike Challenge Charity Concert. This renowned choir and music charity are cycling from Exeter Cathedral to Wimborne Minster and performing to raise money to establish children’s choirs and dementia choirs. At St Michael’s, Lyme Regis they will be joining pupils from Woodroffe School Choir and the Lyme Bay Chorale to perform from Handel’s Messiah to Zadok the Priest. Tickets cost from £14.50. 6:00pm, St Michael’s Church, Lyme Regis For further details and to book please visit https://www.armonico.org.uk/whats-on/armonico-great-bike-challenge-charity-concerts.

West Dorset Community Orchestra rehearse in the Christian Fellowship hall, East Street car park, Bridport DT6 3QE from 6-30p.m.to 7-45p.m. New members very welcome, particularly violin and viola players . First four rehearsals are free.For more information www.westdorsetcommunityorchestra.co.uk or contact 01308 456297.

Kilmington Film Night: My Mothers Wedding (15) Kristin Scott Thomas’s directorial debut and inspired by her own life. Three sisters (Scarlett Johansson, Sienna Miller, Emily Beecham) return to their home for the third wedding of their twice-widowed mother (Kristin Scott Thomas). But the mother and daughters are forced to revisit the past and confront the future, with help from a colourful group of unexpected wedding guests. “My Mother’s Wedding might not be extraordinary, but it’s no small thing to create a film that makes you want to step into its world and spend time there.” Hollywood Reporter. 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.

Thursday, 10 September

Kilmington Film Matinee “My Mothers Wedding (15)” (See 9th Sept) 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, 11 September

St Mary’s Church, Bridport A Walk Down the Aisle presented by Theresa Weller. Featuring antique clothing and bridal wear from the 1860s to 1970s, modelled live. Wine and refreshments available by donation to St Mary’s Church Doors open 6.15pm, start at 7pm. Tickets £15 from Bridport TIC 01308 424901. In aid of the Red Dress Project – coming to Bridport 31 July to 15 August 2027.

Cinechard is celebrating 10 years of showing monthly films at Chard Guildhall! We’d love as many of our past or existing customers – and new faces – to join us for this Secret Film chosen specially to celebrate films and communities. Please trust us to have chosen an absolute corker of a film for this special occasion. Each audience member will be welcome to join us in a complimentary glass of fizz and a piece of cake during the interval. Tickets available from Eleos, the PO, the Communitea Waffle and Health & Remedy for £5. £6 on the door. Doors open at the earlier time of 6.30pm for a 7pm start.

Netherbury Nature Group Kingfishers by David Boag Netherbury Village Hall, Doors open at 6:30. Cash bar. Everyone is welcome. Entrance fee only £3. The Netherbury Nature Group season of talk begins with Kingfishers. David Boag will be presenting an illustrated talk on the life of this remarkable bird. David is a wildlife photographer and author of 18 books on natural history.

Saturday, 12 September

Corscombe village hall DT2 ONU. 2pm Jumble Sale £1. in aid of the Hall & Church. All the usual stalls. Plenty of bargains. 07971 689965.

Bridport & West Dorset Rambling Club 7 mile walk from Cogden. For further information please ring 01308 898484 or 01308 863340. New members/visitors welcome.

Sunday, 13 September

Royal Air Forces Association 2026 Battle of Britain Church Service St Johns West Bay DT6 4EY @3pm All Welcome.

Monday, 14 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BJ. 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 https://www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.

Winsham Art Club, 2pm at Jubilee Hall TA20 4HU. The theme this practical session is Cyanotypes. It is a 2.5 hr. session led by a visiting tutor. Small friendly group of mixed abilities. Members £5, non-members £7. Annual membership £15. All welcome. Contact: Email : suzyna48@gmail.com for further details.

Singing Bowl Soundbath Digby Memorial Church Hall, (Griffiths Room) Sherborne DT9 3LN 7.30-9 pm relax reset + detox £20/18 cncs 01935 389655 or email ahiahel@live.com.

Hawkchurch Film Nights in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘The Devil Wears Prada 2’, 119 mins, Cert.12 (infrequent strong language). 20 years on, the topline cast (Meryl Streep, Anne Hathaway, Emily Blunt, Stanley Tucci) all return, with extra star wattage from Kenneth Branagh, in this sparkling romcom sequel set in the world of fashion and publishing. Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Advance ticket reservations £6.50 from csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 07753 603219 up to 4pm on the day; or in cash on the door for £7.00. Subtitles for hearing-impaired patrons provided if supplied by the distributor. Home-made cake, teas, coffees, soft drinks, wine and other refreshments available.

Autumn Art History course Drawing in its many forms and contexts. 2pm-3.30pm in Bridport, and On line, Friday18th September 2pm, for 6 weeks. The course will explore historical drawing, how drawing develops alongside changing philosophical ideas, from the early Renaissance to present day. Throughout the twentieth & twenty first century, artists have been redefining how drawing is experienced. Artists I am including range from historical examples from the early Renaissance to contemporary artists. Uccello, Pierro Della Francesca, Leonardo, Michelangelo, Albrecht Durer, Sofonisba Anguissola, Holbein, Rembrandt, Stubbs, Ingres, Pre Raphaelites. Cezanne, Van Gogh, Klimt, Schiele, Picasso, Degas, Morrisot, Matisse, Klee, David Jones, Eric Ravilious, Tirzah Garwood, Henry Moore, Barbara Hepworth, Hockney, Lucien Freud, Lubaina Himid, Maggi Hambling, David Remfry, Claudette Johnson, Sonia Boyce, William Kentridge, Marlene Dumas, Paula Rego, Tracy Emin, Cornelia Parker, Stephen Wiltshire, Charlie Mackesey, Banksy & more. Venue: United church hall, East Street, Bridport. Fee: £70 for 6 wks. Individual ‘drop in’ lectures, £15 per person. On line fee is £65 for 6wks. Re availability, you can attend across in person and on line if needed. To book please email: chris.pamsimpson@btinternet.com Tutor: Pam Simpson MA. Art & Design Historian. Pam taught in the London art colleges for her career, latterly at University of the Arts.

Tuesday, 15 September

Wednesday, 16 September

Drimpton & District Gardening Club: ‘Easy Orchids’, a practical demonstration from Geoff Hobson on growing and showing orchids. Bring your own orchids in any condition, for advice. 7pm for 7.30pm start, Drimpton Village Hall. Non members also welcome (£1); tea/coffee & biscuits available. More information on 01308 867172.

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).

Turn Lyme Green Film ‘People’s Emergency Briefing’ Turn Lyme Green invites you to a film and discussion. Climate change and community. Refreshments. 7pm. Pine Hall, Baptist Church, top of Broad Street, Lyme Regis. Free but booking helpful so we can keep track of numbers attending. enquiries@turnlymegreen.co.uk.

Thursday, 17 September

South Somerset RSPB Local Group 47th AGM followed by ‘Outside in On Nature’. An illustrated talk by Mei Cooper, who is the writer and film producer of Pockit Robot, which is an early years nature series created by her family run film studio. at 7.30pm The Millennium Hall, Seavington St. Mary, Ilminster, TA19 0QH. Entry: Group members £4, non-group members £5, under 25’s Free. Tea/coffee & biscuits included – Wheelchair access. Further details from Denise Chamings on 01781473846 or www.rspb.org.uk/groups/southsomerset. Everyone welcome.

New Arts Group The Incas and their Predecessors through their Art and Textiles Speaker: Chloe Sayer. Bridport Town Hall 1.30 for 2.00pm. All welcome £10.00

Saturday, 19 September

Bridport We See You ‘through the eyes of Bridport Camera club’ 10-5pm. Bridport Town Hall. Admission free and freshmen’s.

Jumble sale, 2pm – 3.30pm; refreshments on sale. Clapton & Wayford Village hall. Donations may be brought to the hall between 2pm and 3.30pm on Friday 18th or between 10am and mid-day on Saturday 19th. Further information from Mary (01460 74849) or Julia (01460 72769).

Sunday, 20 September

Singing Bowl Soundbath The David Hall, Roundwell St. South Petherton, TA13 5AA 2-3.30pm relax reset + detox £20/18 cncs 01935 389655 email ahiahel@live.com.

Monday, 21 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BJ. 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 https://www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk

Tuesday, 22 September

Queenagers Renowned feminist theatre company Scary Little Girls perform their critically acclaimed show Queenagers – a be-sequined celebration of the power of the older woman, offering a riotous, moving and liberating look at the positive side of menopause. 7.30pm The Lyric Theatre, 9 Barrack Street, Bridport, DT6 3LX.

Bridport U3A at 2.00 pm, Rob Jayne is talking about, Ordnance Survey Map Making. Talk title is ‘The retriangulation of Great Britain.’ Venue; Bridport United Church Hall, East Street, Bridport, DT6 3LJ. The talk lasts for 1 hour followed by Q&A then refreshments. Members are free, guests £3.00.

A rare public auction of professional joinery and woodworking equipment that has been built up over years at a workshop near Axminster, is giving local businesses and enthusiasts the chance to acquire serious machinery at openmarket prices. Full lot details, photographs and bidding registration are available at hickman-shearer.co.uk, or by contacting the team directly on 020 3668 0580 or email: expert@hickman-shearer.co.uk. Website: hickman-shearer.co.uk.

Wednesday, 23 September

Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society. Talk ‘Seed Saving for Gardeners’ by Ellen Rignell of Winnow Farm Seeds, Bridport. Uplyme Village Hall 7.30pm. Doors open 7pm. Members free; guests £3. More information https://ulrhs.co.uk.

Thursday, 24 September

Friday, 25 September

Four hands – Four Feet! A rare chance to enjoy a superb afternoon of organ and paino music. The Friends of St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, are proud and delighted to welcome two celebrated musicians, Peter Nardone and Jonathan Delbridge, who promise to give a dynamic and diverse concert of much-loved favourites – incorporating a few surprises along the way! St Mary’s Church, Beaminster, DT8 3BA. 3pm. £10 on the door (under 16’s free). Tea and Cakes.

Saturday 26 – 27 September

Mapperton House and Gardens in Beaminster is hosting an English Civil War Reenactment Weekend 10am to 5pm. A reenactment group will bring the period to life across the estate with a period camp, cooking and sewing demonstrations, musket demonstrations, pike drills and drumming on the Croquet Lawn and a full battle across the grounds. There will also be a parade, period games for younger visitors and drums sounding across the estate all day. A brilliant family day out with something for all ages. Adults £10 | Children 5 to 15 £5 | Under 5s free. Book at mapperton.com.

Saturday, 26 September

Anniversary Dance Party in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing at Chardstock Village Hall , EX13 7BJ, to celebrate 25 years of Chard Scottish Country Dancing Club. 7.00 – 10.30 pm with live music from Chris and Julie Dewhurst. Tickets £15 For more information contact David on 01460 65981 or https://chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.

Dorset Police Male Voice Choir Musical Director David Marshall, Accompanist Sue Stein, presents and early Autumn Concert at 7.00 pm in St Mary’s Church, Charminster, DT2 9RD. Tickets at £10.00 per head (to include interval drinks and nibbles) available from – Tel. 01305 213403, 07795 347408, 07818 50801. proceeds towards church funds.

Powerstock Hut Barn Dance A fund-raising barn dance for our village hall, music by The Ping Pong Orchestra, caller Angela Laycock. Bar. 7pm start. Powerstock Hut, Powerstock, DT6 3TB. Tickets £5. Children free. Buy on door.

Sunday, 27 September

Singing Bowl Soundbath Oborne Village Hall, OBORNE, nr. Sherborne, Dorset DT9 4LA 2-3.30pm relax reset + detox £20/18 cncs 01935 389655 email ahiahel@live.com.

Down the Line to Bridport 3.00 to 4.30pm Doors open at 2.30pm. A talk presented by local historian Bruce Upton on what it was like to drive trains on the Bridport branch line from Maiden Newton to West Bay. £5.00 entry, cash or card on the door, with refreshments and a raffle during the interval. St. Swithun’s Church Hall, North Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU. Contact 07741457505.

Dalwood Jazz Club presents Derek Nash & The Martin Dale Quartet with Derek Nash (Jools Holland R&B Orchestra) on sax, Martin Dale – sax, Gavin Martin – keyboard, Kevin Sanders – d/bass and Dennis Harris – drums. 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.

Netherbury Repair Cafe 10:00-12:00, Netherbury Village Hall. The July Netherbury Repair Cafe saw us repairing garden parasols and lawn mowers, and sharpening garden tools. After a break in August our volunteer repairers will be back in the village hall on Sunday 27th September. As usual we will have homemade cakes, Clipper teas and quality coffee – come along and see what we do. For more information contact Lisa: lisagracewillis@gmail.com.

Monday, 28 September

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BJ. 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 https://www.chardscottishcountrydance.co.uk.

Tuesday, 29 September

Hive Beach Free Guided Walk Hive Beach to Cogden – Shifting Shores. 11am-1pm. Explore the beauty of Hive and Cogden beach while discovering how the coastline is evolving over time. A relaxed, guided walk sharing stories of change and what it means for our future. Price: Free event. Booking required. https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/hive-beach.

D J Ahmet uplifting coming of age film set in rural Macedonia. First film of Bridport Film Society 2026 – 2027 Season. Bridport Arts Centre, DT6 3NR. Doors and bar open 7:00 pm, 7:45 pm screening. Please show membership cards on arrival. (Membership for new season opens at 12:00 am on Monday August 31st; Membership – £40, Guests – £5 – please email for tickets and collect by 7:30 pm on evening of screening). Email: bridportfilm@gmail.com Website: www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk

Wednesday, 30 September

Thursday, 1 October

Friends of Lyme Regis Museum Lyme Regis Museum Friends offer an illustrated talk, ‘40 Years of the Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre’ by Alison Ferris. At 2.30 pm in the Woodmead Hall, Hill Road, Lyme Regis. Alison is ‘Earth, Marine and Environment Science Manager’ at the Centre. Members £3; visitors £5. All welcome. Enquiries to David Cox, 07800 895351.