Love Stur
A new community initiative, Love Stur, is launching to shine a spotlight on the people, passion and connections that make Sturminster Newton’s local economy thrive. The initiative is designed to celebrate not just individual businesses, but the strong network of relationships that keeps the town vibrant and resilient.
‘Love Stur is about people supporting people,’ said a spokesperson for the initiative. ‘By giving local businesses a platform to not only share their own stories but also to highlight other businesses they value, we’re encouraging residents to shop local and strengthening the sense of community that makes Sturminster Newton special.’
Features will be shared weekly through local social media channels, creating an ongoing series that introduces residents to familiar faces and hidden gems across the town. From independent retailers and service providers to charities and community organisations, Love Stur aims to be inclusive and representative of the full range of local enterprise.
The initiative hopes to inspire residents to discover new places, revisit old favourites, and continue supporting local businesses whenever possible.
For more information or to express interest in taking part, please contact Lee Cooper on [email protected]
North Dorset Skills Fair
Dorset Careers Hub is bringing careers to life with the launch of the North Dorset Skills Fair on Wednesday 4 March 2026 at The Exchange. The interactive event will connect Key Stage 3 students with local employers through hands-on workshops, showcasing real-world skills, careers, and progression routes including apprenticeships and technical pathways – helping inspire the workforce of the future.
Tea with William Barnes at The Exchange has become an annual highlight in Dorset’s cultural calendar – a much-loved celebration marking the birthday of one of the county’s greatest literary voices. Born on 22 February 1801 at Rushay Farm, William Barnes went on to become the defining poet of Dorset, his work rooted in the language, landscape and lives of the people of North Dorset. His strong association with Sturminster Newton makes the town the perfect place to gather each year in his honour.
On Sunday 22 February at 3pm, Artsreach brings together a truly Dorset celebration of song, music and verse, inspired by Barnes’ life and work. The afternoon is served, quite fittingly, with tea and cake made from locally sourced ingredients, adding a distinctly local flavour to the occasion.
Before the performance, visitors can enjoy the return of the pop-up market, running from 11am to 3pm, showcasing a range of Dorset artisan-made produce – ideal for browsing, gifting or simply treating yourself.
The event also links perfectly with Sturminster Newton Walkabout Leaflet No. 9 – the Literary Trail, encouraging visitors to explore the town’s rich literary connections. For those keen to stretch their legs, the nearby North Dorset Trailway offers accessible walks on firmer ground, away from the winter-wet fields, making it a great option for a seasonal stroll before or after the festivities. With poetry, music, local food and a strong sense of place, Tea with William Barnes continues to be a fitting tribute to Dorset’s most cherished poet – and a date to look forward to each February.
Stur LitFest
Looking ahead, Tea with William Barnes also offers a first glimpse of Sturminster Newton literary connections for 2026, especially the Sturminster Newton Literary Festival, running from Friday 12th June to Sunday 21st June 2026.
The festival will celebrate literature, place and creativity, building on the town’s deep connections to writers, poets and storytellers past and present. Programme details will be available soon on their website sturlitfest.com.
The SNADS Panto
SNADS are flapping back into action with the pantomime favourite Mother Goose, landing Wednesday to Saturday, 11th to 14th February!
Follow Mother Goose as she chases riches, beauty and happiness (behind you!!) and learns a few life lessons along the way. Expect booing, cheering, singing, dancing, daft jokes and plenty of audience fun! It’s fast, funny and family-friendly, with laughs for little goslings and grown-up geese alike.
Don’t miss it – book your tickets now and join us for a feather-ruffling, giggle-filled panto spectacular!
