The Blackmore Vale what’s on, showcasing our wonderful array of events from live shows and plays, to small village fetes, country shows and fairs to the world famous Great Dorset Steam fair. All the news and dates of what is on where and when right across North Dorset, and beyond!
North Dorset or the Blackmore Vale is steeped in history, mystery and magic. Along with this history comes an array of fascinating, quirky and sometimes outright eccentric events that take place throughout the year that are sure to surprise and delight. Whether you fancy a go at a Nettle eating competition, or take part in a famous down hill cheese race, there is sure to be something for everyone in this fascinating and beautiful county.
Back in the darkest months of lockdown, Molly W-S, a Year 12 pupil at Clayesmore pitched a wonderful idea to Jo Thomson, Head at Clayesmore to organise and run a Charity Art Sale in aid of The Vale Pantry in Sturminster Newton. https://www.yourlocalpantry.co.uk/find-a-pantry/the-vale-pantry/?sturminster-newton Molly’s family are business owners in Sturminster Newton, and having seen first […]
Nestled in the Dorset countryside just six miles east of Dorchester is one of the county’s hidden gems – Sculpture by the Lakes. This 26-acre sculpture park is a glorious gallery under the skies, where visitors can escape from daily worries surrounded by woodland, water, gardens and inspiring works of art. Sculpture by the Lakes […]
The largest celebration of history in the UK, The Daily Mail Chalke Valley History Festival is set to return from the afternoon of Wednesday 23rd to the evening of Sunday 27th June. Taking place at its spectacular venue in Broad Chalke, near Salisbury in Wiltshire, it will be one of the first big ‘live’ events […]
The Gallery at Shaftesbury Arts Centre reopens on Monday 12 April with a solo exhibition by popular local artist Andrea Jenkins. Andrea draws on a lifetime of engagement with art to express ideas in a variety of styles and two-dimensional mediums. Andrea says “I am very excited to be able to show my recent […]
Eat:Festivals are hosting 3 markets in our area this spring – including a new one in Lyme Regis. eat:Lyme Regis on Saturday 24 April joins eat:Castle Cary on 1 May and eat:Yeovil on 22 May as one day celebrations of local and regional food and drink, organised by multi-award winning eat:Festivals. We caught up with […]
THE Nobel laureate TS Eliot lived for some time at East Coker, near Yeovil, and is buried in the churchyard. He also used the name for one of the Four Quartets, generally acknowledged as his poetic masterpiece. The multi-award-winning theatre and film star Ralph Fiennes will direct and star in the world premiere stage adaptation […]
Lovers of Mozart’s operas get a treat this summer when the Dorset Opera Festival stages its first ever productions of two of the Austrian composer’s greatest works, Don Giovanni and Cosi Fan Tutte. Returning after last year’s enforced Covid-cancellation, the opera festival will run from July 19-24, at the usual venue, Coade Hall, at Bryanston […]
Organisers of Shaftesbury Fringe says they’re excited by their decision to go ahead with the event this summer.Fringe will be held over four days on 27th, 28th, 29th and 30th August 2021. Shaftesbury Fringe was last held in 2019 when it was England’s third-largest performance event. Co-Chairman James Thrift says the festival may not be […]
Discover Wimborne this April with a host of virtual events, videos and activities for all the family. Every April Wimborne’s businesses and other venues have opened their doors, offering events, workshops, special promotions, competitions and activities as part of a festival of discovery. Last year Discover Wimborne was cancelled, and this year, to comply with […]
An Update from BV Dairy sponsored North Dorset Cycle Ride 16th May 2021 Following a period of uncertainty, Shaftesbury Rotary Club are delighted to announce that their charitable fundraiser, the North Dorset Cycle Ride, has received the green light to go ahead as planned on Sunday 16th May, 2021. This popular ride, that takes in […]