Sturminster Newton Chocolate Fair
2025-04-12 10:00 - 15:00 (Europe/London) | Railway Garden, Station Road, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1BB, United Kingdom
The inaugural Chocolate Fair is expected to become a cherished addition to Sturminster Newton’s tradition of engaging community events, offering residents and visitors a unique opportunity to indulge in chocolate delights and celebrate the Easter season.

Poyntington May Fair 2025
2025-05-17 11:00 - 16:00 | Poyntington Manor House, Poyntington, Sherborne, DT9 4LF, United Kingdom
Held in the Courtyard and Gardens (open to the public) of the lovely 15th C Manor in Poyntington, a small village just north of Sherborne, we have over 30 stalls from local artisans & villagers, including our renowned plant and cake stalls, and an Art Fair for you to browse. Sharandy’s Birds of Prey (11-2pm), a Dog Show (registration 1-145pm, show 2pm), Duck Races (11.30-1.30), live music, a Café, BBQ, & Laycock Cider Bar with panini and pizza will keep you entertained, fed and watered! This is a charitable event in aid of our village church and hall and two local charities, The Rendez-vous,, and Sherborne Food Bank.

Art Meets Sky: Helm Gallery Brings Bold 'DISRUPTION' Exhibition to Branksome's Roof Terrace
2025-06-18 19:00 - 22:00
Rockwater Branksome is hosting an exclusive one-night-only rooftop takeover by Brighton’s Helm Gallery on Wednesday, June 18th.

The evening will showcase thought-provoking prints and original works from over 10 different artists set against the coastal backdrop of Branksome at sunset.

This rooftop takeover represents everything Helm Gallery stands for – bringing exceptional art into unexpected spaces where people can truly connect with both the work and each other,” said Eden Maseyk, Co-founder of Helm. “There’s something magical about experiencing disruptive art against the backdrop of the Branksome coast at sunset.”

Helm Gallery has redefined the traditional gallery experience since opening, combining limited edition prints and original pieces across two floors with an innovative cocktail bar concept. The gallery’s main exhibition hall regularly hosts conversation-sparking shows, while the top floor features carefully curated collections in an atmosphere designed for lingering, connecting, and finding inspiration.

Guests at the Rockwater Branksome pop-up will be welcomed with a complimentary glass of sparkling wine on arrival, alongside carefully selected canapés. Throughout the evening, visitors can experience a true taste of Helm with a specially curated cocktail menu available for purchase, featuring gallery favorites such as the Chilli Peach Margarita and Dark Chocolate Sea Salt Espresso Martini. The combination of exceptional art, Helm’s signature drinks, and the dramatic coastal rooftop setting promises an unforgettable evening that brings every aspect of the Brighton gallery experience to the coast.

The ‘DISRUPTION’ pop-up offers a tantalizing preview of Helm Gallery’s full offerings, inviting art enthusiasts and cultural explorers to experience why Brighton’s boldest culture space has become a destination for those seeking something beyond the ordinary gallery visit.

This exclusive event is part of Rockwater Branksome’s dynamic summer programming, which includes Roebuck Supper Clubs during English Wine Week (June 21-29), sound baths led by in-house wellness expert Vivienne Yardley, and weekend Sunset Sessions in collaboration with Casamigos on the roof terrace.

'Bands For Bravery Music & Family Festival 2025'
2025-06-20 00:00 - 2025-06-22 23:59 | Longthorns Farm, Longthorns, Wareham, BH20 6HH
Mark your calendars for an incredible three days of live music, delicious food, traders and exhibitions including military displays and special guest appearances, all held within the award winning fields of Longthorns Farm in Wareham (next to Monkey World).

Make a weekend of it by booking to stay within the beautiful surroundings with convenient camping and glamping options.

Every ticket sold and each £1 raised helps our forces homeless veterans in need across England and Wales. We are a small 100% volunteer powered charity based in Dorset but supported by big hearts like you!

Semley Music Festival
2025-07-04 19:00 - 23:30 | Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS, Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS
Bringing you the very best music, arts, crafts, food and drink from around the world to your doorstep.From dubstep and DJ sets to ceilidh and blues rock, we have it all.

Semley Music Festival
2025-07-05 12:00 - 23:30 | Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS, Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS
A not-for-profit community music festival in rural Dorset, bringing together talented and innovative musicians from a range of genres. We have musicians – both local and global, emerging and established. From dubstep and DJ sets to ceilidh and blues rock, we have it all.

In addition to the live music, we have always been determined to offer free activities for children and young people as part of the festival. Year by year we have managed to extend this offer which typically has included: music workshops, art and craft workshops, team projects making and decorating festival flags and banners, circus skills training, Tai Chi exercises, bubble sculpting etc.

Semley Music Festival
2025-07-06 11:30 - 19:00 | Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS, Church Green, Semley, SP7 9AS
Semley Music Festival returns for its 4th year and the small festival with big ideas just got even bigger! We’ve extended the event on to an additional day, Sunday July 6th.
This year, Feelgood Sunday promises to lift your mind, body and spirit with a day packed full of yoga, tai chi, sound bath healing, hypnotherapy and meditation sessions, plus spa treatments, including aromatherapy, reiki, Indian head massage, chakra balancing, and rejuvenating facials.
You’ll also find a varied programme of poetry, storytelling, soundscapes and films reflecting the beauty of the natural world.
There’s something for all the family, whether you want to join a children’s art workshop, relax to the sound of the sitar or create a festival skirt on a solar-powered sewing machine.
And expect the usual great food and drink, face painting, festival braids, henna tattoos and bubble entertainment.
The festival comes to a lively close on Sunday with a family ceilidh led by the wonderful Hambledon Hopstep Band from 5pm. Let the experts lead you in a mix of jigs, reels, hornpipes, waltzes and polkas to celebrate the end of Semley Music Festival 2025.
You can book for one day or the whole 3 days and there’s even camping for the full festival experience.

An evening at Elsie’s Bistro Milborne Port
2025-07-10 19:00 - 22:30 | Welcome to Something Else Fishy, 1 The High Street, Milborne Port, Dorset, DT9 5DG
Enjoy a fantastic evening of great food and laughter,
A delicious three-course meal
• Choose from fish and non-fish options
A complimentary glass of
I Prosecco on arrival
Sit with your friends – just let us know you’d like to be grouped with
A fully licensed bar available

Spetisbury Station Project Summer Tea Party
2025-07-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Spetisbury, Spetisbury Station Project, off A350, Spetisbury, BH11 9DJ, United Kingdom
‘Railway 200’ Summer Tea Party
Sunday 13th July 2025
Join us at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from
10am to 2pm to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the
birth of modern railways.
Pimms, teas & coffees, scones, cakes
and other tasty treats available.
Second hand gifts for sale, and a range of exhibits and
information by the North Dorset Railway.
Entertainment by Blandford Ukulele Group at 12.45.
All for a donation (cash only please) to the Spetisbury Station
Project to help us maintain and improve the station site.
If wet, find us in the Spetisbury Village Hall.

Spetisbury Station Project Summer Tea Party
2025-07-13 10:00 - 14:00 | Spetisbury Station Project, off A350, Spetisbury, BH11 9DJ, United Kingdom
Join us at the old railway station in Spetisbury, Dorset, from
10am to 2pm to help celebrate the 200th anniversary of the
birth of modern railways. Explore this beautifully-kept station
site, learn about its history, and maybe enjoy a picnic.
Pimms, teas & coffees, scones, cakes
and other tasty treats will be available.
Good quality second-hand railway books, DVDs and other
gifts for sale, together with a range of exhibits and
information by the North Dorset Railway.

Entertainment by Blandford Ukulele Group
(performing from 12.45 to 13.45)

All for a donation (cash only please) to the Spetisbury Station
Project to help us maintain and improve the station site.
If wet, find us in the Spetisbury Village Hall.

Great Dorset Chilli Festival
2025-08-02 10:00 - 2025-08-03 17:00 | Stock Gaylard Deer Park, Stock Gaylard Deer Park, Sturminster Newton, DT10 2BG, United Kingdom
This is a real foodies festival, with over 110 artisan food producers from around the region and beyond, with some added HEAT!

This is a great day out for chilli lovers and chilli haters, with enough chilli sauces to make steam come out of your ears (disclaimer: if this actually happens, please contact our onsite paramedics, but get a selfie first). Plus a chilli and a curry cook-off competition, chilli eating competitions, chilli plant exhibition and competition, cooking demonstrations, talks, bands, beers and cider, amazing international street food, falconry, bouncy castles.

Come for the friendly fun atmosphere, do some serious shopping, have lunch and chilli out under the avenue of ancient oak trees.

See website for FAQs and tickets.

Charity Auction & Cat Walk show
2025-08-02 19:00 - 22:00 | The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary, Hinton St Mary Estate, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1NA, United Kingdom
On Saturday 2nd August I am hosting a Charity Auction and Preloved Fashions Cat Walk show, with a Wedding feature, at The Tithe Barn, Hinton St Mary
The evening is a ticketed event ( tickets available from 1855 , The Emporium and by email to me) and will include:-

A Dorset Deluxe grazing supper from Black Cat Catering, with a free glass of fizz
A bar and live music and a DJ throughout the evening
A preloved Fashions Catwalk show, with all outfits from the Pre loved Boutique and Dapper Chaps in town with a Wedding feature of some of the stunning wedding dresses and suits they have been donated
Followed by a Dorset dessert (Brownies and Berries)
Then a Charity Auction of Lots donated by local businesses. ( these will include a months subscription to The Hinton Workspace, A Dorset Delights food hamper, a Beautiful Dorset pamper hamper and a Dorset Tipples, drinks hamper ( plus anything else I can persuade our wonderful local business to donate…)
All the models are local volunteers from the community shops, The Girl Guides and a great model friend of mine. The Hair and Make up for the models is all being done for free by local Hair and Make up artists
Most of the outfits will be for sale on the evening.
All the profits from the Evening will be donated to Stur Action ( the Sturminster Newton Community benefit society) and Home Start Blackmore Vale

eat:Shaftesbury
2025-08-03 10:00 - 16:00 | Park Walk, Shaftesbury, Park Walk, Shaftesbury, SPY8JR
eat:Shaftesbury will take place on Sunday 3rd August 10am-4pm – on Park Walk by kind permission of Shaftesbury Town Council. Join us for a one day celebration of local and regional food and drink, free to attend, accessible for all (even the dog!) organised by multi-award winning eat:Festivals. You can expect to find over 70 local food and drink producers, plus street food, music, strolling entertainers and storytelling.

The Healing Parcel launch event
2025-08-16 19:00 - 22:00 | Forum cafe, Blandford Forum, DT117PR, Forum Cafe, Blandford Forum, DT117PR
Wine and mini charcuterie boards available to purchase on the night

launch of The Healing parcel, a new range of beautifully created Crystals gift boxes to support life’s journey

Tarot reading available on the night

free entry

Kington Magnafest 2
2025-09-06 12:00 - 22:30 | Kington Magna Music Field, Church Hill, Kington Magna, Gillingham, Dorset, SP8 5ET, United Kingdom
A village music festival with a sideshow of vintage tractors, three live bands, line dancing, cider and cocktail bars, pizza/fish and chips/BBQ, artisan coffee and cakes, ice cream and a circus skills workshop. All profits to #teamtorri

A Halloween Evening With FRANK SINATRA
2025-10-31 19:00 - 22:30 | NEO Restaurant & Bar Lounge, Exeter Rd, Bournemouth, dorset, BH2 5AH, United Kingdom
A Halloween Evening with Frank Sinatra

Friday, 31st October 2025
19:00-22:30 (Live Show Starts at 20:00)
Step into a night of swing, style, and sophistication at Neo Bournemouth, dining in our first-floor panoramic glass-fronted restaurant with breath-taking sea views.
Feel the magic as Lucien De-Laloi channels the timeless charm and iconic voice of Frank Sinatra, performing classic hits that defined an era. With years of experience entertaining audiences nationally and internationally, he brings elegance, charisma, and showmanship to every note.
Savour the evening with your choice of:
À La Carte Menu – individually priced dishes
4 Course Set Menu – £59.95pp
Reserve your table now for a Halloween night of Sinatra classics, exceptional cuisine, and unforgettable ambiance.
LIMITED SPACES

An afternoon of fungi feast and forage with Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms
2025-11-09 14:00 - 17:00 | Happy River Retreat, Wareham
Back by Popular Demand: A Mushroom Adventure with Andy Knott from Jurassic Coast Mushrooms
Step into the fascinating world of fungi with Andy Knott – one of Dorset’s most passionate and knowledgeable mushroom minds. Andy’s enthusiasm is contagious, and he’ll guide you on a woodland walk of discovery through the forest from Happy River Retreat. You’ll uncover some of nature’s hidden treasures, learn how to identify them and see the forest floor in a whole new way. After your foraging adventure, we’ll head back to the cosy Happy River Barn, where you can warm up and gather around the table of freshly foraged finds. Andy will share fascinating insights into the edible, medicinal, and incredible world of mushrooms that often go unnoticed.
Enjoy a selection of creative mushroom-inspired treats and drinks – both delicious and full of surprising health benefits. From comforting sips to tasty nibbles, prepare to be inspired by just how versatile these forest wonders can be. A walk in the woods will never feel the same again!

Festive Farmers Market and Santa Visit
2025-12-07 11:00 - 15:00 | Bere Marsh Farm Shillingstone DT11 0QY, Bere Marsh, shillingstone, dorset, DT11 0QY, United Kingdom
Meet Santa and get in the festive spirit at our Farmers’ Market
Enjoy our Farmers Market Christmas Edition on Sunday 7th December, from 11am-3pm and shop from a selection of fantastic local products.
At 11am, Santa will arrive on his sleigh to officially open our market, as he visits us in support of local children’s charity Teddy20.
Bring your children along to meet Santa, receive a gift and take a family photo. A small fee will be applicable per child to raise funds for the Teddy20 charity. Santa visits will take place from 11.15am-2pm.
The Buzz Café will be open selling mulled wine, hot chocolate, mince pies and delicious cakes made by our CRT volunteers.

Shitake Yule Logs: Plugging workshop at Happy River
2025-12-13 14:00 - 17:00 | Happy River Retreat, Bere road, Wareham, BH20 7PA, United Kingdom
Join us (and escape the crazy Christmas crowds!) for a hands-on fungi workshop led by our brilliant and passionate mushroom expert, Andy Knott of Jurassic Coast Mushrooms! You’ll learn the art of “log plugging” which is a simple and fascinating way to grow your very own shiitake mushrooms at home. Everyone will leave with their own inoculated log, ready to produce delicious mushrooms for the late summer/autumn of 2026.
As the workshop is just before Christmas, why not think about creating your log as a natural, living gift as something unique and special? We’ll even gather some natural festive materials so you can wrap your log beautifully and turn it into a gift straight from the forest.
As no mushroom day at Happy River is complete without, we’ll be serving up festive mushroom-inspired treats and warming drinks while we learn, laugh, and create together. And, if time (and weather) allows, we’ll head out into the forest to see what fungi are still about during the winter months. Andy will share his deep knowledge and stories about the incredible world of fungi that thrives all year round.
Adults £40/Child £20, Couples/Bring-a-friend £60, Family £65

Festive forest wreath workshop & Shirin Yoku Experience
2025-12-14 10:00 - 15:00 | Happy River Retreat, Bere road, Wareham, BH20 7PA, United Kingdom
Step into the magic of the season at Happy River and enjoy a day of creativity, connection and celebration of nature at this festive time of year. We’ll begin the morning with a warming drink before gently wandering into the forest, where you’ll gather extra materials for your wreath and immerse yourself in the calming practice of Shirin Yoku (forest bathing). Guided meditation will help you slow down, connect with the land, and welcome the spirit of winter.
Afterwards, return to our cosy retreat HQ for a wreath-making workshop, led by our expert guide. Using natural materials provided, along with your hand-picked treasures from the forest, you’ll craft a truly unique and personal festive wreath. As you create, you’ll be treated to a grazing board of plant-based festive delights, designed to nourish and inspire.
We’ll close the day gathered around the fire, sipping on a warming mulled festive mocktail and enjoying a minced pie. Together, we’ll release anything we no longer wish to carry into the flames, opening space for new beginnings as the year draws to a close.
Don’t miss our early bird tickets, available until 31 October 2025
Early bird tickets:
Adults £70, bring a friend/couple £130
or standard tickets:
Adults £75, Bring a friend/couple £140
