The BV

J.S.Bach's St John Passion
2025-04-06 19:30 - 21:30 (Europe/London) | Dorset
Wincanton Choral Society concert

Tower Princesses' Spring Children's Party
2025-04-10 10:30 - 12:00 | Village Hall, Lytchett Matravers, High Street, Lytchett Matravers, BH16 6DF
Spend the morning with Summer’s Princess Parties’ Rapunzel inspired Princess at her first ever event! Our Ice Queen and Mermaid Princess had so much fun at their previous events the Tower Princess wanted her very own!

Meet & Greet, Table Activities, Story Time, Theme Games, Singing, Dancing, Photo Opportunities and Lots of Fun!

10.30am – 12pm
Thursday 10th April 2025
Lytchett Matravers Village Hall
£12.95 per child – adults to supervise come free!
Free Car Park on Site

Sherborne Travel Writing Festival
2025-04-11 17:00 - 2025-04-13 17:00 | Powell Theatre, Abbey Road, Sherborne
Venture on foot, by bicycle, astride an elephant – or even on board the Rolling Stones’ private jet – from Mughal India to modern Istanbul, and from the Bronze Age Aegean to the Battle of Hastings, with the UK’s leading travel writers, historians and broadcasters.
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Join Mevan Babakar, Alexander Christie-Miller, Horatio Clare, Nandini Das, Alan Edwards, Xiaolu Guo, Rosie Goldsmith, Victoria Hislop, Kapka Kassabova, Jonathan Lorie, Ann Morgan, Sophy Roberts, Barnaby Rogerson and Rory MacLean to be transported across the world.

Exclusive Dining Event
2025-04-12 07:00 - 22:00 | Dorset
There are only 12 seats at young Head Chef James’s exclusive table.

New to Poole—a rare chance for food lovers to experience something really delightful. Each month, James, White Pepper Chef Academy’s Head Chef and professional tutor, invites 12 lucky guests to join him for an intimate evening of culinary discovery.
You’ll be welcomed into a relaxed, elegant setting where you can watch James work his magic, creating a meticulously crafted three-course set menu right before your eyes. Every dish is thoughtfully prepared, celebrating Dorset’s finest seasonal produce and innovative culinary techniques. Expect bold flavours, refined presentation, and a passion for perfection woven into every course.
This is more than just dining; it’s an immersive experience that connects you to the story behind each ingredient and the chef’s skill. Whether you’re a seasoned foodie or simply love exceptional cuisine, this unique event promises to delight your senses and spark new inspiration.
Spaces are limited, so don’t miss your chance to sit at the table. Visit www.jamesprivatechef.co.uk to reserve your place and indulge in an unforgettable evening with like minded people.

Sturminster Newton Chocolate Fair
2025-04-12 10:00 - 15:00 | 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.

Wedding Showcase
2025-04-12 10:00 - 15:00 | The Fonthill Estate, The Fonthill Estate, Tisbury, SP3 5RX, United Kingdom
✨Wedding Showcase ✨

Join us for an enchanting Wedding Showcase at the stunning Fonthill Estate!

Whether you’re newly engaged or looking for fresh ideas, our showcase is the perfect opportunity to turn your wedding dreams into reality.

Explore the inside and outdoor areas of our three venues, meet exceptional local vendors and envision your perfect day amid the picturesque grounds of the Fonthill Estate.

✨ What to Expect ✨

Guided Tours: View our three venues dressed to inspire and showcasing different themes.
Explore: Discover our exquisite spaces, including the mile-long lake, the iconic Fonthill Arch, various civil ceremony locations, glamping areas and romantic photo locations.
Meet the Experts: Connect with top wedding professionals, from planners to photographers, who can help bring your vision to life.
Inspiration Galore: Inspiring floral displays and decor ideas to fuel your creativity.
Tastings: Sample botanical cocktails, delicious deserts, dairy ice cream, pizza and other creative catering options.
Exclusive Offers: On the day discounts, special packages and samples.

Whether you’re dreaming of a grand celebration or an intimate gathering, Fonthill Estate provides the perfect setting for your love story.

✨ Reserve Your Tickets ✨

For more information and to reserve your free tickets please visit our website: https://fonthill.co.uk/weddingshowcase

Free Lunchtime Concert
2025-04-12 12:30 - 13:00 | St Peter’s Church Dorchester, 26 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
Join us at St Peter’s Church on Dorchester Saturday 12h April between 12.30 and 1pm for our free lunchtime concert. This is a thirty-minute programme of music for violin and piano performed by Ariana Cossey and David Beeby. Ariana has recently been offered a place to continue her violin studies at the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama, which she takes up in September. You can expect an eclectic, varied and entertaining programme. Admission is free and all are very welcome.

Choral Eucharist for Easter Sunday
2025-04-20 10:30 - 12:00 | St Peter’s Church Dorchester, 26 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist on Easter Sunday 20th April at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The joyful music reflects the celebratory occasion and includes Harris’s ‘This joyful Eastertide’, Mozart’s ‘Spatzen-Messe’, Stanford’s ‘Ye choirs of new Jerusalem’ and Handel’s ‘Hallelujah Chorus’. All are very welcome to this free service and to stay for the refreshments following.

Tabletop Fundraiser
2025-04-24 14:30 - 17:00 | Vicarage School Room Gillingham, Dorset, Queen Street, Gillingham, SP8 4DZ
Join us at our Tabletop Fundraiser at Vicarage School Room in Gillingham on Thursday 24th April from 2.30pm – 5pm

*Jumble Sale*
Come and have a look around our pre-loved clothes, books and toys – a gold coin donation for anything that takes your fancy!

*Cakes, Hot Drinks and a Lemonade Stand*
Browse our gorgeous selection of lovingly baked treats – sit and have a cuppa and catch up or take your treats home.

*Face Paints*
House of Paint and Glitter will be joining us – don’t miss the opportunity to have your face painted by our super-talented friend, Colette!

*Life Casting*
A rare opportunity to have a life cast created by our incredibly creative and talented friend, Sangeet!

*Kickstart Karate Kickathon!*
Cheer the team on as they take part in a Kickathon to raise money and awareness for our dear friend Ibti.

*Raffle*
Come along and buy a ticket on the day to be in with a chance of winning one of our *incredible* prizes!
– A Woodland Birthday Party with Yew & Rose
– A Soft Play Party with The Loopy Leopard
– A Whale Shark Print by Oran Andrews Artist
– A day of free Dog Care with Wyke Dog Boarding
– One Month of karate classes for a girl (8+) or a woman with Kickstart Karate
– An Art Session (for a child or teen) with Paintpot Emily
– A Pet Portrait from Charly Body Art
** Raffle winners will be drawn and contacted on Friday 25th April

All proceeds from this event will be donated to our dear friend Ibti – raising money for life-changing surgery 💛

Learn more and donate directly to Ibti’s GoFundMe here – https://gofund.me/04031f5f

Wimborne Community Centre Artisan Makers Market
2025-04-26 10:00 - 15:00 | Wimborne Community Centre, 41 - 44 King Street, Wimborne, BH21 1EA
Come along and join us for our April Artisan Makers Market here at Wimborne Community Centre. You will find lots of beautiful art and craftwork for sale, handmade by a wide array of local, talented artists and makers. Why not come to browse and shop and maybe enjoy a tasty treat from our café too. Free entry and dogs welcome.

Bluebell Woods at Peaceful Lane
2025-04-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Little Rodmore Farm, Peaceful Lane, Kings Stag, Dorset, DT10 2BD, United Kingdom
We are opening our beautiful bluebell woods for visitors to enjoy. Everyone welcome including well behaved dogs in leads. Entrance free but any donations to charity would be appreciated. Woodland Cafe with hot and cold refreshments including homemade cake. Opening the next 3 weekends.

Choral Evensong
2025-04-26 16:30 - 17:30 | St Peter’s Church Dorchester, 26 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 26th April at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Purcell’s ‘I was glad’, the ‘Preces & Responses’ by Thomas Tomkins, Stanford’s ‘Evening Canticles in C’ by Vaughan Williams’s ‘Antiphon’. Admission is free and there is a glass of wine to follow. All are very welcome.

Charity Concert
2025-04-27 14:30 - 16:30 | Marnhull Village Hall, Burton St, Marnhull, DT10 1PP
Concert by The Phoenix Cafe Orchestra in aid of Read Easy Blackmore Vale North. Playing music from the 1920s and 1930s. Free refreshments.

TALK & GUIDED TOUR - CANFORD SCHOOL ARBORETUM
2025-05-03 10:00 - 13:00 | Canford School, Canford Magna, Wimborne, Dorset, BH21 3AD
The arboretum at Canford School has been nationally recognised and has several unusual and rare tree species and two National Collections. A limited number of tickets have been made available for this special event kindly hosted by Canford School on behalf of the National Garden Scheme. It includes a talk and guided tour with Andrew Powell who is master i/c trees at Canford School. Andrew will share his wealth of botanical knowledge and talk about the history and ongoing developments at the arboretum. His sense of humour and love of the collection is infectious, making this a very entertaining morning!

Sturminster Marshall May Day
2025-05-05 11:30 - 13:30 | Dorset
Traditional May Day Celebrations at Sturminster Marshall Maypole Green.

OPen House Shaftesbury Charity Dinner & Auction
2025-05-09 19:00 - 23:00 | Father’s House, Christy’s Lane, Shaftesbury, SP7 8PH, Christy's Lane,, Shaftesbury, Dorset,, SP7 8PH
Open House Shaftesbury is celebrating its 10th Anniversary with a Charity Dinner & Auction on Friday, 9th of May from 7:30 PM to which all and everyone are most warmly invited. Available from Eventbrite, tickets for this event are £25 per person and will include a pre-dinner drink upon arrival, dinner, live music, a bar where further drinks may be purchased, and, of course, our auction, which is sure to offer something for everyone!

Once you have purchased your ticket/s, please select your preferred choice from the menu on our Website (see link below) and email your selection to nikki.hall@openhouseshaftesbury.co.uk

Please note that, if you do not contact us with your choice, the default menu is soup, chicken with vegetables, and fruit salad.

To purchase your ticket, you can either:

go directly to Eventbrite – https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/openhouse-10th-anniversary-celebration-tickets-1266994908879,
access the Eventbrite page via the link provided on our Website – https://www.openhouseshaftesbury.co.uk/10th-anniversary-celebration, or
scan the QR Code on the image below.

The number of available tickets is limited, so hurry – we’d hate you to miss out!

Murder At Upton Manor
2025-05-15 19:00 - 22:30 | Upton Country Park, Upton Country Park, BH17 7BJ
Murder At Upton Manor- A Regency Mystery

Date: Thursday 15th May 2025

Time: 7pm-10.30pm

Location: Upton House, Upton Country Park, Poole Rd, Upton, Poole BH17 7BJ, UK

Join us on Thursday, 15th of May 2025, at Upton House, Poole, for a captivating Regency-themed murder mystery evening in support of Julia’s House, Dorset & Wiltshire Children’s Hospices.

Step into Georgian England for an unforgettable night of fine canapés, live music, live portraiture, and a spectacular raffle and auction—all set against the backdrop of a chilling whodunit.

When a murder disrupts the festivities, it’s up to you to uncover the truth hidden behind high society’s courteous smiles and flawless etiquette.

Dress to impress, channel your inner detective, and help us solve a thrilling mystery—all for a truly worthy cause.

Ticket Price: £32-40

For full details & tickets visit:

Ticket Link: Murder at Upton Manor: A Regency Mystery Tickets, Thu 15 May 2025 at 19:00 | Eventbrite

Facebook Link: Murder at Upton Manor | Poole | Facebook

Instagram Link: Murder at Upton Manor (@murderatuptonmanor) • Instagram photos and videos

Email Contact: murderatuptonmanor@gmail.com

Phone Contact: 07496988175

Defashion Dorset
2025-05-16 10:00 - 2025-05-17 17:00 | Hawkers Farm, Stour Provost, Gillingham, SP8 5LZ
Hawkers Farm is hosting Defashion Dorset on Fri 16th & Sat 17th May 2025 now in its third year. Founded by Jennifer Morisetti as an opportunity to celebrate local fibre growers and makers and a local clothing culture. Enjoy talks, demonstrations and inspiring local exhibitors. Workshops will run over the 2 days and include upcycling, pattern making, mending techniques and embroidery

The Meetings (Black Comedy Play)
2025-05-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Anne Biddlecombe Hall, Valley Road, Tarrant Keyneston, Blandford Forum, Dt11 9JE
“The Meetings” written by Ben Bayer.

A Black Comedy based on Parish Council Meetings held in the near future, set in the fictional village of Tarrant Queenston.

Our hard-pressed Councillors not only have to contend with the vagaries of valley life, from Planning Applications to complaints about bonfires – there is now the end of the world to consider!!

How will our heroes fare?

For Armageddon is sure to bring its own irritations…

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.

Spring Concert from Gillingham Singers
2025-05-17 19:30 - 21:30 | St Mary’s Church, motcombe, Nr Shaftesbury, SP7 9NT
Faure’s Requiem and a programme of varied sacred and secular music. ‘Earlybird’ tickets are £10 (£12 on the door) and include a glass of wine.

For tickets please contact Carole on 07572 786416

Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C - Sculptor - Solo Art Exhibition
2025-05-24 10:00 - 2025-06-01 17:00 | Stoborough Village Hall, West Lane, Stoborough, Wareham, BH20 5AJ
Solo Exhibition Showcases 36 Years of Work by Purbeck Artist Andrew Thomas SWAc
Purbeck-based artist and sculptor Andrew Thomas SWAc will unveil a major solo exhibition this May, opening to the public from May 24th for nine days. This special event offers a rare opportunity to view an extensive collection of his work in one location—spanning over 36 years of artistic exploration.
The exhibition will feature a compelling mix of original hand-carved wood sculptures, limited-edition bronze castings, striking ‘laser art’ canvas prints, and a range of gift cards. Visitors will also have the chance to purchase from a curated selection of affordable art, appealing to both seasoned collectors and first-time buyers.
Andrew Thomas is known for creating work that is thought-provoking, challenging, and deeply inspirational. This free event invites art lovers of all backgrounds to experience the breadth and evolution of his creative journey.

Sydling St. Nicholas Open Gardens
2025-05-25 14:00 - 2025-05-26 18:00 | Sydling St. Nicholas Village Hall, Sydling St. Nicholas, DT2 9NX
12 lovely gardens plus our beautifully decorated church open from 2 to 6 pm on both days. Excellent selection of locally grown plants to buy. Tickets on sale at the Village Hall from 1 pm. Tea and cakes available all afternoon. Gardens £5 per person, accompanied children under 16 free. A lovely day out. Sorry no dogs. Enquiries: 07771 623973

A Folk Song Walk
2025-05-26 14:00 - 17:00 | Watercombe Dogs, Farthing Gate Farm, Holnest, DT9 5PX, United Kingdom
Join Dorset folk singer Alastair Braidwood for a walk around fields and woods of the Blackmore Vale, accompanied by traditional folk songs from Dorset and further afield. Explore beautiful countryside, and hear songs relating to nature and rural ways from years before.

Meet at Watercombe Dogs, Farthing Gate Farm, Holnest, DT9 5PX for 2pm. Refreshments, not included, are provided upon our return.

Bring your own water bottle, stout walking boots, and headgear if hot. Walkers are responsible for their own surefootedness.
The walk will be about 4 miles and take about 3 hours, with frequent stops for songs. Well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, so long as they don’t ‘sing-along’!

£10 per adult in cash on arrival, u-18s free.

In association with Dorset Rural Music School.

Choral Evensong
2025-05-31 16:30 - 17:30 | St Peter’s Church Dorchester, 26 High East Street, Dorchester, DT1 1XA
You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 31st May at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music marks Ascension Day and includes Stanford’s ‘Coelos Ascendit’, the ‘Preces & Responses’ by Philip Radcliffe, Joanna Forbes L’Estrange’s ‘Kings College Service and Finzi’s ‘God is gone up’. We are delighted to welcome David Bednall (Choral Director at Clifton Cathedral) as guest organist. Admission is free and there is a glass of wine to follow. All are very welcome.

Yard Sale
2025-06-01 11:00 - 14:00 | Guggleton Farm Arts, Station Road,, Stalbridge, Dorset DT10 2RQ, DT10 2RQ
We are having a clear out ahead of our move to The Swan… if you are having a Spring Clean the why not join us and take a table for a fiver?
message us @
deanne@guggletonFarmarts.com
Sunday June 1st 11-2pm

Guggleton Farm Arts, Station Road, Stalbridge, DT10 2RQ.
Call us to book a table 01963 363456

Kanekt in concert
2025-06-05 18:00 - 20:00 | St Leonard’s Church, Church Green, Semley, dorset, SP7 9AP, United Kingdom
Kanekt, a group of talented musicians from diverse backgrounds, brings together the distinctive sound of the sitar with clarinet, violin, guitar and percussion.

With influences from jazz, Eastern European, Celtic and Indian classical music, Kanekt are newly formed by Devon-based sitar player, Ricky Romain. He is joined by Shaftesbury’s own Karen Wimhurst on clarinet, violinist Sudhi Salooja who has Welsh and Indian roots, Brazilian percussionist Caio Mamberti and John Robertson, with past collaborations including Grace Jones, Joss Stone, Dave Stewart and Morcheeba, on electric bass guitar.

Please come along to this unique event presented by Semley Music Festival in aid of festival funds and St Leonard’s Church.

Buy tickets online or on the door.

OPEN GARDENS, MOTCOMBE
2025-06-07 12:30 - 18:00 | ST MARY’S CHURCH, MOTCOMBE, SP7 9NT
St Mary’s Church, Motcombe is organising an ‘Open Gardens’ event on Saturday 7th June from 12.30 – 6pm as their latest fundraiser. Villagers from Motcombe village including North End have been encouraged to participate, with a minimum of ten gardens available to view. Entry is by ticket, available at St Mary’s Church, Motcombe on the day at a cost of £10 for adults whilst children go free. From 2.30-5pm Afternoon Teas will be available at The Vicarage on Bittles Green and there will be a Treasure Hunt for children with a small prize for every child. Catherine Johnston, who is leading the organising team, hopes people will enjoy the variety of gardens which will be open on the day. For further information please contact Catherine Johnston by emailing Johnston.npp@gmail.com

A Few Crusted Characters
2025-06-07 19:30 - 21:30 | Abbotsbury Swannery, New Barn Road, Abbotsbury, DT3 4JG
To celebrate their 20th year, the New Hardy Players bring Thomas Hardy’s famous series of short stories to Abbotsbury Swannery. Dorset’s most celebrated author’s answer to ‘The Canterbury Tales’, this is a series of comic and tragic stories, with small scenes of village gossip from 200 years ago, told by an ensemble of authentic Dorset voices.
Suitable for all ages, the play is followed by country dancing with live music in the best tradition.Come early and bring a picnic! No seating provided.
Written by Victoria Bowles after Thomas Hardy. Directed by Penny Levick and Alastair Braidwood.

Walking in Memphis with Elvis- A talk by Lorraine Gibson
2025-06-08 14:00 - 15:00 | The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
One of the most important parts of Lorraine Gibson’s research for Elvis: The King of Fashion was staying in Memphis to soak up the atmosphere and visit the locations in the city where Elvis lived, worked, and first found fame. Come and hear more about this extraordinary research into Elvis Presley and his fashions.
