RURAL FUTURES: LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS
2026-05-09 10:30 - 17:00 (Europe/London) | Messums West, Place Farm, Court Street, Tisbury, Salisbury., SP3 6LW
JOIN US AT MESSUMS WEST TO ENGAGE IN THE DEBATE – RURAL FUTURES: LOCAL SOLUTIONS TO GLOBAL PROBLEMS
Rural Futures: Local Solutions to Global Problems is a weekend of talks and events, bringing together people working on the ground in rural places across the UK, on community-based projects which aim to build social and economic resilience whilst actively regenerating and caring for the landscapes and ecological systems they are part of. A collaboration between Messums ORG and Common Treasures, the programme considers how problem-solving and creativity can offer practical approaches within regional communities, and how, in turn, this is able to effect change.
For further information on Rural Futures: Local Solutions to Global Problems, please visit our website on: www.messums.org/product/forest-thoughts-events/

Choral Eucharist
2026-05-10 10:30 - 12:00 | st peters church
You are warmly invited to our cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist on Sunday 10th May at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: William Harris’s ‘Holy is the true light’, Michael Haydn’s ‘Missa brevis in C’ and Gorecki’s ‘Totus tuus’. All are very welcome to this free service. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org

Milton Abbey School Scholarships
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum, dorset, DT11 0BZ, United Kingdom
Milton Abbey School is the the only truly full boarding school in England offering the broadest possible selection of academic, vocational and sporting qualifications for children aged 13-18.
Our next scholarship assessment day is on Saturday 16 May, for children interested in applying for an Academic, Sports or Dorset scholarship. Please email admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk or telephone on 01258 881804.
Academic Scholars
who show passion and determination in specific subjects – including Performing Arts, Music and Drama – or across the curriculum.

Sport Scholars
who exhibit exceptional skill, leadership and commitment in one or more team sports including Rugby, Football, Cricket, Netball or Hockey. With sport every day there is no better school for children who excel in sport.

Dorset Scholars
who live locally in the county and will contribute as an all-rounder to the life of the school, while benefitting from our educational approach.
Scholarships and means-tested bursaries available 10-95%

Milton Abbey School Scholarships
2026-05-16 09:00 - 17:00 | Milton Abbey School, Blandford Forum, dorset, DT11 0BZ, United Kingdom
Milton Abbey School is proud to offer scholarships in ‘Sport’, ‘Dorset’, and ‘Academic’. Our next scholarship assessment day is Saturday 16 May, and you can register your interest here.

As a school, we deliver outstanding education with one of the broadest curriculums in the independent sector, sports everyday, co-curricular evening and weekend activities, small class sizes, and nurturing pastoral care.

We recognise student’s individual achievements and is designed to offer high challenge and opportunity, but with lower levels of pressure than other schools, our assessment process is about getting to know your child and their strengths, not pitting them against others.

This means:

We don’t do competitive, pressurised academic assessment days.
We don’t do verbal and non-verbal reasoning computerised tests.
We don’t do ‘everyone must play for England!’ when assessing sport performance.

For more information about our scholarships, please contact our Admissions Team on 01258 881804/admissions@miltonabbey.co.uk.

Sherborne Tennis Club 24 Hour Tennisathon
2026-05-16 12:00 - 2026-05-17 12:00 | Sherborne Tennis Club, Terrace Playing Fields,, Sherborne, DT9 5NS, United Kingdom
Rally for a CauseSherborne Tennis Club 24 Hour TennisathonNoon Sat 16th to Noon Sun 17th May 2026at The Terraces, Sherborne, DorsetAll funds raised will go to the Motor Neurone Disease AssociationTo secure your spot and for further information please email mnd@sherbornetennis.com192 x 1 hour slots to be filled– Raffle – Auction – Refreshments – Spectate – Play –

Lunchtime Concert
2026-05-16 12:30 - 13:00 | st peters church
Join us at St Peter’s Church Dorchester on Saturday 16th May between 12.30pm and 1.00pm for our monthly lunchtime concert. Natalie Burton (clarinet) and Rob Taylor (piano) perform the Copland ‘Clarinet Sonata’ and Finzi’s ‘Five Bagatelles for Clarinet and Piano’. Admission is free. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org

Plant Sale
2026-05-16 14:00 - 16:00 | The Pamela Hambro Memorial Hall, West Street, Winterborne Stickland, DT11 0NT
Plant Sale in aid of The Valley Gardening Club
Entrance Free
Raffle • Refreshments

Quartet
2026-05-21 19:30 - 2026-05-23 22:00 | Village Hall, Lytchett Matravers, High Street, Lytchett Matravers, BH16 6DF
Quartet by Ronald Harwood, performed by Castle Players Theatre Company

A Heartwarming Tale of Second Chances
Cecily, Reggie, and Wilfred are living out their days in a beautiful English country house for retired musicians, preparing for the annual Verdi birthday gala. Their quiet routine is shattered by the arrival of Jean—a star of the past and a diva of the present, who also happens to be Reggie’s ex-wife. As they rehearse their famous quartet, past wounds resurface and personalities clash. Quartet is a touching and hilarious look at aging with dignity, navigating old flames, and finding harmony in later life.

SKYDIVE FOR TEDDY20
2026-05-23 00:00 - 23:59 | Old Sarum Airfield, Salisbury, 59 Lancaster Rd, Salisbury, dorset, SP4 6DZ, United Kingdom
Join our team and take on the Skydive to support children and young people with cancer!

They say fear is loud, but love is louder.

It’s time to step out of your comfort zone and into the clouds. This isn’t just about the adrenaline rush: it’s about making sure no family has to face the fear of childhood cancer alone.

Every jump raises vital funds for the incredible children supported by Teddy20. Will you take the leap?

Jump from 10,000 or 15,000 feet – sign up here: https://www.teddy20.org/sign-up-skydive-for-teddy20/

Saturday 23rd May 2026 – From 9AMOld Sarum Airfield, Salisbury

Sign Up: £50 (non-refundable)Sponsorship: £450 (minimum)

Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C – Major Solo Art Exhibition
2026-05-23 10:00 - 2026-05-31 17:00 | Stoborough Village Hall, West Lane, Stoborough, Wareham, BH20 5AJ
Purbeck-based sculptor Andrew Thomas S.W.A.C. presents a major solo exhibition spanning nearly four decades of work. Primarily working in wood and bronze, Thomas blends traditional craftsmanship with a deep understanding of form, spatial balance, and structural integrity. The exhibition offers something for both established collectors and newcomers, showcasing award-winning works in figurative, abstract, and symbolic styles.
Exhibition highlights include:
• A curated selection of affordable, hand-carved, original sculptures
• Limited-edition bronze castings for collectors
• Bold ‘laser art’ canvas prints
Free entry – all welcome.
Stoborough Village Hall, West Lane, Stoborough, Wareham, Dorset. BH20 5AH

Choral Eucharist for Pentecost
2026-05-24 10:30 - 12:00 | st peters church
You are warmly invited to our cathedral-style service of Choral Eucharist for Pentecost on Sunday 24th May at 10.30am in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes: Tallis’s ‘O Lord give thy Holy Spirit’, Mozart’s ‘Missa brevis in F K.192’ and Grayston Ives’s ‘Listen sweet dove’. All are very welcome to this free service. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org

TURNWORTH DAY - Sunday 24 May
2026-05-24 11:00 - 16:30 | st Marys Church Turnworth, Turnworth, Blandford Forum, dorset, DT11 0EE, United Kingdom
Please come & join us for a relaxing & enjoyable time in the large Old Rectory garden. Plenty of activities for all the family.
Delicious Teas/ Varied Plants/ Family fun/ Live Music/ Produce/ Crafts etc.
Free entry/parking & dogs welcome on leads. Cash preferred please.
Funds being raised for ongoing repairs to Grade 2* St Mary’s Church which will be open too.

Art Talk at Messums West
2026-05-28 18:00 - 19:00 | Messums west, Place Farm, Court St,, Tisbury, Salisbury, wiltshire, SP3 6LW, United Kingdom
“NOT SO SILENT!” EXPLORING PLACES OF DELIGHT
A series of talks to be given by art historian Sara Radice.
In her first talk Sara will be looking at works of art across the ages, making connections between them and sharing her thoughts on how artists convey their stories. It will also consider works of art in context, how they were made and the relationship between material and meaning. Sara Radice said, “I hope this first lecture will appeal to anyone who has an interest in looking at beautiful things and the story-telling that is at the heart of European culture.”

Heritage Textile Weekend Experience
2026-05-30 09:30 - 2026-05-31 16:00 | The Ancient Technology Centre, Damerham Road, Cranborne, Wimborne, dorset, BH21 5RP, United Kingdom
Join Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC at the Ancient Technology Centre, Cranborne, Dorset BH21 5RP for a whole weekend of heritage textile skills.
Our experts are:
Vanessa Bunton -Puku B Historic Experiences
Sally Pointer – Sally Pointer Heritage Education
Nicole De Rushie – Grounded History
Jalea Ward – Slightly Warped Looms
You will have 4 sessions over the mornings and afternoons of both Saturday 30th May and Sunday 31st May 2026
These will be in the following heritage textile skills:
– Back strap weaving
– Whorls and drop spinning
– Wet felting
– Net making
Tickets and additional fees
Tickets are £215.00 plus booking fee for the weekend tutoring and Saturday evening. You will have around 2 and a half hours with each textile skill and tutor to learn the history and have a go yourself. On the Saturday evening we will gather for a communal meal (additional fee TBC) and an evening gathering on Saturday night.
Tutors will also have items for sale on Saturday evening.
We are working on providing an evening meal on Saturday 30th May 2026 for a small extra fee to extend your day and the community we will be created. We are still in negotiation with caterers so will email out a link to the meal at a later date. We hope all dietary requirements will be catered for, but cannot guarantee. Please contact us to discuss more.
On Saturday evening this year we would like to celebrate YOU!
We are delighted to be growing our heritage craft skills community and so please bring along ANY craft you are working on / proud of/ something you have made in the past. We will have a sharing evening.
Please bring your own lunch for both Saturday and Sunday.
There is limited accommodation on site. There are 10 places available for guests to sleep in the communal Viking Longhall on this ticket. All bedding plus mattress must be brought with you if you select this option. This is for an additional £25 plus booking fee and can be selected when you purchase your main weekend ticket. There is also space for 5 campervans on this ticket which can be selected when you purchase your main weekend ticket at a cost of £20 plus booking fee per campervan.
Once the options for staying in the Viking Longhall or having a campervan have run out at the ticket sales page there are no additional spaces.
There are options to pay in instalments via other tickets on our Castle Hill Heritage Skills CIC Ticket Tailor box office.
Any questions please email castlehillheritageskillscic@gmail.com

Woodlands Flower and Arts Festival
2026-05-30 12:00 - 18:00 | Woodlands Village Hall, Verwood Road, Woodlands, BH21 8LJ
Flower and Arts Festival across 3 venues in Woodlands, Dorset BH21 8LJ and BH21 8LN. Flowers, arts and crafts at Church of the Ascension. Stalls and teas at Village Hall. Art and stalls at Methodist Church. Free event.

Choral Evensong
2026-05-30 16:30 - 17:30 | st peters church
You are warmly invited to our monthly, cathedral-style service of Choral Evensong on Saturday 30th may at 4.30pm in St Peter’s Church, Dorchester. The music includes Gibbons’s ‘Come, Holy Ghost’, the ‘Preces & Responses’ by Martin Neary, Blair’s ‘Evening Service in B minor’ and Elgar’s ‘The spirit of the Lord’. Admission is free and there is a glass of wine to follow. All are very welcome. More information at www.musicatstpetersdorchester.org

Annual Fair & Fun Dog Show
2026-05-31 00:00 - 23:59 | Upper Leigh Farm, East Knoyle, East Knoyle, dorset, SP3 6AP, United Kingdom
The Shaftesbury Branch of Save the Children will be holding its 25th Anniversary Fun Fair & Fun Dog Show on Sunday, 31st May at Upper Leigh Farm, East Knoyle, SP3 6AP. The Fair is open from 11am to 5pm, with the Dog Show starting at 2.30pm. Come and browse our Local Artisan Stalls as well as Clothes, Tombola, Bric-A-Brac, Plants, Wine & Beer, Home Made Cakes & Savouries, Teas & Barbeque. Admission is by donations To Save The Children.

An Impressionist at the Piano
2026-06-04 19:30 - 21:30 | Dinton Hall, Bratch Ln, Dinton, Salisbury, wiltshire, SP3 5EB, United Kingdom
Alistair McGowan – Thursday 4 June 7.30pm – Dinton Hall, Wilts. SP3 5EB – £30/45 www.cherubimtrust.org/events

TV’s Impressionist Alistair McGowan is one of the country’s top comedy geniuses, long been known for his pin-sharp characterisations. Recently he branched out as a pianist with a #1 hit in the classical charts on Sony, founded the Ludlow Piano Festival and published two books of poetry.
Now he’s visiting Dinton Village Hall on Thu 4 June to give a fundraising show for Cherubim Music Trust. And there’s more, Alistair is supported by Cherubim’s ‘You-Tuba’ Dafydd Owen – who shows us the funny side of being at the bottom of the orchestra! Seriously, Alec won the National Eisteddfod in 2019. He is accompanied by Cherubim’s flamboyant director Michæl Maxwell Steer. The other virtuoso support act is percussionist Alec Banner on marimba. Alec is principal percussionist in the National Youth Brass Band, and begins a degree at Royal Welsh College of Music this autumn.
A fabulous evening of music, fun, poetry and wit in aid of Cherubim Music Trust.
http://cherubimtrust.org/ is a national charity based in Tisbury, Wilts that loans professional-calibre orchestral instruments to advanced music students. This year Cherubim is celebrating its 25th anniversary by appealing for a fourth concert harp for BBC Young Musician Jamaal Kashim. Cherubim owns or manages 80 instruments on loan to young musicians valued at £800,000.
Book here https://cherubimtrust.org/event/an-impressionist-at-the-piano/

Dorset Tractor Fest 2026
2026-06-05 17:00 - 2026-06-06 23:00 | Turnpike Showground, Shaftesbury, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, Dorset, sp7 9pn, United Kingdom
A new music festival featuring The Wurzels, Hayseed Dixie, Foo Farmers plus guest appearances from Kaleb Cooper, Olly Harrison and the Red Shepherdess alongside a large tractor and steam vehicle show. Plenty of fun for the whole family with Bolddog FMX, wrestling shows, agricultural activities, lawn mower racing, eating contests, funfair and much more plus Great British food and drink.

Open Gardens Motcombe
2026-06-06 12:30 - 18:00 | St Mary’s Church, motcombe, Motcombe, Shaftesbury, dorset, SP7 9NT, United Kingdom
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St Mary’s Church, Motcombe is organising an Open Gardens event on Saturday 6th June from 12.30-6pm as their latest fundraiser. Villagers from Motcombe and North End have been encouraged to participate, with a minimum of ten gardens to view. Entry is by ticket available on the day from St Mary’s Church, Motcombe at a cost of £10 for adults and children go free. From 2-30 – 5pm cream teas will be available from St Mary’s Church and there will be a Treasure Hunt for children with a small prize for every child. Catherine Johnston who is leading on the event, hopes everyone will enjoy the variety of gardens, large and small, on the day. For further information email Catherine Johnston at Johnston.npp@gmail.com

Tarrant Gunville Church Fete
2026-06-06 14:15 - 16:30 | Gunville Manor, Tarrant Gunville, Blandford Forum, DT11 8JP
This year’s Tarrant Gunville Fete will take place on Saturday 6th June at 2.15pm in the glorious gardens of historic Gunville Manor. There will be tea and homemade cakes, produce stall, Pimm’s station, bric-a-brac, books, bottle tombola, games and lots more. Izi Styles and Back to the Shack will performing live too! Family fun for all.
What3Words: gloves.testing.soups
Adults £2.50 Children FREE Sorry no dogs

The Sacred Showcase
2026-06-13 10:00 - 16:00 | The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, Sturminster Newton, DT10 1FH
Step into a world of calm, connection, and community at The Sacred Showcase, a brand new annual fundraising event hosted by The Strange Apothecary Foundation CIC.
Discover a vibrant mix of holistic stalls, crystal dealers, wellness practitioners, and spiritual readers, alongside natural products, herbal remedies, and handmade gifts, all under one roof. Enjoy a soothing massage, explore energy healing, try a tarot reading, or simply soak up the tranquil atmosphere while supporting a meaningful cause.
All proceeds help The Strange Apothecary Foundation make holistic wellbeing more accessible to underserved communities across Dorset and beyond.
Free entry | Wheelchair accessible | Raffle & donations welcome

Lunchtime Concert Sherborne Abbey
2026-06-13 12:30 - 13:15 | Sherborne Abbey, The Abbey Close, SHERBORNE, DT9 3LQ, United Kingdom
Wimborne-based award-winning choir, Vivamente Voices, are delighted to be performing a lunchtime concert in the glorious setting of Sherborne Abbey on Saturday 13th June at 12.30pm. The choir love to sing to audiences around the county, and beyond, and can’t wait to share some musical gems with you. Their repertoire is varied and includes classic and contemporary pop, songs from the musicals and a little gospel. The concert will include The Prayer, Then Sings My Soul, the gospel song Total Praise, as well as Bring Him Home and Sit Down, You’re Rockin’ the Boat. With some beautiful classic pop songs too, there truly will be something for everyone. A choir with a big heart, they have donated over £15k to local good causes in recent years and every year choose a local charity to support. The lunchtime concert is free, with a retiring collection to be shared with the choir’s charity of the year “Routes 2 Roots” and the Sherborne Abbey Facilities Upgrade Project. It’s a not-to-be-missed opportunity. For more information about the choir visit www.vivamentevoices.co.uk.

The Langton Arms Local Artisan & Makers Market
2026-07-04 11:00 - 16:00 | The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkto, Blandford Forum, DT11 8RX
Saturday 4th July 2026, 11am–4pm The Langton Arms, Tarrant Monkton, Blandford Forum, DT11 8RX
Join us for a summer artisan and makers market set in the beautiful village of Tarrant Monkton. With 40 talented local stallholders (15 indoors and 25 outdoors), visitors can enjoy a wide range of handmade gifts, art, jewellery, woodwork, crafts, artisan food and produce, and independent local makers.
A family‑friendly day out in a stunning countryside setting, with free entry and plenty to explore. Organised by Mother Hubbard’s Events in association with Love Local Trust Local.

GIRLS THAT RIDE BIKES: Summer Festival
2026-07-31 15:00 - 2026-08-02 15:00 | The Mill Durweston, The Mill, Durweston, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11, Durweston, Blandford Forum, Dorset, DT11 0RD, United Kingdom
Girls That Ride Bikes brings together a vibrant community of women who love adventure, freedom, and two wheels—set against the backdrop of an unforgettable summer festival. From scenic cycling routes for every ability to energising sessions of yoga, pilates, and SUP, the experience blends movement with relaxation, including sports massages and a wood-fired sauna. With demo bikes to try, inspiring talks, live music, and a welcome goodie bag, it’s more than just a cycling weekend.

Artisan Arts and Crafts Blandford 19th DecemberOur next vibrant monthly Artisan and Crafts market is being held on 9th May, at The Corn Exchange in Blandford, 10am to 3pm. Free Entry. Quality traders, wonderful products on offer. Traders welcome. Email eawhittingham@gmail.com FB Artisan Arts and Crafts BlandfordOur next vibrant monthly Artisan and Crafts market is being held on 9th May, at The Corn Exchange in Blandford, 10am to 3pm. Free Entry. Quality traders, wonderful products on offer. Traders welcome. Email eawhittingham@gmail.com FB Artisan Arts and Crafts BlandfordOur next vibrant monthly Artisan and Crafts market is being held on 9th May, at The Corn Exchange in Blandford, 10am to 3pm. Free Entry. Quality traders, wonderful products on offer. Traders welcome. Email eawhittingham@gmail.com FB Artisan Arts and Crafts Blandford
2026-12-19 10:00 - 15:00 | The Corn Exchange, Blandford
Our next vibrant monthly Artisan and Crafts market is being held on 19th December, at The Corn Exchange in Blandford, 10am to 3pm. Free Entry. Quality traders, wonderful products on offer. Traders welcome. Email eawhittingham@gmail.com FB Artisan Arts and Crafts Blandford
