As the cheese and mince pies are (mostly) gone, January in Sturminster Newton kicks off with a lively mix of music, theatre, community spirit and business buzz. Whether you’re planning a wedding, looking to give back, or just in need of a night out, there’s plenty happening across the town to ease you into 2026.
Quiz & Curry for Riverside Fest
Friday 23rd January | The Exchange
Warm up a winter’s night with the ever-popular Riverside Fest Curry & Quiz Night. Grab your cleverest friends and enjoy a lively evening of questions, laughs and a hearty curry – all in support of August’s much-loved Riverside Festival.
ticketsource.com/riverside-family-fest
Swish Comes to Stur
Saturday 24th January | The Exchange
For the first time, Dorset Council’s popular clothes-swapping event Swish comes to town.
Bring good-quality clothes you no longer wear and swap them for ‘new-to-you’ pieces. It’s free, fun and sustainable – a great way to refresh your wardrobe while cutting waste.
And during the Swish, don’t forget Stur’s charity shops, who offer so much to all second-hand fashion lovers. The town’s ‘clothes recycling’ shops include Weldmar Hospice, Friends of Blandford Hospital, Vale Family Hub, Community Connections, Dorset Blind and the three SturAction shops – Marketplace, Boutique and Emporium.
Donations are always welcome.
Say “I Do” to Inspiration: Wedding Fair
Saturday 31st January | The Exchange
Planning a wedding this year? The Sturminster Newton Wedding Fair is the perfect place to begin. This free event brings together a curated selection of local wedding suppliers – from florists and photographers to venue stylists and cake makers – all under one roof. Whether you’re newly engaged or just love a bit of wedding day dreaming, it’s a relaxed, inspiring afternoon with plenty to browse and experts to chat to.
sturminsternewtonweddingfair
What’s On at The Exchange – January Highlights
Thursday 8th January – Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale (Cinema)
Saturday 10th January – Copacabana Magic (Barry Manilow tribute)
Saturday 17th January – Beauty & the Beast (by Living Spit – inventive, funny theatre)
Saturday 24th January – Dos Amigos (an intimate acoustic evening with two Los Pacaminos originals)
Thursday 29th January – Cabaret with Balls (quirky music-meets-theatre cabaret)
Book tickets at stur-exchange.co.uk
Don’t forget the Bibbern Café & Gallery is open throughout the month, serving hot drinks and snacks, with local art on display.
Volunteer This Year
As we turn the page on the festive season, now’s the time to think about giving back. Stur thrives on the energy of its volunteers – from festival stewards and library helpers to friendly faces behind the bar at The Exchange. Whatever your time or skill level, there’s a place for you. To find out more or get started, email Jacqui on [email protected] Volunteer roles include:
– Café/bar team at The Exchange
– Hall stewards, technicians, and box office support
– Festival and event helpers
– Library volunteers and befriending schemes
The SturAction shops need volunteers (and a handyman!). Talk to Cheryl on:
[email protected]
Want to help at the Stur LitFest? They’re seeking a secretary, committee members and event helpers: [email protected]
Business Buzz: new openings in town
Sturminster Newton’s independent high street continues to thrive, and the new year brings a flurry of activity:
Pan Thai – a new restaurant and takeaway offering authentic Thai cuisine
Lucky Nails – now open, offering professional nail treatments on the high street
The Swan Inn – due to reopen in February after a major refurbishment. With refreshed interiors, seasonal menus and cosy rooms, it’s set to be a highlight of 2026
Business Awards – nominate now!
The 2026 Sturminster Newton Business Awards, run by Marketing West, are now open for nominations. These awards celebrate the best of local business across customer service, innovation and community contribution.
Nominate your favourite before 2nd February
Whether you’re popping into town for a coffee, taking in a show, swapping clothes, or finally getting round to nominating your favourite café – there’s no shortage of ways to start the year well in Stur.
