From outdoor theatre and film screenings to making your own kite and stargazing, Helen Stiles picks her favourite events from around the county
EDITOR’S CHOICE
13- 16 August - The Wessex Festival
This summer event promotes beautiful music in the heart of Dorset with concerts and recitals in the Georgian parish church in Blandford, the magnificent Wimborne Minster, St Martin’s Church (hidden in the grounds of Bryanston School) and St Stephen’s Church at Kingston Lacy. This year’s line up includes three Festival vocal ensembles, the Wessex Chamber Orchestra, The Brunel String Quartet and young Dorset musicians. On the programme are Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, Handel’s Dettingen Te Deum, Vaughan Williams’ The Lark Ascending, Finzi’s By Footpath and Stile, Warlock’s Capriol Suite and Requiem: Light Everlasting by Wessex Festival Director, David Everett. More details thewessexfestival.co.uk***
EXHIBITIONS
Until 5 August – Making an Impression
Collagraph prints and ceramics from four artists including Linda Bristow result in a collection of work that is both fresh and contemporary at the Courtyard Gallery in Lyme Regis.
28 July – 8 August – Bridport Art Society
The Society’s venue in South Street hosts this exhibition which features works in oil, acrylic, watercolour, mixed media and craftwork.
15 August – 1 September - Exchange
Artist Chris Drury and writer, Kay Syrad spent a year on three Dorset farms. This exhibition at Durlston Castle features their maps, portraits, drawings, prints and a large book made from paper buried in the earth for 10 months.
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OPEN AIR PERFORMANCES
27, 29, 31 July & 3, 5 &7 August – The Tempest
Brownsea Open Air Theatre perform Shakespeare’s magical tale about an island on one of Dorset’s prettiest islands. Ticket includes island access from Poole, bring a picnic!
Booking essential; 01202 251987
30 - 31 July & 1 August - The Magnificent Three
Saddle up with Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre for this lively Spaghetti Western spoof. All performances start at 7.30pm.
30 July: Springhead Fontmell Magna 01747 811853; 31 July: Sandford Orcas. 01963 220208; 1 August: Kimmeridge Bay; artsreach.co.uk6 August - Twelfth Night
Join The Lord Chamberlain’s Men for Shakespeare’s enigmatic comedy performed in the beautiful grounds of Kingston Lacy house.
Booking; 0844 249 1895
7 August - The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
The story of the original boy-wizard set against the dramatic backdrop of Corfe Castle with magical illusions designed by Paul Daniels.
Booking; 0844 249 1895
15 & 28 – 30 August - Stars Under the Stars
The Purbeck Film Festival with the National Trust hosts four outdoor screenings. 15 August: Mermaids at Knoll Beach, Studland; 28 August: What We Did On Our Holidays; 29 August: Paddington & 30 August: Jack Ryan, Shadow Recruit all at Corfe Castle.
16 August - Around the World in 80 Days
Phileas Fogg and his world-weary valet Passepartout come to Kingston Lacy gardens.
Booking; 0844 249 1895
18 August - Treasure Island
The Pantaloons bring Robert Louis Stevenson’s piratical tale to life in the grounds of Highcliffe Castle in Christchurch. Start 3pm
Box Office; 01425 278807
22 August - The Three Musketeers
Join D’Artagnan, Athos, Porthos and Aramis in the grounds of Corfe Castle for this dazzling production by the renowned company Illyria.
Booking; 0844 249 1895
28 August - A Midsummer Night’s Dream
Chapterhouse Theatre Company presents Shakespeare’s romantic comedy in the magical gardens of Athelhampton House.
Booking; 01305 848363
29 August - Pride and Prejudice
Chapterhouse Theatre Company brings Lizzie and Darcy together in the delightful Georgian setting of Mountfield in Bridport.
Bookings; 01308 424 204
29 August - Haka Day Out
Free performances by Corey Baker Dance (2pm, 4.30pm & 7pm) on the Pavilion Dance Terrace in the heart of Bournemouth featuring New Zealand’s magical culture.
pdsw.org.uk29 August - As You Like It
The Festival Players all male cast perform at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens. Starts at 7pm.
Box office; 01305 871130
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FESTIVALS, FAIRS, FETES & CARNIVALS
1 August - One World Festival
Free multi-cultural celebration of food, art and music in Dorchester’s Borough Gardens.
1 August - Three Parishes Fete
Traditional Purbeck fete at Church Knowle with stalls, funfair and cream teas. Starts 2pm.
1- 2 August - Mudeford Arts Festival
Local artists and makers show their work at Christchurch’s famous Mudeford area, with over 60 art and craft stalls, as well as artists at work and hands on workshops. This year’s theme is ‘Flights of Fancy’.
mudefordartsfestival.net1 - 9 August - Lyme Regis Regatta & Carnival Week
From taiko drumming to fireworks and a grand carnival procession there are over 60 fundraising events are held throughout the week for local
good causes.
lymeregiscarnival.co.uk2 August - West Bay Day
Live music, classic cars, a skate park and Jurassic candle lights on the pier (from 9.15pm) all in aid of RNLI and Weldmar Hospicecare Trust.
7-9 August - Purbeck Rally
A fabulous 3 day celebration of steam and vintage vehicles at the showground on Worgret Road, Wareham.
purbeckrally.co.uk9 August - Cattistock Show
Horse, dog and chicken classes, as well as a new flower and produce show feature at this popular country event which has a plethora of trade stands, local food and drink and children’s activities.
15-22 August - Burton Bradstock Festival of Music & Art
Highlights this year are the folk group Ranagri, jazz singer Tina May and for classical music lovers Schubert’s Cello Quintet and Claire Bradshaw singing the sublime Songs of the Auvergne.
burtonbradstockfestival.com15 -16 August - Bridport Carnival
Carnival fete and a fun fair at Asker Meadows, grand procession Saturday 7.30pm from West Road and Sunday evening 1,500 torchlight parade from Bridport to West Bay (9pm) followed by firework display in West Bay at 10pm.
20 - 23 August - Bournemouth Air Festival
This award-winning extravaganza of land, sea and air displays on Bournemouth seafront has to be one of the best free festivals in the UK. As well as the fabulous Red Arrows expect wing walkers, historic aircraft, parachute displays and sensational Night Air Display entertainment.
bournemouthair.co.uk21-23 August - Lyme Folk Festival
A weekend featuring the cream of the crop from the UK folk scene including Turin Brakes, Kathryn Roberts and Sean Lakeman, BBC Radio 2 Folk Awards nominees Wildwod Kin and Lyme’s own folk troubadour Jonny Morgan.
lymefolk.com22 August - Woofstock UK
Join Harry Spaniel and chums in Marnhull for this festival by dogs for dogs.
woofstockuk.co.uk27 August - Melplash Show
Held by the sea at the Showground, West Bay this friendly one day agricultural show showcases local farmers, producers, growers and craftsmen.
27 - 30 August - Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
Barns provide the professional stages at this friendly folk festival at Purbeck Valley Farm.
purbeckvalleyfolkfestival.co.uk29-30 August - Stock Gaylard Oak Fair
Over 180 wood and timber related stalls feature at this event in Sturminster Newton. Displays include Adams Axmen, Heavy Horses and Mere Down Falconry.
5 FUN FAMILY EVENTS
6 August - Let’s Go Fly a Kite
Kite building workshop at Durlston Country Park, Swanage starts 2.30pm followed by kite flying session.
Booking essential; 01929 424443
9 August - Sculpture on the Beach
What will you create with the materials available on the Burton Bradstock beach? Hosted by National Trust and Bridport Arts Centre. From 10am–3pm.
12 August - Summer Stargazing
Join the Wessex Astronomical Society to view the night sky at Durlston Country Park. Weather dependent call 01929 424443 on day to confirm.
20 August - Wild Pirates Day
Come dressed as a pirate for a fun day of swashbuckling adventure with the National Trust rangers on Stonebarrow Hill near Golden Cap in West Dorset. From 11am-4pm.
27 August - Timeliners
From peasants and pirates to battles and buboes - can Charlie get his timeline in order and return to 2015? Find out how in this thrilling family adventure with Treehouse Theatre.
10.30am: The Exchange, Sturminster Newton, 01258 475137
