A whole host of May events from all corners of Dorset
Exhibitions
Until 24 May - Crossing Domains
Artists from across the land feature at Artwave West, Morcombelake including Kate Giles’ evocative Norfolk landscapes and printmaker Ross Loveday’s Welsh Valley abstracts.
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26 April – 24 May - Yellow Sky
Amanda Vesey’s observations and imaginative empathy, combined with her outstanding abilities as draughtsman and colourist shine out at the Art Stables, Child Okeford.
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8 May - 22 June - 12 x 12
Gail Sagman’s thought-provoking installation, encircling the top of Lyme Regis Museum’s Rotunda Gallery, is inspired by the Blue Lias geology which links Nepal to Lyme Regis.
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Performance
2-6 May - Sherborne Abbey Festival
This year’s glittering line up includes legendary flautist Sir James Galway, jazz singer Stacey Kent and choral music by William Byrd. Full details sherborneabbeyfestival.org.
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7-10 May - Calamity Jane
Calamity Jane engages in some thigh-slapping tunes from the Black Hills of Dakota.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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9 May - Blowers & Baxter
Henry Blofeld and Peter Baxter entertain with stories from the cricket commentary box.
Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne; 01202 885566
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13 May - Paul Hollywood Live Get Your Bake On!
The silver fox of BBC’s Great British Bake Off enjoys a live interactive baking session.
Bournemouth Pavilion; 0844 576 3000
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14 May - Bless ‘em All
A nostalgic tribute to the music that kept the home fires during World War II features at this afternoon concert at the Regent, Christchurch 01202 499199
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16-17 May - Integrated Dance Summit
Eight dance companies, who have disabled and non-disabled members in their cast, perform and discuss how to integrate all abilities into dance at Pavilion Dance South West, Bournemouth More details (pdsw.org.uk).
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30-31 May - Flown
A captivating night at the circus packed with acrobats, aerialists, daredevil stuntmen and fantastic live music.
Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666
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Music
3 May - Journey to the Centre of the Earth
Rick Wakeman and the Jules Verne Symphony Orchestra celebrate the 40th anniversary of his landmark concept album.
BIC Windsor Hall; 0844 576 3000
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4 May - The Whiting’s on the Wall
Belshazzar’s Feast mix wry humour and English folk music, with a touch of classical, jazz, pop and music hall.
Studland Village Hall; 01929 450204
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7-8 May - Kirill’s Brahms
Hear all four of Brahms’ symphonies performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra under the baton of their dynamic young conductor.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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13 May - Debashish Bhattacharya
Global musical adventures on an Indian slide guitar.
Lighthouse, Poole; 0844 406 8666
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16 May - The Artisans
Medieval and Renaissance music is brought bang up to date by this vibrant young group’s exciting interpretations at this Concerts in the West Coffee Concert at Bridport Arts Centre (11am). Box Office; 01308 42420
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17 May - New Elizabethan Singers
Haydn’s Nelson Mass and Mozart’s Requiem is performed at St Mary’s Church, South Street, Bridport (7.30pm).
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17 May - Effra
Traditional-sounding tunes are given a bold contemporary twist by a young folk trio at Sladers Yard, West Bay. Booking 01308 459511
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Best of the rest
3-5 May - Siege of Wareham
Step back to 876 as King Alfred the Great’s Saxon army battles the marauding Vikings in this full scale re-enactment at Corfe Castle. Plus weekends in May join Corfe’s Saxon and Viking Academy. More details visit nationaltrust.org.uk.
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23-25 May - Bournemouth 7s Festival
Bournemouth Sports Club in East Parley plays host to one of the world’s largest sport and music festivals. With over 350 rugby, hockey, dodgeball and netball teams, ten festival arenas, live music and fancy dress. (bournemouth7s.com)
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24 May - Tales from the Track
Two story walks with Fiona Eadie. Win Green Hill features love lost and found (2pm-3pm) while Fontmell Down recalls memories of those who once wandered the landscape (7pm-8pm). Booking essential 0844 2491895
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Editor’s choice
17 May - Dorchester Museums at Night
Where could you see a Pharaoh’s treasure trove, tyrannosaurus rex, Chinese warriors, a giant teddy bear and Thomas Hardy’s desk all in one evening? You can see all this and more at Dorchester’s Museums at Night experience, part of a national annual event to encourage families to enjoy museums after hours. With the Dinosaur Museum, Tutankhamun Exhibition, Dorset County Museum, Teddy Bear Museum, Keep Military Museum, and the Terracotta Warriors Museum along with the Roman Town House and Max Gate (novelist Thomas Hardy’s former home) to visit it will be a very busy night! It’s also a real bargain, entry to all eight heritage attractions, when bought in advance, is just £10 for a family of 2 adults and up to 4 children which is amazing value, or £12 on the day. Museums at Night is on Saturday 17 May from 5pm to 9pm (Max Gate opens 3.30pm to 5.30pm as part of a special preview package). Tickets can be purchased in advance at any of the participating museums, Dorchester Tourist Information Centre and Max Gate.
