From fireworks to magical illuminated gardens, Helen Stiles rounds up her pick of events happening around the county this month
EXHIBITIONS
Enchanted Illuminations at Abbotsbury - Unti 1 November
The autumn foliage at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is transformed by these illuminations. For younger visitors there is a Maze of Terror with a haunted house and ghastly entertainment. Turn up in fancy dress for Halloween Fright Nights (29 – 31 Oct). Illuminations run from dusk to 8.30pm. Book online abbotsbury-tourism.co.uk for discount.
Extremely Connected Again - 30 October – 9 November
The work of four artists - Marylyn Cropley, Barry Kavanagh, Liz Magee and Norma Rawlings, comes together at The Gallery Upstairs, Upton Country Park, Poole.
Still Lives & Other Works - 31 October – 18 November
John Maddison returns to The Jerram Gallery in Sherborne for this exhibition of 40 still life studies and interiors for which he is renowned.
Mill Street Memories - 4 November
The lost voices of Fordington in words and archive pictures feature at this exhibition at Dorchester Town Hall 10am - 4pm.
From Bombay to Blake - 6-18 November
Illustrator Debbie Bell’s exhibition is inspired by texts of her favourite poems and the magical and colourful continent of India.
Malthouse Gallery, Town Mill, Lyme Regis
Drawn - 7 November – 5 December
The Gallery at Sculpture by the Lakes in Pallington hosts this exhibition of drawings by highly acclaimed international artists.
St Ives and British Modernism: The George & Ann Dannatt Collection - Until 2 January
New exhibition at Dorset County Museum exploring the significant art collection assembled by George and Ann Dannatt, with works by key figures associated with the St Ives Group of Artists in the 1950s, 60s and 70s.
MUSIC & PERFORMANCE
Dinosaur Zoo - 6 -7 November
Observe and interact with these extraordinary life-like dinosaurs in this imaginative live show.
Lighthouse, Poole 0844 406 8666
Pavao String Quartet - 8 November
This Bournemouth Chamber Music Society concert includes a piece by Maddalena Lombardini-Sirmen, a female composer from the 18th century, as well as Haydn’s first and last string quartets.
3pm, Kimmeridge House, Bournemouth University
Rogues on the Road: Blofeld and Baxter - 8 November
The bastions of Test Match Special share tales that range from cricket to writer Ian Fleming.
Dorchester Corn Exchange, 01305 266926
We’ll Meet Again - 8 November
Swing Unlimited Big Band return to the Regent Centre, Christchurch for an evening of musical nostalgia.
Box office 01202 499199
TinderboX - 13 November
AsOne Theatre’s witty re-working of Hans Christian Andersen’s original fairy tale.
Weymouth Pavilion Theatre, 01305 783225
Weymouth Choral Society - 14 November
Works by contemporary British composers Howard Goodall, John Rutter and Karl Jenkins feature.
St Mary’s Church, Weymouth, 7.30pm
Concerts in the West - 13 & 14 November
Enjoy the velvet tones of a 1795 Joseph Gagliano violin played by Sophie Rosa accompanied by Simon Lane on piano.
13 Nov: Bridport Arts Centre 01308 42420 | 14 Nov: The Hub, Lyme Regis, 01297 442594
Songs from the Auvergne - 18 November
One of the best loved song cycles of the 20th century performed by soprano Elizabeth Watts with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra at Lighthouse, Poole.
ooking 0844 406 8666
Newton Faulkner - 22 November
Chart-topper Faulkner plays at the Old Fire Station Bournemouth supported by the London band Victoria.
More details oldfirestation.co.uk
Angels and Saints - 25 November
The trail blazing Academy of Ancient Music perform works by Vivaldi, Vejvanovsky, Leclair, Manfredini, and Biber in this very special evening concert at Dorset County Museum.
Box office 01305 266926
Coppélia - 26 November
Vienna Festival Ballet bring the story of the eccentric toymaker and his beloved doll to life at the Tivoli Theatre, Wimborne.
Box office 01202 885566
Alan Davies: Little Victories - 28 November
The stand up comedian, actor and much-loved resident dunderhead from QI brings his unique brand of humour to the Pavilion, Bournemouth.
Box office 849 576 3000
FIVE FIREWORK DISPLAYS
Corfe Castle Firework Display - 31 October
The Greyhound Inn hosts this free firework display over Corfe Castle, which also marks the finale of the annual Sausage and Cider Festival. Live music and hog roast from 8pm.
Fireworks on Poole Quay - 5 November
The largest free firework event in Dorset sets Poole’s skyline ablaze at 8pm. Join the free party from 5pm with live music, street entertainers including jugglers and fire performances.
Guy Fawkes Celebrations, Weymouth - 5 November
One of the Borough’s biggest annual community events held on Weymouth Esplanade. Children’s homemade Guy Fawkes Competition (6.45pm Weymouth Pavilion Foyer), fun fair, beach bonfire (lit at 7.40pm). Free firework display at 8pm.
Bournemouth Fireworks - 7 November
The Littledown Centre hosts Bournemouth’s biggest firework party. Gates open at 5.30pm, firework displays at 7pm, 8pm and 9pm. Live music, fun fair and indoor Family Zone plus refreshments. Ticket Hotline open until 1 November : 0844 576 3000
Firework Extravaganza at Sherborne Castle - 7 November
Sherborne Castle hosts entertainment, live music and food from 5pm, bonfire lit at 7pm, fireworks start at 7:30pm.
