Archive Listing: What's On

Easter Holidays at Shire Hall!

Count Your Chickens at Shire Hall this Easter as part of our eggcellent holiday activities!

Shire Hall Easter Market

Discover incredible local businesses whilst exploring one of Dorchester's most historic buildings.

Copper Street Brewery Beer Tasting

Join us for a beer tasting evening. Learn more about beer and the process too.

Curious Kombucha- A Curious Story

Tom Browns welcomes award-winning brewster Emma Davis to talk about and taste Kombucha

Women, War and the Pub

Kate Adie will be joining us at Tom Browns to tell us about the role of women in the wake of WW1

Temporary Brewing Exhibition telling the story of the three Woodhouse brothers

Temporary exhibition telling the story of the three Woodhouse brothers, from the famous brewing family of Hall and Woodhouse, and their incredible time in the Dorsetshire regiment during the World Wars!

Eldridge Pope at Brewery Square

Come along and see the Eldridge Pope Drey Van and take a look around Brewery Square

Dorset Ale Celebration at Convivial Rabbit Micropub

As part of the Dorchester Brewing and Distilling Celebration, Convivial Rabbit will be serving exclusively Dorset Ales!

Teas and Talks: In Search of Isaac Gulliver

Discover the history of notorious 18th century smuggler, Isaac Gulliver.

Mother’s Day Afternoon Tea

The perfect treat this Mother's Day, an extra special Afternoon Tea at Shire Hall.

Shire Hall Bingo!

A variety of prizes and cash to be won, Shire Hall's Bingo is a fun night out for everyone.

Raising Voices: Women and the Justice System

A new series from Shire Hall Museum, exploring women's experiences with justice and sharing their stories through their own words.

Half-Term: Seaside Adventures at Shire Hall

Join us at Shire Hall this February half-term, with a seaside spotting trail, craft activities and Kids for a Quid!

Drinks in the Clink: An Evening with Fordington Gin

Join Fordington Gin for an evening of drinks and discovery at Shire Hall Museum in Dorchester.

West End Jerseys

Music from the West End Jerseys - Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons Tribute Band

Dorchester Brewing and Distilling Celebration

Dorchester wide event celebrating Brewing and Distilling past and present

Quiet Revolutions: Work inspired by Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland

Quiet Revolutions, a display of ceramic pieces inspired by the lives of Sylvia Townsend Warner and Valentine Ackland,

Scene through Wood: A Century of Modern Wood Engraving

Scene Through Wood celebrates one of the most astonishingly skilful and richly creative forms of visual art. The exhibition marks 100 years since the founding of the Society of Wood Engravers in 1920.

Staging the world of Stonehenge

This talk explores the exhibition with the help of its key objects from across Europe, including the first loan to Britain of the Nebra sky disc and several important objects kindly loaned to the exhibition by Dorset Museum.

Tom Brown’s – MASAU’U EP launch

MASAU'U EP Launch

Tom Brown’s – The Jimmy Hillbillies

Tom Brown's - The Jimmy Hillbillies

Tom Brown’s – The 6 Nations Begins

Tom Brown's - The 6 Nations Begins

Quiz Night! Tom Brown’s

Quiz Night! Tom Brown's

Howl Open Mic with Elijah Wolf

Shire Hall Memory Café

A relaxed drop in session to provide socialisation for those with memory difficulties and their carers and family.

Teas and Talks -For the Benefit of Example

This talk seeks answers in local geography and in the customary principle of exemplary justice.

Talk: The Incredible Mrs Van Der Elst

As part of our Raising Voices series, we welcome back Brian Bates to give us an incredible insight into the life of this extraordinary woman!

Let’s Talk About Sex: Reflections on Deviant Women in the Criminal Justice System

This talk considers how women who committed crime were judged to have breached two sets of law, criminal law, set down by the courts, and the law of nature.

Talk: Martha Brown, capital punishment and women in the criminal justice system

As part of our Raising Voices series, Dr Rose Wallis explores the broader legal and cultural significance of the case of Martha Brown and its resonance today.

Teas and Talks – Dorset Buttons

The History of the Dorset Button Industry

Shire Hall Memory Café

A relaxed drop in session to provide socialisation for those with memory difficulties and their carers and family.

Mary Anning, the fossil woman

Join Tom Sharpe, formerly Curator of Palaeontology and Archives at the National Museum of Wales, and author of ‘The Fossil Woman: A life of Mary Anning’, to examine what we know of the life of this extraordinary woman.

Dorchester Beerex

The 33rd Annual Dorchester Beer Festival at The Corn Exchange

A Christmas Celebration with The Salamanca Band & Bugles of The Rifles

Simon Brodkin: Troublemaker

Dorchester Arts event - World-famous prankster and creator of the hugely popular Lee Nelson,is back on stage with TROUBLEMAKER, his sensational new stand-up show.

Moscow Drug Club

Dorchester Arts event - Think 1930s’ Berlin Cabaret, Hot Club de France, Nuevo Tango & Gypsy Campfire, and where Django Reinhardt & Tom Waits are having an after-hours jam with the local Tziganes - an intimate musical experience.

First Time by Nathaniel Hall (presented by Dibby Theatre, a Waterside Arts Commission)

Dorchester Arts event - ‘Remember your first time?’ HIV+ theatre-maker Nathaniel Hall (It’s A Sin) presents his award-winning ‘hilarious’ and ‘heart breaking’ hit autobiographical show about growing up positive in a negative world.

I, Elizabeth (Dyad Productions)

Dorchester Arts event - the story of a young Queen Elizabeth - who was the woman beneath the crown?

The Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson Duo

Dorchester Arts event - A night with the Stompin’ Dave and Earl Jackson Duo promises to be a fantastic live blues music event.

Police Dog Hogan

Dorchester Arts event - The seven-piece band return with a new spring in their step to promote their brand new album ‘Overground’. Their trademark brand of Country, Americana tinged rock incorporating raucous cacophonies and melancholic tributes will lift your spirits.

Virginia Woolf: Killing the Angel (Lucy Stevens)

Dorchester Arts event - a new one-woman play weaving the life of Virginia Woolf with music and songs by female composers.

The Great Baldini Presents: A Magical Cabaret

Dorchester Arts event - The Great Baldini - emperor of illusion, prince of prestidigitation, maharajah of mystery – presents an evening of magical entertainment in cabaret..

The Navy Lark

Dorchester Arts event - Three classic episodes of the much-loved radio show The Navy Lark brought to life on stage.

Politically Incorrect: The Songs of Tom Lehrer (Peter Gill)

Dorchester Arts event - Join pianist, vocalist and all-round entertainer Peter Gill as he relives the golden days of cutting satire by master satirist Tom Lehrer.

Calan (Kistvaen Tour)

Dorchester Arts event - Calan are arguably one of Britain’s most innovative and thrilling bands. We can’t wait to welcome them to the Corn Exchange in this, their first major post-lockdown tour.

The Unravelling Wilburys

Dorchester Arts event - Performing the songs of the 1980s supergroup The Traveling Wilburys.

The Comedy Network

Dorchester Arts event - The Comedy Network is coming to Dorchester Arts! Come and unwind after a stressful week at one of our Comedy Network comedy club shows.

Midwinter Revels (GreenMatthews)

Dorchester Arts event - Spanning several centuries, Midwinter Revels is a celebration of Yuletide Past guaranteed to warm the cockles of the most Scrooge-like heart.

The Nativity (Living Spit)

Dorchester Arts event - With Living Spit’s usual mix of silly songs, pitiful puppetry and more Biblical befuddlement than you can shake a figgy pudding at

The Big Map!

Dorchester Arts event - What do you get if you collect all 204 OS Landranger maps from charity shops across the country? Now is your chance to find out.

Morgan & West’s Great Big Christmas Magic Show!

Dorchester Arts event - Fun for all the family in this utterly splendid (and totally silly) Christmas magic extravaganza!

Five Star Swing at Christmas

Dorchester Arts event - Swing into Christmas with all your favourite songs from Glenn Miller, Sinatra, Basie, Nat King Cole.

Opus Anglicanum – Medieval Carols

Dorchester Arts Event - Join Opus Anglicanum on a Christmas journey 800 years back in time, visiting entrancing music and words from our mediaeval past

Mad Dog Mcrea with support – Samantics

Dorchester Arts event - A unique mixture of folk rock, pop, gypsy jazz, bluegrass and ‘shake your ass’ music.

Micro Concert at Convivial Rabbit

Classical music from Mozart and Beethoven plus seasonal pieces.

Butterfly Dreams launch Event

Raising Money For Charities and local non-profit organisations

Mellstock Band Christmas Frolics

On Thursday 16th December, Shire Hall is hosting an evening of music, carolling and carousing in its historic courtroom with the Mellstock Band!

Elf Trail at Kingston Maurward

Sunninghill Prep School – PTFA Christmas Fayre 2021

Sunninghill Prep School - PTFA Christmas Fayre 2021

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Sunday 10th July 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - Sunday 10th July 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Sunday 27th May 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - Sunday 27th May 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Thursday 28th April 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - Thursday 28th April 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Sunday 20th March 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - Sunday 20th March 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Sunday 23rd January 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - Sunday 23rd January 2022

Kingston Maurward College Open Event – Sunday 12th December 2021

Kingston Maurward College Open Event - December 2021

Wreath Making at The Estate Shop

Carols in the Gardens

Salamanca Band, The Rifles – Carols by Candlelight

Salamanca Band, The Rifles - Carols by Candlelight

Durnovaria Silver Band

Santa in the Gardens

Duncan Honeybourne & Katharine Lam

Loco Loves Sunday Opening Celebration

In-store celebration to start the run up to Christmas.

Winter Solstice Party

Winter Solstice Party at The Estate Shop

The Winter Warmer Christmas Event

The Winter Warmer Christmas Event at The Estate Shop

Athelhampton Christmas Fair 2021

Dorchester 10K Run

Magnificent Model Elmer workshop

West Gallery Carol Concert

West Gallery Carol Concert - An evening of joyous Dorset Music

French Bistro Supper Club

Autumn Fayre

Dorset Carers Hub Craft Fair

Age UK North, South & West Dorset Christmas Fair

Pub Quiz with free Cheese

Howl Open Mic

Dorchester Country Market

Dorset Winter Show

Dorchester Country Market

Concert by The Occasional Singers

World Church Christmas Coffee Morning

Dorchester & District Lions Puds and Posers Quiz Night

Dorchester & District Lions Puds & Posers Quiz Night

Dorchester Choral Society – Winter Concert – Gloria

Dorchester Choral Society - Winter Concert - Gloria

‘Chococo’ Chocolate & Wine Tasting Evening

'Chococo' Chocolate and Wine Tasting Evening

Dorchester Xmas Vegan Market

Museum After Hours: Elizabeth Frink Special

A special evening event to take a closer look a the work of Elizabeth Frink

Dorchester Christmas Cracker 2021

Dorchester Christmas Cracker returns for 2021 with a new all day format this year. Come and visit the festive stall and two craft fairs.

Poundbury Christmas Market – Buttermarket

Poundbury's annual Christmas Market with over 40 small business stalls

The Tolpuddle Legacy

Discover the legacy of the Tolpuddle Martyrs at Shire Hall!

The Durnovaria Silver Band at Brewery Square

The Durnovaria Silver Band at Brewery Square with Skating In the Square and late night shopping

Brewery Square’s Christmas Trail

Brewery Square's Christmas Trail runs from Saturday 4 December until Christmas Eve.

Halloween Ghost Hunt at Brewery Square

We're bringing our Halloween Ghost Hunt back this October on Saturday 30th and Sunday 31st October from 10am until 4pm.

Brewery Square Christmas Lights Illumination

Christmas returns to Brewery Square this November!

PiPs Halloween Trail

Enjoy some spooky fun at Pavilion in the Park (PiPs) where there will be craft activities, prizes for best costumes, as well as a special Halloween kinds menu.

Dorchester Literary Festival 2021

Stimulating talks and discussions by leading authors

Poundbury Independent Market

Curated, local, artisan street market in Poundbury

Heritage Open Days – A Taste of Dorchester

Town heritage & family fun at Borough Gardens

Heritage Open Days – A Taste of Dorchester

Activities for the whole family to enjoy at Maumbury Rings

The Originals at Borough Gardens

Live music at Borough Gardens

Reggae Music at Borough Gardens

Nick Capaldi at Borough Gardens

Live music at Borough Gardens

Inflatable Theme Park

Dorchester's First Ever Inflatable Theme Park at The Great Field in Poundbury!

Half-Term Halloween Fun!

Shire Hall will be full of scarily fun activities this half term!

Teas and Talks- Underground Dorchester Tunnels

Discover the hidden Dorchester under your feet with Councillor David Taylor.

Georgian Dorset Exhibition

Transport yourself back to Georgian Dorset at Shire Hall

Jason and the Argonauts on Tour

Shire Hall Museum is hosting a free community event in Borough Gardens on 16th and 17th August

An evening of live entertainment with Tony Lowe

Local singing sensation Tony Lowe brings musical talent to Brewery Square

Teas and Talks- Villains, Victims and Tragedies: Stories from the Dorset Assizes

Tales from the Dorset Assizes, a talk by historian and author Brian Bates

Brewery Square’s Birthday Party

We cordially invite you to a summer evening of live musical entertainment at Brewery Square, from 6:30pm on Saturday 14 August 2021 to celebrate our birthday!

Superheroes Summer Holidays at Shire Hall

Join Shire Hall for a summer packed full of superhero fun!

Victory Day Civic Service – WW2 Vehicles and music

VICTORY DAY CIVIC SERVICE For the 76th Anniversary of VE and VJ Day

Dorchester Vegan Megamarket

2 Day weekend market has 50+ stalls with 100% vegan products.

Dorset Food and Arts Festival 2021

Food & Arts Market

Shire Hall Memory Café

A relaxed drop in session to provide socialisation for those with memory difficulties and their carers and family.

Dorset Sunflower Trail

Get up close and personal with beautiful sunflowers, take a relaxing and meandering stroll through the winding trail, cut in to 20 acres of sunflowers, planted in the shadow of Maiden Castle's pre-Roman Fortress!

Summer Live Music

Live Music in the Town Centre

Dorchester Cider Festival

Celebration of the regions finest cider producers

Ghost Walk

Enjoy a 90 minute ghostly walk around historic Dorchester. Experience the highlights some of the places, people and events that have contributed to the town's 6000 year story.