Free

An exhibition by young artists The Art Room Charity offers art as therapy to children and young people aged 5-15 who are having serious difficulties and may be at risk of exclusion from school. They use art to raise their self esteem, confidence and independence and help them cope with their challenges and all come …

Tower abseil and Teddy bear hot air ballooning Brave volunteers (including The Rector, Sue Booys, and many other familiar faces) will abseil down the 100 foot tower to raise money for the Festival charities. Come and cheer them on! You can support our brave abseilers by donating using our justgiving.com site.  Please donate now! Buy …

RhythmZone Andy from RhythmZone will be running fun and engaging African Hand Drumming Workshops for all ages. Participants will learn basic technique and traditional West African rhythm patterns. We will also learn signals to lead the group, play musical games and develop our own musical pieces.

Come and be inspired by the brilliant John Hardwick; experienced musician, songwriter, storyteller and juggler who travels the world leading worship. ‘…one of those unique individuals who somehow seems to have received more than his fair share of gifts!’

All are welcome to a fun session of circus skills in the tent. Spin some plates to work up an appetite for Sunday lunch or to wear off energy with juggling before going to see the Festival performance matinee.

An afternoon of free concerts – just pop in and enjoy some diverse and amazing music. 1pm: Women of Note 2pm: 33 Steps 3.30pm: Kevin O’Regan

(This event is part of the Busking in the Abbey afternoon – it is free but donations to the Festival charities are welcome as you leave) Women of Note’s close harmony repertoire of swing and jazz standards contains a selection of accompanied and unaccompanied numbers from the Great American Songbook by such greats as George …

(This event is part of the Busking in the Abbey afternoon – it is free but donations to the Festival charities are welcome as you leave) “33 Steps” features Charlie Finnie on guitar and Sharon Warnes on violin: together they perform a variety of well-known music encompassing a broad range of tastes.  Their repertoire features myriad genres, …

(This event is part of the Busking in the Abbey afternoon – it is free but donations to the Festival charities are welcome as you leave) Kevin’s songs are a distinctive blend of folk and blues which are guaranteed to have an audience singing along – from songs of great wit to modern ballads of …

A wonderful selection for adults and children alike: belts, bags, jewellery, sculpture, paintings, natural skincare products, cards and gift wrap, goodies for children, clothing and scarves … and, whether you’re visiting the Festival events, taking in the wonder of the Abbey or simply want to have a day out treating someone to a light lunch …

All welcome to a fun session for the under 5’s. Coffee, tea and fantastic cakes on sale. All proceeds to Dorchester Pre-school

A rare opportunity for autistic schools to enjoy the therapeutic effects of music live in the Abbey. People of all ages and abilities are welcome to come to this event.

Enjoy a traditional service in the stunning setting of Dorchester Abbey, led by Canon Sue Booys with Preacher Roger Royle. Reverend Canon Roger Royle was ordained in the Church of England in 1962 & served his first curacy at St. Mary’s, Portsea, Portsmouth. During his career he served as Conduct & Senior Chaplain of Eton …