It’s easy to see why tickets to Dorchester Festival are selling out so fast with the likes of the world famous choral group The Tallis Scholars, Come & Sing with John Rutter, Showstopper! The Improvised musical, CBeebies Star Nick Cope and folk legend Sam Kelly headlining this year.

So get in quick to book any of the 64 events on offer over the 10 day festival which kicks off on May 3, because there’s something for everyone from art shows and live cookery demos, to a food and gift fair, street food, live music, a scarecrow trail, dog show, opera, comedy, an open mic night, folk, tours, a mad science afternoon, abseiling, a 5k run, choral performances, singing and walks.

Showstopper!

But with events selling out fast, especially the walks, cookery and children’s workshops, you need to book now!

The fun begins on Friday May 3, but the official opening is heralded by Gavin, Bishop of Dorchester abseiling down the 100ft tower on on Sat May 4 at noon.

The big charm of this festival is its really family friendly vibe which boasts CBeebies megastar Nick Cope, a dog show, duck race and interactive kids science afternoon sitting comfortably alongside world class music from The Tallis Scholars, Come & Sing with John Rutter, an unmissable folk night with Sam Kelly and local rising folk stars Restless Oceans.  

Sam Kelly

The Olivier award winning Showstoppers! The Improvised Musical, whose mad and hilarious show has sold out at Edinburgh Fringe for the past 14 years, will also be there.

The food offering is also a major highlight. Five Little Pigs in Wallingford is hosting a seasonal and local demo, followed by The Swan in Islip’s head chef Paul Welburn cooking up a feast based on British nostalgia with a twist.

The Taste Tibet cookery demo is already sold out but tickets are available to KB.Eats plant based baking demo. Throw in the May Morning breakfast, Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and the Food and Gift Fair, and you’re in for a treat!

The Mad Hatter;s tea Party

There is even non-stop live music from an outside stage to go with the great street food on offer.  

Festival Chair, Steph Forman, says: ‘Our 10th Festival is our biggest and best programme yet and we are proud to be supporting fantastic local charity Restore’.

For more information on Dorchester Festival and to book tickets go to www.dorchesterfestival.com