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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Dorchester Festival
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20220107T053308Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T092709Z
UID:3964-1777593600-1778457599@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Scarecrow Trail - Historical Figures
DESCRIPTION:The 2026 Scarecrow historical figures are listed below.  Congratulations to the Line family for their winning scarecrow – Howard Carter and Tutankhamun \n\n\n\nDorchester Festival 2026 Scarecrow Trail Answers (most popular scarecrow: Howard Carter and Tutankhamun)\n\n\nNo\nAddress\nWho is the historical figure?\n\n\n1\nDorchester Abbey Museum \nGeoffrey Chaucer\n\n\n2\nVillage Hall\, Queen’s St (Dorchester Historical Society)\nSir George Gilbert Scott \n \n\n\n3\nDorchester St Birinus Primary School \nSt Birinus\n\n\n4\nDorchester Pre-school\, Queen’s Street \nAmelia Earhart\n\n\n5\n3 Manor Farm Road \nNeil Armstrong\n\n\n6\n7 Monks Close\nEmmeline Pankhurst\n\n\n7\n11 Monks Close \nFriar Tuck (and Robin Hood)\n\n\n8\n17 Page Furlong\nSt Francis of Assisi\n\n\n9\n2 Page Furlong\nAlbert Einstein\n\n\n10\n7 Jemmetts Close\nHelen Sharman\n\n\n11\n3 The Limes\nKing Henry VIII\n\n\n12\nSnug\, Bishop’s Court Farm\, High St\nJulius Caesar\n\n\n13\n72 High Street\nSteve Jobs\n\n\n14\nHigh St Bus Shelter (Knit n Natter) \nWilliam Shakespeare\n\n\n15\nFortnums Estates\, 65 High Street \nMarilyn Monroe\n\n\n16\n55 High Street \nRosa Parks\n\n\n17\n51 High Street\nCleopatra\n\n\n18\n30 High Street \nAnne Boleyn\n\n\n19\n6 Beechcroft \nHoward Carter and Tutankhamun\n\n\n20\n8 Malthouse Lane \nGandhi\n\n\n21\n19 Watling Lane \nMarie Curie\n\n\n22\n7 Tenpenny\nCleopatra\n\n\n23\n2 Haven Close\nBeatrix Potter\n\n\n24\n13 Tenpenny\nQueen Matilda\n\n\n25\n22 Bridge End \nFrida Kahlo\n\n\n26\n15 Meadside (just 10 mins’ walk from village centre)\nMary Anning\n\n\n27\nDorchester Abbey porch\nJoseph and his Technicolour Dreamcoat\n\n\n28\n13 High Street\nBlackbeard\n\n\n\n  \nScarecrow entry for scarecrow makers: £5. \nDorchester Folk can enter a scarecrow for the Scarecrow trail or you can simply stroll around the village and see if you can work out what they are during Festival week \nThe theme is Historical Figures!\nIf you’d like to enter a scarecrow – they can be really simple\, pulled together at the last minute or super creative\, planned way in advance – up to you\, as long as they resemble a historical figure(s). Completed entry forms must be received by Saturday 25 April latest. Scarecrows must be in place by Thursday 30 April 2026. \nTwo ways to enter: \n\nfill out the form below & buy a ticket from the boxoffice for your £5 entry fee\nprint out this form\, fill it in and post it through the letterbox at either 73 High St or 3 Manor Farm Road with £5 entry fee (cheques can be made out to Dorchester Festival)\n\nName / FamilyEmail AddressPhoneAddress (where the scarecrow will be seen)Where will the scarecrow be?What historical figure will your scarecrow represent? Submit Form\nOr simply buy a map and take to the trail during Festival week.  Maps (minimum donation) £4 from the Coop or the Festival Big Tent during Festival week. \nTake a walk around the village\, peek into windows and gardens to guess which historical figures are lurking. Some will be easier to identify than others but it’s all good fun for all ages. Vote for your favourite scarecrow; the makers of the winning scarecrow get a prize! \nScarecrows are all visible from the street so this event is fully accessible to wheelchairs. If you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n  \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/scarecrow-trail/
LOCATION:Dorchester\, High St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX107HN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/scarecrow-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20251230T061330Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260411T171946Z
UID:5057-1777593600-1778457599@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:The Hallidays Community Art Installation - Impressions of Dorchester
DESCRIPTION:This event is FREE and available for viewing throughout the Festival week \n \nA collaborative installation of small artworks created by a variety of groups within the local community and by the young people of our charity partner\, Be Free Young Carers. Designed and led and by Oxford-based artist Emma Coleman-Jones\, individual responses to The Abbey\, the village and the local landscape are displayed together in an innovative design inspired by the windows and arches within the Abbey itself. Through the generous support of locally-based and internationally-renowned sculptor David Harber\, the supporting arches used to create the display in the People’s Chapel will be auctioned through the festival to provide additional funds for our charities.  Bid for an arch here! \nThe Installation is now closed to new pieces and we have over 420!  Emma will now collate these into the exhibition for everyone to view through the Festival. \nAt 11am on Saturday 2nd May it will be formally opened by the artists who have created it and we are hoping all the community artists who have contributed will come and see their work in place. \n  \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \nThis event is sponsored by Hallidays \n \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/the-hallidays-community-art-exhibition-impressions-of-dorchester/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Family,Family & Children,Free!
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/art-installation.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T043000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T063000
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20220120T065117Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T162421Z
UID:4212-1777782600-1777789800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Dawn Chorus Walk
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT but you can add yourself to the waiting list by going to the box office.  We will contact the waiting list in order if customers drop out and want to resell their tickets. \nTickets £20 incl breakfast \nUp with the lark? Get up bright and early to enjoy the most beautiful natural concert of the season on this Dawn Chorus Walk. Birdsong is at its best in May\, so join local naturalists Roger Seabrook and Richard Tilley for an early morning guided amble around Dorchester’s three water meadows\, courtesy of the Hurst Water Meadow Trust. Relax in the amazing wall of sound that is the Dawn Chorus and pick up tips on how to identify birds by their calls. \nIf you prefer a later walk then try the Evensong Walk on Sat 9th May at 8pm \nPlease dress warmly.  Two stiles to cross. Not suitable for dogs unless reliably quiet and well behaved. Please park considerately in the village and be aware of residents still asleep! The Dawn Chorus walk takes one and a half to two hours\, followed by a hot breakfast roll in the Abbey \nTicket price includes breakfast!  Vegetarian and gluten free options available \nWalk starts at the Hurst Water Meadow bridge: what3words ///dissolve.redefined.inflation or grid reference SU5813294311 \nOrganised in collaboration with The Hurst Water Meadow Trust \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/dawn-chorus-walk/
LOCATION:Hurst Bridge
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-7-2026-07_56_57-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T113000
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20220106T145140Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260118T200534Z
UID:3945-1777802400-1777807800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Sunday All Age Praise Party
DESCRIPTION:The event is FREE! \nJoin us for morning worship in the tent. Lots of interactive fun\, singing\, and praising as well as a short Bible story with a gentle challenge that all ages will understand! \nThis will be led by Chichester Cathedral’s travelling evangelist ‘Deacon Ish’ (Ishmael). He is a singer\, songwriter\, speaker and author. Dorchester Abbey is delighted to have him lead this very special service for everyone and he promises to sing the well known song that he wrote ‘Father God I wonder.’ \nBreakfast style refreshments from 10am \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n  \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/family-service/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children,Free!,Spiritual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/family-service-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T163000
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20220106T110707Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091115Z
UID:3915-1777811400-1777825800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Tentertainment!
DESCRIPTION:Tentertainment tickets £7 (adults free)\nTickets not required for babes in arms or adults! \nRain or shine\, roll up for fabulous tentertainment for all ages.  BBQ lunch\, tea and amazing cakes available to buy from 12.30pm while children are entertained for the whole afternoon.  All their favourite parties rolled into one so turn up in fancy dress prepared to PARTY! \nDuck decoration all afternoon in preparation for the duck race at 5pm. \n12.30 Fancy Dress Tea Party – Princesses and Heroes \nAre you a beautiful princess or a super hero?  Dress up and have tea with our characters!  Photos encouraged! \n  \n  \n  \n  \n1pm Bertie Slippers\n \nBertie Slippers is a lively children’s entertainer known for his magical mix of comedy\, music\, puppets\, and balloon fun—delighting families across Oxfordshire and beyond since 2009.  Whether he’s leading a sing-along or conjuring up balloon animals\, Bertie Slippers creates unforgettable moments packed with giggles and wonder. \n  \n2pm Kinecroft dance academy performance and workshop\nHas your child ever thought about joining a dance class? Does your child love to dance around the house and make up their own moves? Then why not come and see what dance is all about with this KAD performance and workshop. This performance will showcase the skills and technique the students have learnt within their classes at KAD and the workshop will provide the opportunity for your child to come and have a go! \n🦁✨ Lion King Adventure Workshop! ✨🐾 \nStep into the Pride Lands for a magical workshop inspired by The Lion King!  Your little cubs will explore the savannah through dance\, drama\, music and imaginative play — perfect for building confidence\, creativity and BIG smiles! \n\nLearn a fun Lion King–inspired dance\nSing along to well-loved songs\nRoars\, giggles and jungle adventures!\n\nHakuna Matata! Let the adventure begin. \n3pm The Ugly Duckling by WhatNot Theatre Company \n \nOnce upon a time there was a little Duckling called Dotty. Dotty didn’t look like her brothers and sisters; and as much as she tried Dotty just couldn’t ‘Quack’…it always came out as a ‘Honk’! \nOne day\, Dotty waddles off far from her nest on the pond and arrives at Farmer Mary’s Farm. Follow Dotty as she clucks with Henny the Hen\, crows with Reginald Rooster and gobbles with Tommy the Turkey. \nJoin WhatNot for this uplifting\, gentle interactive performance\, and share in Dotty’s escapades as she discovers the true meaning of family. \nAudience feedback for The Ugly DucklingWhat a wonderful theatre company whatnot theatre are! A wonderful show for our 3 year old and I liked how interactive it was without any pressure. The production and venue were amazing \nOur six year old grandson loved it\, particularly the dialgoue between audience and actors. \nThe show was lovely. I thought the audience participation elements were particularly successful and really helped keep the children interested.\nBoth performers were really strong and made the children laugh/engaged them really well. It felt like there were more than 2 performing!\nLoved the creative costumes and props.\nThe lights and special effects (snow was magic!) were great and really added interest for the little ones.\nMy child has been calling me ‘mummy-duck’ and quacking all the way home. Fair to say the show was a hit! \nIt was great. Best Christmas show we’ve seen this year \nThe show was excellent!! It was welcoming\, fun and engaging. My four-year-old son really enjoyed it – he was giggling throughout and kept looking at me with a big smile. I know the show was for aged 2+ but my nine-month-old baby was really engaged with much of it as well\, especially when the little ducks popped up over the washing line. I thought the audience participation was done really well too…really inclusive but no pressure for the children to ‘perform’. It was a lovely Christmas treat. \nthe show was delightful. my 4 year old grandson really enjoyed himself. I was particularly impressed by the way the actors involved every child as soon as we walked into the theatre. \nFantastic show! Really interactive and accessible. My 2 year old was really captivated by the story. The participation really engaged her. The show was pitched perfectly to the age group. \nIt was a beautiful\, joyful show\, perfectly pitched for the audience\, and a perfect introduction to the magical world of theatre. Great performances\, and lovely characters. \nReally engaging\, inclusive\, clear\, welcoming\, creative and lovely! My 9 year old boy and 7 year old girl\, loved it! \nThe show was great – I really liked that at the beginning WhatNot made sure that the kids would be comfortable with lighting changes etc. \nIt was brilliant for my 3&4 year old\, they absolutely loved it! I hope you have similar shows back in the future.\n \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/tentertainment/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Younger children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/tentertainment-4.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T173000
DTSTAMP:20261019T152425
CREATED:20220106T111423Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T060351Z
UID:3917-1777827600-1777829400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Dorchester Duck Race
DESCRIPTION:Dorchester Duck Race Ducks £5 (£12 for 3) \nThe Dorchester Duck Race is now one of THE essential village Festival events for all ages.  Buy a duck\, customise it and have it launched down the river from the Hurst Water Meadow to a nail biting finish next to the Abbey.  Prizes for the first ducks home! \nDucks available to purchase in advance from Dorchester Coop or from Tentertainment! during the afternoon.  Ducks must be registered in the Tent by 4.45pm to join the race! \nEveryone is welcome to come and join the fun at the finish line in the meadow in front of the Abbey. \nThe access to the finish line is over uneven ground which may be difficult for some wheelchairs.  If you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. We would love to help you! \nShare this:\n				Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n				Facebook\n			\n				Share on X (Opens in new window)\n				X
URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/dorchester-duck-race/
LOCATION:Bridge End House Meadow\, High St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX10 7JT\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ducks.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
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