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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Dorchester Festival
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T153000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220106T135029Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T090652Z
UID:3937-1778335200-1778340600@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Dorchester Houses and History
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: £17 \nProfessor Malcolm Airs FSA\, FRHistSoc \nRenowned architectural historian Malcolm Airs will lead a 90 minute walk through the heart of the village to explore Dorchester’s fascinating architectural history and to explain the development of its houses from the Middle Ages to the present day. This will be a unique opportunity to discover the history of the buildings which line the High Street\, in some cases seeing the backs of the houses from their gardens for the first time! \nThis walk will almost all be on pavements and can be done in a wheelchair but some help may be needed for cobbled areas and kerbs.  Do get in touch if you have any questions about accessibility and we will do our best to help. \nThese walking tours sell out very quickly so book early!  If you’re interested in other walking tours you might like to try one of the Birdsong Walks – Dawn Chorus or Evensong \n  \n  \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/dorchester-houses-and-history/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey Porch\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art, History, Film & Literature,History
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/sold-out-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T123000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260122T121004Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260224T155602Z
UID:5230-1778322600-1778329800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Imma Bakery sourdough demo
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 £25 – limited so book early! \nTona Erreguin Head Chef of Imma Bakery\, an award-winning artisan bakery in Stoke Row\, Oxfordshire\, brings her passion for bread and sourdough to Dorchester!  Tona will demonstrate how to achieve the perfect sourdough loaf and craft some of the delicious pastries that make Imma famous.  This 2 hour demo takes place in a stunning private kitchen with limited tickets so there are lots of opportunities to taste and ask questions. \nFrom studying philosophy in Argentina to becoming a renowned chef\, Tona shares her unique path and passion for creating the UK’s best plain sourdough. 2025 Baking Industry Awards Baker of the Year and Winner of ‘Britain’s Best loaf’ 2024\, Tona is the absolute expert on all things bread. \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/imma/
LOCATION:57 Abingdon Rd\, 57 Abingdon Rd\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX10 7LB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Cookery Demos,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/immaSO.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260320T104810Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T140451Z
UID:5297-1778320800-1778432400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Live Music on the Cloister Stage
DESCRIPTION:On the second Festival weekend we’ll have FREE live music on the Cloister Stage in the Cloister Garden behind Dorchester Abbey \nEverything from choirs to bands\, singer songwriters to cover bands – it’ll all be there surrounded by lovely food and drink stalls!  So just turn up\, buy a pint or a coffee and some gorgeous lunch or snacks and sit and enjoy the fun and chilled vibes! \nSaturday 9th May \n10.30am Rock Choir\n11am The Greenway Project\n12noon Rock Choir\n12.45 Wally Ukes\n2pm Merlin Bateman-Paris\n3pm Only The Brave \nSunday 10th May \n12noon Aled Bath\n1pm Jody Prewett\n2pm Pandemonium\n3pm Oxford Gospel Choir \nDidcot Rock Choir\nOur local Didcot Rock Choir is run by singing teacher Krisha Kaye and performs at local Oxfordshire music\, food and fireworks festivals and joins other Rock Choirs for national and regional events\, giving members unrivalled performance opportunities and experiences beyond compare\, ranging from appearing at Wembley Stadium to singing at the Rugby!  It’s new friends\, performance achievements\, socials\, an incredible choir leader Krisha and above all – singing beautiful pop song arrangements! \n  \n  \nThe Greenway Project\nThe Greenway Project are a local 5-piece covers band\, featuring sax\, duelling guitars\, bass and their eponymous drummer (you may even spot the Curate!). They play a wide mix of genres\, including rock\, soft rock\, hard rock and sing-along rock. Think Abba to AC/DC. You can judge them by their covers. \nWally Ukes\nWally Ukes is a super friendly local group with a songbook spanning the last 60 years. They play everything from timeless classics to modern hits\, offering something for everyone. With bass\, percussion\, harmonica and more alongside our ukes\, join us for an upbeat session of great songs!  \n  \n  \n  \n Merlin Bateman-Paris\nNow performing solo following his time with The Bartenders covers band\, Merlin Bateman-Paris @mbparismusic plays guitar and harmonica while singing mesmerising songs inspired by folk\, gypsy jazz\, and the blues. \n \nOnly The Brave\nOnly The Brave are a six-piece band from South Oxfordshire. Formed in 2024 the band plays self-penned songs that tell stories of longing and dog-legged lives. Influences range from classic artists like Stephen Stills to the contemporary Jamestown Revival\, Midlake and Waxahatchee. We hope our music dwells with you like an old friend offering bittersweet vignettes for life’s unpredictable path.\nIan Salisbury\, Steve Eyre\, Tara Eyre\, James Arbuckle\, Ian Wild and Chris Baines. Photo: Chris Baines \n  \n \n  \nAled Bath\nThe Still Cans is the solo project of Dorchester-based singer-songwriter Aled Bath\, whose acoustic and electric songs explore life’s universal experiences through the lens of nature and human connection. With memorable hooks and thoughtful lyricism\, his music draws comparisons to Bruce Springsteen\, Tom Petty\, Damien Rice\, and Glen Hansard.\nIn this intimate acoustic performance\, Aled will perform original songs from his forthcoming album “50:50”\, including singles ‘The Ocean In Between Us’\, ‘Amy’\, and ‘Edge of the River’\, alongside fan favourites from his repertoire. Mixing acoustic guitar with lush layered live loops to build rich soundscapes\, he creates a dynamic solo performance that brings depth and texture to each song.\nLinks to songs:Amy – release date 6th March 2026  The Ocean In Between Us – release date 6th February 2026\nYouTube: Edge of the River (live @ The Snug in September 2025) \nJody Prewett \nAs the former lead singer and guitarist of the critically acclaimed band Trophy Wife\, Jody has a varied and rich musical background.\n​The band’s single “Microlite\,” released on Moshi Moshi Records\, became a cult favourite; championed by Zane Lowe\, Mark Riley and Tom Ravenscroft amongst others. Extensive touring followed alongside heavyweights such as Bombay Bicycle Club\, Foals\, Two Door Cinema Club and No Age at venues such as Brixton Academy\,  The Troxy\, Amsterdam Paradiso\, London Koko and Kentish Town Forum. The band also appeared at many prodigious festivals including Pukkelpop Belgium\, Lowlands Holland\, Dockville in Hamburg\, Latitude and Bestival\, promoted a debut album release in Japan and  landed a slot opening for Ed Sheeran in Paris.\n​After this whirlwind of success and the bands demise\, Jody took a wholly necessary step back from the music industry\, pursuing his other passion for working in education\, a field he has worked in for many years. Jody is now a well established and in demand music educator.\n​However\, his creative impulses never evaporated and his recent album of guitar instrumentals\, inspired by time spent in nature\, entitled “Trails\,” showcased his fledgling brand of cinematic folk. A set of intricately arranged neo-classical and folk pieces that unfold “like the evolving landscape of a walk” (Joyzine).  \nHis most recent release\, River Songs\, is a collection of intimate\, imagistic folk ballads that draw upon his love for artists such as John Martyn\, James Taylor and Sufjan Stevens. The album has a nostalgic\, fantasy-tinged sense of romance that “brings to mind a minstrel traversing the fields of Albion” (​No Transmission).  \n​Both releases have at their core a deep love for being in nature and finding solace and peace through feeling connected and indebted to the wild.\n2026 is set be a busy year as Jody releases a new album called ‘Places Beyond’. The 10-songs are see Jody exploring a more expansive sound with greater depth of textures\, ambience and more detailed instrumentation than previous releases. The album could be described as ‘sci-fi folk’; a narrative of unexplained phenomena runs throughout\, from crop circles and UFO’s to clairvoyants and standing stones. With the album approaching the final stages of completion\, more details will follow soon. \nPandemonium \nPandemonium is a versatile music group based in Wantage\, Oxfordshire\, who sing and play a variety of instruments\, including: melodeon\, recorder\, English concertina\, bodhran (Irish hand drum)\, guitar\, bass\, violin\, piccolo\, Irish banjo and mandolin. Their repertoire includes tunes\, monologues\, recitations\, and poetry – serious and light-hearted – and they sing popular songs with an emphasis on fun and informality. \nThe Oxford Gospel Choir \nThe Oxford Gospel Choir\, now celebrating its 21st year\, is a vibrant community choir where everyone is welcome to join in singing an uplifting repertoire of Gospel and popular music that inspires and uplifts. In 2024\, they celebrated our 20th year.   A friendly and diverse group of singers from Oxfordshire\, embracing all beliefs\, ages\, and abilities with rehearsals as much about community and fun as they are about music\, coming together each week to share in the joy of singing. \nThey follow traditional Gospel teaching methods\, learning by listening and copying rather than using music scores. This approach allows the songs to become part of them\, so they can sing from memory\, freeing them to dance\, groove\, and fully express the joy in the music.  They are joint holders of the Guinness World Record for the largest-ever Gospel choir performance\, singing alongside 1\,200 other voices. They’ve also twice been finalists in the BBC Songs of Praise Gospel Choir of the Year competition. \n​ \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/live-music-on-the-cloister-stage/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free!,Music,Other
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T160000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20240113T101641Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092213Z
UID:4706-1778320800-1778342400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Pet portraits with Personality!
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £70 \nLunch available for purchase from the food and gift fair in the Cloister Garden open 10am-5pm \nAll levels of painter are welcome to work with Lucy Burton on a stage by stage process to create a Pet Portrait in Oils or Acrylics  You’ll use an ‘islands to oceans’ method of working\, aiming to make the eyes come alive and give the animal and your painting lots of personality! Lucy will inspire you with some new ideas and techniques to take away with you and apply to your own work. \nYou will be working from your own image\, either from an I-pad OR you can use a photograph at least 5” x 5”.  The animal’s eyes must be clear and in focus. Crop your image so that it is square.  The head of the animal should take up most of the frame. For good (free to use) reference images see www.pixabay.com \nThe better the reference image – the better the painting! \nLucy Burton is an oil painter and tutor based in Leamington Spa\, who takes commissions and runs many workshops at home and across the Midlands and South West.  She offers a wide selection of painting workshops from ‘still life’ and ‘landscapes’ to ‘portraiture’\, ‘abstraction’ and experimental techniques\, using oils\, acrylics and collage. Workshops are suitable for beginners and practicing artists alike\, the critique is individually focused with no ‘right’\, ‘wrong’ or ‘expected’ outcome\, but rather a goal of individual development and original expression. \nAvailable to buy on the day £5:  8” x 8” Ampersand gessoboard or buy here \nWhat to bring: (with links to where to buy)\nA colour photograph of your animal or an image on an ipad / tablet.\nA black and white print out of your square cropped image as large as you can make it on an A4 piece of paper\nA selection brushes eg. Rosemary Ivory Short Flats nos. 2\,3\,5\, Ivory Filbert size 0\nA selection of artist quality paints – acrylics or oils oils or acrylics eg. Daler Rowney starter set.\nPalette knife – eg. Winsor and Newton size 22\nPaper Palette and a box to take your work home in \n Oils only: A jar and some low odour thinners/ white spirit substitute for cleaning your brushes\, some rags or plenty of tissues to wipe brushes clean. \nOptional extra items  \n‘Liquin’ painting medium if working in oils\nA ‘Stay-wet’ palette if working in acrylics \nIf you need disabled parking or access contact us here – we’d love to help! \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/pets-with-personality/
LOCATION:Festival Little Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX107HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/pets.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T150000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220115T112606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260304T101923Z
UID:4175-1778320800-1778338800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Latte Art Masterclasses & Professional Throwdown
DESCRIPTION:A morning dedicated to Latte Art!\nLearn new skills and give it a go. Or simply watch and donate to drink as much specialty coffee as you want!\nOrganised and sponsored by the team at Horsebox Coffee Co. & Dark Horse Roastery.\nThey’ll be mixing it up with their ‘Delicious decaf’ and plant based milks to cater for all and really put the baristas through their paces. \nThe timing of these classes has changed slightly from the printed programme. \n10am & 12noon Latte Art masterclasses\nTickets £25\nJoin a one and a half hour intensive but fun workshop for non coffee professionals – delivered by professional barista trainers.\nLearn how to pour some simple latte art so you are ready to give it a go yourself!\nEach class finishing with a mini latte art throwdown competition.  All participants will receive a bag of Emily’s signature Dark Horse coffee to take home! \n2.30am Latte Art Throwdown competition\nWatch the professionals from local coffee shops battle it out to see who will be crowned the Festival Latte art champion!\nIf you are a professional barista with a talent for latte art and would like to take part in the Latte Art throwdown\, please do complete the form below: \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/latte/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Events with Food & Drink,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/latteart.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T110000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220106T112053Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092145Z
UID:3920-1778320800-1778324400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Quintessential - children's concert
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £8 adults / £6 children (under 16) \nA fun family concert!\nWould you like to take your children to a concert but you’re worried in case they make a noise during the performance?  Would you like to know more about wind instruments and ask the players questions?  This is the concert for you!\nFeaturing timeless classics such as ‘The Teddy Bear’s Picnic’ and Frozen alongside interactive numbers\, the Oxford-based quintet will present music to educate and entertain.  Suitable for all ages. \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. \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/quintessential/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Family,Family & Children,Music,Younger children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/quintessential.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260509
DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260510
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220107T062301Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260331T093235Z
UID:3968-1778284800-1778371199@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Mad Hatter's Tea Party
DESCRIPTION:Tickets : £15 children under 10 / £20 adults / £25 with Prosecco\nChildren too young for their own seat may sit on a parent’s lap and share their tea. \n1 hour teas starting at 2pm / 3.15pm / 4.30pm \nTumble down the rabbit hole to enter the world of Alice in Wonderland and eat a delicious cream tea with incredible cakes and surprising sandwiches in the Rectory Garden.  An hour full of fun whatever your age! \nChildren (or young at heart) can play croquet with the Queen of Hearts\, meet the White Rabbit and other characters and help Alice find her way home…\nOr you can simply sit and eat the most fantastic afternoon tea!\n(with many thanks to Dorchester Amateur Dramatics Society for their character performances through the afternoon!) \nAlways a sellout so do buy an advance ticket!\nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. \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/mad-hatters-tea-party/
LOCATION:Dorchester Rectory\, Enter by Dorchester Abbey Tower gate\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX107HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events with Food & Drink,Family,Family & Children,Food & Drink,Theatre & Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/mad-hatter-2.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T213000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260103T141742Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092017Z
UID:5106-1778268600-1778275800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Liza Pulman Sings Streisand
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £30/£22/£15\nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front of the nave for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nAn evening of sparkling entertainment…a sound of Streisand with a large delicious slice of Liza\nBritish Theatre ★★★★★                  \nFresh from three sell out concerts at Chichester Festival Theatre Fascinating Aida’s acclaimed singer and comedienne Liza Pulman celebrates the legend of Barbra Streisand in concert with her fabulous band and musical director Joseph Atkins.\n“Renowned as one of the very few artists that can truly emulate the vocal skills of the iconic Barbra Streisand” – Liza’s STREISAND show has played London’s West End to packed houses and five-star reviews. \nThis ‘world class show’ (Encore Radio) brings Liza’s personal slant on Streisand’s life and music\, with warmth\, humour and compelling storytelling.\n Featuring glorious new arrangements of classic songs …THE WAY WE WERE\, SECOND HAND ROSE\, YOU DON’T BRING ME FLOWERS\, PEOPLE and many more. \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n\nThe love child of Neil Diamond and Barbra Streisand\nSuzy Klein\, BBC Radio 3 In Tune \nPulman may look bright and beautiful and demure\, but she knows how to wield a flick-knife   \nThe Times ★★★★ \n Incredible performances of classic numbers……delivered with humour\, grace and class\nTheatre Weekly ★★★★★        \nBewitches us with sheer vocal virtuosity and emotional expression \nBritish Theatre.com ★★★★★ \nThe whole audience are on their feet and seldom has a standing ovation been better earned.\nStage Talk\, London\, Cadogan Hall\, ★★★★★ \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/liza-pulman-sings-streisand/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/liza.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T213000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220105T150550Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260428T035802Z
UID:3884-1778268600-1778275800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Pour My Bluff!
DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT! \nTickets £27 incl 8 x 60ml glasses of wine \nPlatters made up by Snug cafe are available to buy alongside tickets \nThink you know your wine? Want to both taste some fine wines and also understand more about them? Fancy some fun and competition whilst learning? Then this event is for you.  Think of it as Call My Bluff meets Would I Lie to You lubricated by wine. \nThe wonderful Pierre Le Vin team\, wine suppliers to the festival\, have selected 8 special wines for us all to taste. And to make it more interesting and fun a panel of local ‘experts’ will talk to you about each wine. But only one is telling the truth\, can you work out who is telling the truth and who is bluffing?  Add in a wine quiz to test your knowledge and a platter of bread\, cheeses and nibbles to give you a good thirst and we’ll have a great evening. With prizes for those who can see through the lies and find the truth. \nPlatters provided by Snug will be available to buy in advance alongside your tickets:\n(all serve 2 as a sharing plate/appetizer)\n– Warm Spinach and Artichoke Dip\, tortilla chips £9.75 (GF-vegetarian)\n– Cheese Board – three cheeses\, cheese biscuits\, grapes\, farm honey £14.50 (GF on request)\n– Charcuterie Board: Cured meats\, olives\, pickles and mini baguette £14.50 (GF on request)\n– Mediterranean Plate: a seasonal platter of raw veggies & dips (vegan\, GF) £12.50\n– Chocolate Sweet treats: A platter of bite size chocolate treats £9.50\n– Wine Teasers: a sample plate of different flavors to try with the wines. Think salty\, sweet\, tangy\, acidic\, sour\, creamy and citrus. £7.95 \nOur wine experts practicing their bluffs are…\nPaul Fritz-Johnson – Paul is our expert from Welch & Co\, wine suppliers to the Festival as a whole. \n  \n  \n  \nMary Galer – Mary started in hospitality at 14 years old and has never left!  Following training she managed hotels in France for 4 years\, came back to run The Fleur in Dorchester with her husband Nick\, and then went to run The Goose Restaurant during which time it won its first Michelin star.  Mary then went on to work at The Hinds Head\, Bray for 4.5 years (also a Michelin star was achieved) until they took on their own public house and hotel\, The Miller of Mansfield\, Goring on Thames.  Mary and Nick ran The Miller from 2014-2022 while Mary completed her WSET and created a virtual wine business ‘Virtual Vines’.  She was the GM of Wilding in Oxford and is now GM of The George at Upton \n  \nKeith Ives – the proprietor of Bishops Court Farm is never short of a opinion on a bottle of wine. So we can expect some forthright views from Keith in his usual inimitable style \n  \n  \n  \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. \n  \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/pour-my-bluff/
LOCATION:Snug Barn\, Bishops Court Farm\, High St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events with Food & Drink,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/wine-scaled.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T140000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220106T170834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260121T141954Z
UID:3951-1778241600-1778248800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Music for Autism
DESCRIPTION:This event is FREE! \nWith Hannah Frazer Mackenzie. Soprano \nThis is a free concert to which all are invited!  Local autistic schools will come to enjoy the therapeutic effects of music live in the Abbey with professional musicians associated with the Orchestra of St John’s (OSJ) as part of their Music for Autism programme. \nFor over 20 years\, under the committed leadership of John Lubbock\, Music for Autism has provided a programme of accessible workshops delivered in special schools and designed specifically for young people with autism. OSJ Music for Autism engages with over 6\,000 young people each year\, and is offered entirely free of charge to participating schools. \nMany people like to listen to music sitting absolutely still and silent\, without any distractions\, so that they can focus on the music.  But a significant number of other people\, in particular young people with autism\, prefer to move about\, perhaps dancing or responding physically to the music\, vocalising or whatever.  The consequence is that such people are usually unwelcome at formal ‘concert hall’ performances. As a result\, their access to live classical music is limited – sometimes impossible. This is where Music for Autism makes such a difference. \nThe important difference is that the students can respond to the music exactly as they wish. They can sit up\, lie down\, move around or stand and stare. They can fidget if they wish – and some children use fidgeting as a strategy to help them concentrate\, not as an indication of their boredom as is often assumed.  Nothing is forced; yet\, with John Lubbock gently facilitating and encouraging throughout\, the interaction between the children\, the music and the musicians is very often a deeply moving experience. \nPeople of all ages and abilities are welcome to come to this event. \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/music-for-autistic-schools/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Free!,Music,Older children,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/music-for-autism-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T123000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260320T092422Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T092422Z
UID:5293-1778234400-1778243400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Yoga and Wellbeing for schools
DESCRIPTION:Emma Horwill\,  a yoga teacher with a decade of experience\, introduces yoga to pupils in our local primary school\, Dorchester St Birinus\nThis is a private class and is already pre-booked.  If your school would like to be involved in future Festivals with events like this\, then do get in touch! \n \nEmma Horwill  is a Charity Ambassador for Be Free Young Carers\, working with the young carers & their families as the Health & Wellbeing expert.  It was through getting involved with Be Free Young Carers that she discovered that she had actually been a young carer herself! \nTeaching with an open heart\, warmth and a sense of humour\, she loves sharing the joy of yoga with all humans. (And even sometimes with her dog Mabel) \n \nHer passion is sharing the value and joy of yoga with children and young people\, hoping they will continue their own journey of self care for a lifetime.  This includes teaching girls\, teens & women yoga and wellbeing for hormonal health\, menarche and menopause. \nHer classes are a blend of hatha\, vinyasa\, yin\, meditation\, mindfulness\, sound healing & essential oils; gentle\, healing classes\, but not without challenges! \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/yoga-and-wellbeing-for-schools/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T220000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220107T070355Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091955Z
UID:3977-1778182200-1778191200@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Comedy Club
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £20\nPizza £16 (limited availability) \nFollowing huge Sell Out success at our past Festivals\, you won’t want to miss out on this Comedy Club\, headlined by the very funny Nick Page\, MCd by Alex Farrow and supported by Ben Pope and Celya Ab.  Set up cafe style with tables\, so order pizza with your tickets\, get great wine and beer on tap from the bar and settle in for a good laugh! \nStandup starts at 7.45pm \nIn the unlikely event that an act needs to cancel\, we reserve the right to change the line up without notice.\n(age guidance 18+) \nThere will be tables reserved at the very front of the big tent for Festival Friends at this event.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nOrder a Sole Luna pizza with your ticket and have it delivered to your table.  All 10″ traditional Neapolitan thin-crust pizza hand-thrown and cooked at 450 degrees in 100% natural wood ovens to achieve a smokey char\, crisp crust and topping-filled centre.  These are limited so buy early! \nNick Page \nWith some comics there’s a moment where you ask yourself ‘I wonder how much of this is true?’\, with Nick Page you might hope it isn’t true\, but somehow know that it is\, mostly. His shows are full to bursting with stories from a life lived on the edge of (self inflicted) disaster.\nIn his shows there are no songs\, props or padding\, just stories packed with jokes from start to finish. The Guardian Newspaper described him as ‘ A bear like man with a host of barely believable stories about life\, love and brushes with the law’.\nIn the last few years he has won the prestigious title ‘English Comedian of the Year’\, performed at comedy festivals in 3 continents and been awarded the Operational Service Medal by the British army for numerous gigs in warzones\, doing everything from shows in Camp Bastion and Kandahar for 5000 troops at a time\, to being helicoptered to perform for 20 soldiers in a patrol base in the desert.\nHe’s reached the live finals of Britain’s Got Talent despite having never watched the show. A typical week in the UK might see performances in pubs and theatres before a weekend run at a comedy club. Between cruises and expat bookings he’s now performed in over half the world’s countries\, and even kept busy during covid lockdown performing over 100 online gigs from a studio in his garage. \nAlex Farrow \nAlex has been performing and writing comedy for over 10 years. He hosts Stand-up Philosophy London and the award-winning Jericho Comedy in Oxford\, as recommended by the Telegraph\, the i Paper\, Chortle and Sunday Times. Jericho Comedy is regularly voted one of the top comedy nights in the country. You can see him perform at comedy clubs across the UK. \nHe likes mixing stand-up with a touch of philosophy and science-themed material. His philosophy-themed solo shows are very popular and have sold out at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2019\, 2021 and 2022. His writing has appeared on Mock the Week\, Have I Got News for You as well as in the Times as part of the best jokes of the Edinburgh Fringe. He’s featured on BBC Radio 4 extras The Circuit and BBC Sounds. ALex is particularly proud of his fundraising for Oxfordshire Mind with a lifetime total of over £200 000 raised! \n  \n  \nBen Pope \nBen Pope is a stand-up comedian\, writer and comedy performer. He has been doing stand-up for the best part of a decade (as an act and MC)\, gigging regularly across the UK\, and taking a host of critically-acclaimed shows to the Edinburgh Fringe – including the solo stand-up hours Baby Sasquatch (2018)\, Dancing Bear (2019) and most recently The Cut (2025) which received rave four-star reviews from The Scotsman\, Evening Standard and The Telegraph\, and was nominated for NextUp Biggest Award in Comedy.\nHis YouTube specials Mr Big Stuff (2022) and Holy Cow (2024) have been viewed 56k times and counting. In 2023 he took Holy Cow on his first nationwide tour around the UK and NZ\, including a run at London’s Soho Theatre. Not to brag\, but Joe Lycett said it was ‘excellent.’ This autumn he takes The Cut on a new 10-date tour of the UK.\nBen has written for The News Quiz (BBC Radio 4) and DMS Are Open (Radio 4)\, has previously worked with the award-winning NewsRevue\, and appeared on Comedy Central’s Achievement Unlocked\, Dave’s Comedy Guide to Life and the BBC New Comedy Award on Radio 4 Extra. \nCelya AB \nOriginally from Paris\, Celya AB stands out as a dynamic stand-up comedian and adept writer\, commanding attention with her captivating stage presence and brilliantly crafted material. \nHer performances have not only earned critical acclaim but have also resulted in sold-out runs and tours at prestigious venues and festivals\, including the Edinburgh Festival Fringe 2022/2023 and Soho Theatre. \nShe won Chortle Best Newcomer in 2022 and was Funny Women finalist. Celya has left her mark on notable shows such as Live At The Apollo and Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster.  Her rising popularity is evident in her expanding fan base\, providing her with opportunities to support renowned figures like US comic Maria Bamford and acclaimed musician St Vincent during their recent UK tours. online\, her stand-up clips have amassed millions of views on both tiktok and instagram. \nAs a comedy writer\, she has worked on various programs across BBC including The Great British Sewing Bee\, Channel 4 and Comedy Central\, as well as James Acaster’s Springleaf. She is a regular writer on various radio programmes has made regular panel appearances on The News Quiz. \n  \nIf you need disabled parking or access for the comedy night 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/comedy-night/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Theatre & Comedy
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/comedy-7.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T193000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220110T072114Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260505T161519Z
UID:4069-1778176800-1778182200@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Rokas Valuntonis - pianist
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £20/£12 Children (under 16) now FREE! \nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front of the nave for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nLithuanian pianist and rising star Rokas Valuntonis has been praised for his “liquidity of sound” and “devilish performances” and has drawn admiration for his imaginative interpretations and striking virtuosity. \nLudwig van Beethoven- Sonata no 8 (pathetique)\nEdward Grieg – Album leaves op.28\nFrederic Chopin (1810-1849) – Andante Spianato and Grande Polonaise Brillante op. 22\n—-\nFrancois Couperin\nFrom keyboard suites:\n– Les Ombres Errantes\n– Les Tricoteuses\n– La Bandoline\n– Le Tic-Toc-Choc ou les Maillotins\nRobert Schumann – Carnival op. 9 \nA laureate of more than 20 international competitions\, Valuntonis won 1st Prize at the 2018 Campillos International Piano Competition (Spain) and previous victories include both the 2013 International Music Competition “Societa Umanitaria” (Italy) and the 2010 Nordic Piano Competition (Sweden). \nValuntonis has performed all over Europe\, including Denmark\, Finland\, France\, and Portugal\, in venues such as Milton Court (Barbican Centre)\, La Sala Verdi\, The Wallace Collection\, Lithuanian National Philharmonic Hall\, and La Sala Casella Accademia Filarmonica Romana. He has also performed with the Lithuanian National Symphony Orchestra\, Lund Symphony Orchestra\, St Christopher Chamber Orchestra\, Lithuanian Chamber Orchestra\, and Panevėžys Chamber Orchestra \nThe 2025/26 season sees Valuntonis present solo recitals around Europe in venues and festivals such as Lithuanian National Philharmonic (Lithuania)\, Thomas Mann Festival (Lithuania)\, Dorchester Festival (UK)\, Rzeszow Philharmonic (Poland)\, Teatro de Braganca (Portugal).\nRokas joined the City Music Foundation Artist Programme in September 2017. \n“An artist endowed with stage charisma — Daiva Tamosaityte (Muzikos Barai Magazine) \nWe have a major new talent in our midst — Christopher Axworthy \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/rokas-valuntonis/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rokas-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T090000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T120000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260107T091830Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T171723Z
UID:5132-1778144400-1778155200@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Reflections on "Drawn to Imperfection" with Revd Dr Harriet Harris
DESCRIPTION:This event is free to book but we will ask for donations on the day.  PLEASE book a free ticket so that we know how many people are coming! \nRevd Dr Harriet Harris MBE leads this morning of reflection on the Festival Art exhibition Drawn to Imperfection by Dave Nevard \nStarting with coffee and pastries at 9am! \nDave Nevard’s animated drawings challenge us to engage with the strengths and shadow sides of these Biblical characters\, and with the light and shade of their encounters with God. What drives Judas\, haunts Pilate\, gives courage to the accused woman? How do Nevard’s characters carry themselves\, and how are they changed by God provoking\, consoling\, judging\, forgiving\, guiding\, protecting\, and loving them? \nHarriet Harris leads a Thursday morning workshop inviting us to interact with Nevard’s lifelike drawings in a way that helps us to step imaginatively into the lives of these characters and so come to know our own selves better\, uncover some of our assumptions and fears about God\, and discover how we can respond with our full selves to God’s full Self-giving. \nRevd Dr Harriet Harris is Principal of Ripon College Cuddesdon. A former University Lecturer and Chaplain\, she is also a trainer in compassionate leadership\, and a Thinking Environment Facilitator. As a licensed coach\, she supports people to live their lives with a sense of vocation and without burnout. She was awarded an MBE in 2017 for Services to Multi-Faith Education and Community Cohesion\, and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh in 2022 for fostering Compassionate Organisations. \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/reflections-on-drawn-to-imperfection-with-revd-dr-harriet-harris/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Spiritual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/harriet.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T220000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260102T101604Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091848Z
UID:5095-1778095800-1778104800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Jazz up the 80s with the Jay Rayner Sextet
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £35/£25/£18\nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front of the front section for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nAs a man who came of age in the 80s\, restaurant critic\, MasterChef judge and jazz pianist Jay Rayner has long been fascinated by the chart hits from that decade which weren’t just jazz inflected but had jazz in their very bones.  Jay leads a sextet of top flight musicians to celebrate the greatest of those 80s songs\, with new arrangements of brilliant tracks by Sade\, Matt Bianco\, Working Week\, Everything But The Girl\, Paul Weller\, Sting and much more. Get your jazzy 80s on with the Jay Rayner Sextet. Box-shouldered jacket and big hair optional. \nIt’s a night of great music and great\, often entirely inappropriate stories! \nPat Gordon-Smith\, voice; Dave Lewis\, sax; Robert Rickenberg\, bass; Chris Cobbson\, guitar; Sophie Alloway\, drums. \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n  \n  \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/jay-rayner/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/jay.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260506T190000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20260320T095705Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T095738Z
UID:5295-1778090400-1778094000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Singing Playgrounds
DESCRIPTION:Tickets: £3 Children under 16 free (but please do book a free ticket so we can be sure you get a seat!) \nOver 200 children from local schools will spend a joyful day singing with professional musicians from Ex Cathedra and then perform what they have learnt in a concert at 6pm in the fabulous surroundings of Dorchester Abbey.\nDo book a ticket to what will be the most life-affirming concert of the Festival! \nSchools have already pre-booked the workshop.  If your school would like to be involved in future Festivals with events like this\, then do get in touch! \nIn 2004 Rebecca Ledgard\, from Ex Cathedra and Ula Weber \, a teacher in a large primary school in Sandwell worked together to put singing at the heart of the school community. This was the beginning of Singing Playgrounds. Since then  the team has expanded to include others who are passionate about this child-led project\, bringing together their vast range of skills and experience in the education\, performance and community music worlds. \nThey have implemented the project in over 1000 primary schools across the UK\, and travelled to Singapore\, Uganda\, Thailand\, New Zealand\, Belgium and China. \nThey have led many training events and conference presentations\, as well as Singing Playgrounds celebration-performances. Highlights include 2000 children in a park in Derby\, a performance at the Royal Albert Hall\, and the global inaugural One Young Voice summit on stage with Desmond Tutu. Singing Playgrounds was the first flagship project for Sing Up and was awarded Best Musical Initiative by Music and Education Drama Awards 2014. Since 2020 they have expanded resources for schools to include audio-visual materials available online. This supports schools in continuing the programme after visits\, and allows Schools unable to afford to bringthem in to benefit from the programme digitally. \n20 years in\, every new school visit continues to be exciting! They have maintained the true essence of the project: children smiling\, singing and playing together. \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/singing-playgrounds/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Music,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/singing-playgrounds.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260505T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260505T213000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220106T064633Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091707Z
UID:3894-1778009400-1778016600@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Cate Cody Jazz Supper
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £22 including paella supper\nThe ticket price includes a fantastic paella supper by Paella by Antonio.  Gluten free.  Vegetarian option available \nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nSuperb vocalist Cate Cody returns to entertain with her sophisticated 1930s style jazz supported by a great quintet of multi award winning players; pianist Dave Newton (voted best Jazz Pianist 16 times)\, Trevor Whiting – Reeds (Chris Barber\, Ken Colyer)\, Dave Green\, double bass (Humphrey Lyttelton\, Stan Tracey) and Steve Brown on drums (Scott Hamilton quartet\, Benny Golson\, Benny Green\, Carl Fontana) \nBe prepared to be wrapped in the smooth tones of the Great American Songbook and the swinging classics of the golden age of jazz\, all played by masters of the art. Cate Cody and her band have worked with most of the UK’s finest jazz singers and musicians including Acker Bilk\, Stacey Kent\, Bryan Ferry and George Melly.  Dancing encouraged but not compulsory! \n \n“Cate performs a song\, does not just sing it. She’s a star”\nAndrew Liddle\, Just Jazz magazine\, 2018 \n\nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \nI’m old-fashioned…’ So sings Cate Cody in that hauntingly beautiful voice of hers that puts me in mind of a young Peggy Lee.  She might be describing herself\, because these days it’s very rare to find a Jazz chanteuse with authentic phrasing\, who genuinely understands the nuances\, is capable of capturing the idiomatic gradations and modulations required to Swing. Indeed\, most of the songs she has chosen to put her stamp on belong to that great age of song sophistication\, coming from the pen of the masters of the art. She does full justice to them\, their melodies caressing\, lyrics expressing\, reflecting on their subtleties and breathing new life into them. \nJust wanted to say thank you so much for singing so beautifully last night and for bringing so much joy with you. \nThank you so much for playing for us you were all utterly amazing \n  \n  \n  \n  \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/cate-cody-jazz-supper/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Events with Food & Drink,Food & Drink,Music,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/catel-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T220000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222010
CREATED:20220105T151553Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091642Z
UID:3887-1777923000-1777932000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Festival Folk Night - Steve Knightley & Rusty Shackle
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £27 \nSteve Knightley & Rusty Shackle are a double bill of brilliant folk night artists guaranteed to give you a joyful\, uplifting evening of superb music.\nThe bar will be open with great beer on tap and good wines.\nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here.\nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \nSteve Knightley\nSteve Knightley is a multi-award-winning singer-songwriter and musician\, best known as a founding member of the folk/acoustic band “Show of Hands”. He hails from the West Country and is renowned for crafting songs deeply rooted in geographical places\, merging historical folk influences with contemporary themes. \n“A craftsman at the peak of his powers” — Tony Hall former BBC Director General \n“Some of the best songs written in the last twenty years” — Mark Radcliffe \n“The gravel voiced spokesman of the rural poor” — Robin Denselow – The Guardian \n \n  \nRusty Shackle \nWelsh indie-roots six piece Rusty Shackle have been tearing up stages around the globe since 2010. Brandishing their distinct folk-roots sound armed with an electrifying mix of rampant fiddle\, slick guitars\, hooky mandolins and banjos melodies underpinned by tight pulsating drums and bass\, they really are a force to be reckoned with. The band have built up a devoted fanbase with their captivating feel good live shows. Their latest album “Under a Bloodshot Moon” stormed the Official UK Folk Albums Chart straight in at Number 2 with no label backing\, highlighting the support of their dedicated fanbase. Rusty Shackle have toured extensively around the UK\, Europe and USA and are mainstays on the festival circuit. They deliver excitement every time they step onstage and give everything they have to steal your heart with their music. \n“‘Under A Bloodshot Moon’\, is an album that features rejuvenated positive and inspiring folk music for the twenty first Century” – Folk and Tumble \n\n \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/festival-folk-night/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Music,Other
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/folk.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T153000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T173000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220105T072221Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091619Z
UID:3876-1777908600-1777915800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:La Bohème in The Manor House Garden
DESCRIPTION:£53 VIP seats with post-performance reception\n£43/£30 / £10 children (under 16)\nThis event has numbered seating – book early to get the best seats!  Make it a night to remember with VIP seats and a post performance reception at which there will an opportunity to meet the cast\nThe opera will be moved to Dorchester Abbey if wet.  When you book your seat in the garden the seat comments will tell you where it will be in the Abbey and here is a picture showing you how the seats translate. \nWhy not consider becoming a Festival Friend?  You get to book 2 weeks before the box office officially opens and get free drink tokens and access to a front seat section for other tiered pricing Abbey Festival events.\nIf you have tickets for the performance you are welcome to picnic by the river from 2pm \nPuccini’s La Bohème\nJoin us in the beautiful surroundings of the Dorchester Manor House garden to enjoy one of the most popular operas worldwide\, performed for us by Regents Opera.\nCast :\nMimi : Christine Buras\nRodolfo: Davide Basso\nMarcello: Sam Pantcheff\nMusetta: Leila Alexander\nSchaunard: Ashley Mercer\nColline: Geoff Clapham\nBenoit / Alcindoro: Andrew Tinkler \nMusical Director Ben Woodward\nRevival Director Eleanor Strutt\nDirector: Sasha Regan\nDesign/Costumes: Reuben Speed \nRegents Opera (est. 2011) is a leading fringe Opera Company specialising in the larger works of the 19th & 20th centuries. \n“Fringe Opera at its greatest”  — Opera Now \n\nThe world premiere of La bohème was in Turin on 1 February 1896 at the Teatro Regio conducted by the 28-year-old Arturo Toscanini. Since then\, La bohème has become part of the standard Italian opera repertory and is one of the .  The story is set in Paris around 1830 and shows the Bohemian lifestyle (known in French as “la bohème“) of a poor seamstress and her artist friends. \nThe opera is in two 45 minute Acts with an interval during which drinks will be sold. \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements.  We’d love to help! \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/opera/
LOCATION:Dorchester Manor House\, 12 Manor Farm Road\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HZ\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/opera-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T151500
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220111T100056Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091558Z
UID:4084-1777905000-1777907700@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Space and Time
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £8 (£14 for both shows) \nThis Meet the Elements show follows the Amazing Air Show at 1pm \n3\, 2\, 1\, Blast off! This amazing science show by Bright Sparks Science takes you skyward to investigate the planets in our Solar System and beyond! What makes planet Earth unique? How far away are the other planets and how long would it take us to get around our ever expanding universe? \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n \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/space-and-time/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Older children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/space.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T134500
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220111T095858Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091526Z
UID:4082-1777899600-1777902300@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Amazing Air!
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £8 (£14 for both shows) \nThis show is followed by the Space and Time Show at 2.30pm \nAir is all around us\, taking up space. We breathe it in and change the air pressure all the time\, yet it always wants to be the same. Come on an awesome air adventure with Bright Sparks Science and find out how air pressure changes\, if you can win a tug of war with air\, making things levitate and explore how planes fly. \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/amazing-air/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children,Older children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/science1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T120000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T160000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220106T115415Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091459Z
UID:3928-1777896000-1777910400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Science Mad!
DESCRIPTION:Throughout this Bank Holiday afternoon there will be FREE hands on science experiments and environmental tables for all ages! \n     \n  \n  \n  \nIf you’re a scientist then please do book a table and come along to share your enthusiasm!  Find out more here. \nThere will be 2 BIG science shows run by the experts at Bright Sparks Science for which you’ll need tickets: \n– 1pm Amazing Air \n– 2.30pm Space and Time \n  \nThe Abbey clergy will be walking on custard (rather than water…) at around 2pm – completely unmissable!\nThis is great fun (you may even get to have a go yourself…) and also a classic demonstration of a non-Newtonian liquid.  Come along to find out more! \n\n\n\n\n\nForest Church does Science\nOur massively popular monthly Forest Church has created special science tables for the under 6’s with simple hand-on experiments based on the environment.\nIt’s right next to the tea table so you can eat and drink while you science. \nDo pop in and join us! \n  \n  \n  \nRefreshments are available in the tent all afternoon \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n  \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/science-mad/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children,Free!,Older children,Workshops & Demos,Younger children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/science-mad.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T110000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T120000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220122T181606Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091436Z
UID:4267-1777892400-1777896000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Charity Fun Run
DESCRIPTION:Take part in the hugely popular 5k Fun Run (or walk). Enjoy the amazing scenery of a run through the historic water meadow and alongside the river. Bring the whole family – you can even bring the dog!  A range of prizes! \nPay for your fun run entry and complete a registration form online\nLast entry on the day 10.30am – get here in plenty of time to catch the fun warm up.\nTickets £5 adult\, £3 child\, £10 family\, £1 dog! \nAward categories\nGirls – Under 8 years\, Boys – Under 8 years\nGirls – 8 to 11 years\, Boys – 8 to 11 years\nGirls – 12 to 17 years\, Boys – 12 to 17 years\nLadies – 18 to 49 years\, Men – 18 to 49 years\nLadies – over 50 years\, Men – over 50 years\nLadies & Girls – First villager\, Men & Boys – First villager \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/charity-fun-run/
LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/fun-run.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T120000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220111T061758Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091413Z
UID:4078-1777888800-1777896000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Willow Weaving Workshop - bird feeders
DESCRIPTION:£35 Ticket price includes weaving materials to create 2 willow bird feeders to take home \nThis relaxed\, 2hr course is run by Suz Williams of The Copice Co \nDuring this workshop you will make 2 willow fat ball bird feeders and learn several basketry techniques that are used in larger projects. Willow weaving is an enjoyable and practical skill that spans human history. Many of our ancestors would have been basket makers and this wonderful craft is making a comeback. \nThis workshop is great for beginners who would like a taste of weaving before committing to a full basket course.\nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. We’d love to help! \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/willow/
LOCATION:Festival Little Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX107HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/coppice.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T213000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20240107T162921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260325T114548Z
UID:4601-1777836600-1777843800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:The Kings Singers
DESCRIPTION:The Kings Singers  Tickets: £40 /£35 /£25\nTickets for this event will be numbered seating – book early to get the best seats!Why not consider becoming a Festival Friend?  You get to book 2 weeks before the box office officially opens and get free drink tokens and access to a front seat section for other tiered pricing Abbey Festival events. \nAstonishing\, exhilarating musicianship – GRAMOPHONE\nSeamless blend and pitch-perfect\, liquid tone – WASHINGTON POST\n \nThe King’s Singers are a world-renowned British a cappella vocal ensemble\, founded in 1968 by choral scholars from King’s College\, Cambridge. Known for their impeccable blend\, technical precision\, and diverse repertoire—from Renaissance polyphony to pop arrangements—they have won multiple Grammy and Emmy Awards. With a rotating lineup of six male voices\, the group continues to perform and record internationally\, setting the standard for vocal ensemble singing. \nPatrick Dunachie · First Countertenor\nEdward Button · Second Countertenor\nJulian Gregory · Tenor\nChristopher Bruerton · First Baritone\nNick Ashby · Second Baritone\nPiers Connor Kennedy · Bass \nProgramme  \nAngels\nWilliam Byrd – Haec dies †\nGeoffrey Poole  – Prologue: Ave rex angelorum ( from Wymondham Chants) * †\nEdward Bairstow  – Psalm 67 \nDemons\nGeoffrey Poole  – Scherzo: Tutivillus ( from Wymondham Chants) * †\nArvo Pärt –  Zwei Beter\nWilliam Byrd  – Miserere mei Deus \nMother\nJudith Bingham  – Ave virgo sanctissima\nGiovanni Pierluigi da Palestrina  – Regina coeli †\nGeoffrey Poole  – Prayer: Mary Modyr ( from Wymondham Chants) * † \nSon\nHans Leo Hassler  – Cantate Domino †\nMaurice Duruflé  – Ubi caritas\nGeoffrey Poole  – Epilogue: Blessed Jesu ( from Wymondham Chants) * † \n                       Interval \nSongs of harmony and hope\nThe King’s Singers will perform a selection of their favourite pop\, jazz\, and folk songs chosen by Chris Bruerton to mark his last concert with the group. \n  \n* Written for The King’s Singers † Recorded in The King’s Singers discography \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. \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-kings-singers/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/Kings-Singers.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T180000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T190000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20260113T095156Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091325Z
UID:5165-1777831200-1777834800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Crime Writer Simon Mason in conversation with Robin Jones
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £8  Children under 16  free\nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front for Festival Friends at this event.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here. \nSimon Mason’s critically acclaimed DI Ryan Wilkins Mysteries\, have received numerous accolades and endorsements from writers such as Stephen Fry\, Mick Herron\, Ian Rankin and Clare Chambers. The much-anticipated fifth book in the series\, The Dangerous Stranger\, is coming out in January 2027 and Simon will be in conversation with local publisher Robin Jones on this\, as well as his highly successful Finder Mysteries series. \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/crime-writer-simon-mason-in-conversation-with-robin-jones/
LOCATION:Dorchester Village Hall\, 7 Queen St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, ox107HR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art, History, Film & Literature,Literature
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/simon-mason-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T170000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T173000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
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
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T143000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T160000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20220106T101319Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T091243Z
UID:3905-1777818600-1777824000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:From Venice to the German lakes - Sharon Warnes & Jeremy Boughton
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £17/£12 Children (under 16) free \nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front of the nave for Festival Friends at this concert.  Festival Friend privileges include early booking and the best seats in the house!  Do consider becoming a Friend – find out more about it here.\n \nJeremy and Sharon are delighted to celebrate a long association with the Abbey by playing in the 2026 festival. From Venice to the German lakes traverses some of their favourite repertoire from Vivaldi to Brahms via Bach\, including Mozart’s sparkling G major sonata. The concert ends with the first of Brahm’s violin sonatas\, one of his most lovable and melodic works written on a working holiday at Pörtschach on Lake Worth\, where (the composer declared) Melodies come thick and fast. \nVivaldi: Sonata in G minor Op. 2 No. 7\nKriesler: Rondino\nBach: Arioso\nMozart Sonata in G major K. 301 \nInterval \nBrahms Sonata no. 1 in G major Op. 78 \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/violinpiano/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Music
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/pianoviolin.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T130000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T160000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
CREATED:20251231T151932Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260227T064647Z
UID:5084-1777813200-1777824000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Silver Clay Moon Gazing Hare Workshop
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £70 \nThis 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. \nArrive early\, have lunch and enjoy our food and gift fair in the cloister garden! \nA 3 hour workshop where you will create\, fire and polish a Moon gazing hare pendant to take home.  Run by Lynne of Lily Mae Studios\, an Oxfordshire craftswoman passionate about reproducing nature in silver. \nThis workshop is suitable for those who don’t have any experience with silver clay. You will learn about silver clay\, what it is and how to handle it and have 5g of silver clay to make either one pendant or a pendant and 2 dangle earrings (depending on the size of your pendant). You will be able to choose textures and cutters to use from my selection. We will focus on: – How to roll\, texture and cut silver clay. – How and when to add holes for jump rings. – How to refine a piece before firing. – How to achieve a mirror shine. – How to torch fire a piece. – How to polish your fired piece. NB this workshop does not cover making stud earrings or rings. \nWhat’s included in the price?\n– 5g of Art Clay Silver .999. – 6mm jump rings (3 max). – 18″ sterling silver trace chain. – (2 sterling silver ear hooks (if required). – Small organza gift bag. – Tea\, coffee\, water and biscuits. – Discount code for Art Clay Silver products (valid from one of my suppliers on first 3 purchases). \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements. \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/silver-clay-moon-gazing-hare-workshop/
LOCATION:Festival Little Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX107HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/silverclaySO.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T123000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T163000
DTSTAMP:20261016T222011
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
END:VCALENDAR