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X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Dorchester Festival
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T170000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
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:20260509T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T123000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
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:20260509T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T153000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
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:20260509T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T160000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220122T162544Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T085012Z
UID:4260-1778335200-1778342400@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Secrets of the Best Curry in Dorchester-on-Thames
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! \nCurry Masterclass with Sanjay Dhrona\, The White Hart Hotel \nJoin Sanjay Dhrona\, owner of The White Hart in Dorchester-on-Thames\, for a special two-hour curry masterclass revealing the Secrets of the Best Curry in Dorchester.  Known for its vibrant Thali nights and food-forward dining experience\, The White Hart has become a destination for bold\, flavour-packed dishes. Now\, Sanjay is lifting the lid on his much-loved traditional “desi” curry sauce – the heart of a proper homestyle curry. \nThe session begins with a tasting of marinated and grilled tandoori chicken and paneer\, served with a rich\, comforting curry sauce. Sanjay will then guide you through all the key ingredients\, sharing techniques and tips in a live cooking demonstration. \nThere will be plenty of time for questions\, foodie chat\, and – for this event only – a few very special family secrets. \nShhh… just don’t tell the rest of the village. \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/curry/
LOCATION:The White Hart Hotel\, High St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX107HN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Cookery Demos,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/currySO.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T213000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T112926Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092344Z
UID:3922-1778355000-1778362200@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Symphonic Abba - The Thames Valley Festival Orchestra
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £30/£25/£20\nChildren 16 and under half price\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. \nThe Thames Valley Festival Orchestra returns to Dorchester Abbey with their 65 piece symphony orchestra and a brand new programme: ‘An Evening of Symphonic ABBA’.  This follows their sold out performances of ‘An Evening of Symphonic Prog Rock’ in September 2025 and ‘A Symphonic Tribute to Queen’ in April 2024.  They fill the Abbey with the sounds of these amazing orchestral arrangements by Louis Clark of the most popular music of the legendary band\, ABBA. \nTo celebrate 52 years since ABBA won the Eurovision Song Contest in the UK\, the orchestra will perform perennial favourites such as SOS\, Mamma Mia\, I Have a Dream\, Money Money Money\, Chiquitita\, Dancing Queen\, Super Trouper and many more. \nLouis Clark was legendary for his work as keyboard player and string arranger with The Electric Light Orchestra\, ELO Part II and The Orchestra and for creating the Hooked on Classics series of recordings.  These superb arrangements show off the orchestra in its full range of colour and sound. \nConductor: Stephen Ellery                            Leader: Guy Haskell \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/tvfo/
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/2022/01/tvfo-1.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T200000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T213000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220111T061621Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092433Z
UID:4077-1778356800-1778362200@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Birdsong Walk - Evensong
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £15 limited numbers! \nBird song is at its best in May\, so join local naturalists Richard Tilley and Roger Seabrook for a guided evening amble around Dorchester’s three water meadows\, courtesy of the Hurst Water Meadow Trust. Relax into a gentle walk listening to the birds sing their final songs of the day and pick up tips on how to identify birds by their calls. \nIf you can get up early in the morning you might like to try the Dawn Chorus Walk! \nWalk starts at the Hurst Water Meadow bridge: what3words ///dissolve.redefined.inflation or grid reference SU5813294311 \nPlease dress warmly.  Not suitable for dogs unless reliably quiet and well behaved. \nOne and a half to two hours walk with two stiles to cross. \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/birdsong/
LOCATION:Hurst Bridge
CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-7-2026-08_03_00-PM.png
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T110000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20260113T062701Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092525Z
UID:5158-1778407200-1778410800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Gardener's Corner for Families
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £8 for children\, Adults free! (but please book a free ticket) \nBring your outdoor obsessed children and encourage their green fingers!  A fun filled hour learning about planting seeds with Head Gardener Matt and kids get to take their own seed pot home to nurture!  Children must be accompanied by a parent \nChildren will get up close with different sorts of seeds\, talking through how they germinate and what makes them grow and stay healthy.  They’ll get to plant their own seed in a pot to take home and get tips on how to keep it alive.  If time allows they’ll also plant sunflower seeds and make their own labels to be transplanted on in the farm market garden which they’ll be able to see from the path.  Will their sunflower grow the biggest?! \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-gardeners-corner/
LOCATION:Snug Cafe\, Bishop’s Court Farm\, 91 High Street\,\, Dorchester-on-Thames\,\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Younger children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/kids-gardeners.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T130000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20260108T190921Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260216T131922Z
UID:5148-1778407200-1778418000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Scandi Baking workshop
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. \nRoll your sleeves up for an afternoon of baking delicious Scandi goods including the ultimate perfect cinnamon bun or the Nordic favourite cardamom bun!  Expert Scandi chef\, Claire Andersson\, chef owner of Skogen Kitchen\, will guide you through the process of bun making and other Scandi baking treats in the delightful surroundings of a Dorchester kitchen.\nIngredients\, coffee and ‘testing snacks’ included\, recipe cards a batch of your very own buns to take home!\nBring a friend!  There’s a 10% discount for 2 or more tickets \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/scandi-baking-workshop/
LOCATION:Blakemead\, 61 Abingdon Rd\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxon\, OX10 7LB\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Cookery Demos,Events with Food & Drink,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/claireSO.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T113000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T164611Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260108T104345Z
UID:3947-1778409000-1778412600@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Dorchester Abbey Festival Service with Guest Speaker Revd Dr Malcolm Guite
DESCRIPTION:Come to this special Dorchester Abbey Festival service with Guest Speaker poet Malcolm Guite\, and 2023’s Junior BBC Chorister of the year Belinda Gifford-Guy \nThis service will be packed with favourite hymns and a lovely anthem from our amazing Dorchester Abbey choir.  A bit of peace and quiet in the middle of the Festival madness! \nMalcolm Guite is a poet\, priest and rocker! His passion for poetry started in his childhood since when he has become a much-published author\, lecturing widely in England and USA on poetry and theology.  He is Chaplain of Girton College Cambridge\, author of 21 books and plays in Cambridge rock band Mystery Train\, \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \nDorchester Abbey is a beautiful historic Church of England parish church and event venue. It was formerly a Norman abbey church and was built on the site of a Saxon cathedral.  Find out more here \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-abbey-festival-service/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Free!,Spiritual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/malcolm-guite-event.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T103000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T130000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20260115T142108Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260310T085958Z
UID:5201-1778409000-1778418000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Basque Cookery Demo with Nick Galer
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! \nNick Galer has been cooking in and around South Oxfordshire since 2005 and now is the Head Chef at The Pot Kiln\, Frilsham. Nick & his wife Mary were married in Dorchester Abbey in 2010 and maintain strong links with the village.  Nick’s cooking at The Pot Kiln is inspired by the Basque country and open fire cooking. Nick will be showcasing seasonal small plate dishes perfect for intimate supper parties. \nDishes will include: Red Tuna Tartare & Ponzu dressing & Corn Ribs with Smoked Paprika seasoning. \nThis intimate cookery demo in a medieval home kitchen gives you a birds eye view of a professional chef at work with every opportunity to ask questions – tasting encouraged! \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/basque-cookery-demo-with-nick-galer/
LOCATION:Willoughby House\, 73 High St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX107HN\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Cookery Demos,Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/nick-Gso.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T113000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T130000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20260113T201635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092612Z
UID:5168-1778412600-1778418000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Head Gardener's Planting Masterclass
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £12\nMeet at Snug Cafe \nAn intimate gardening experience with Bishop Court Farm’s head gardener Matt Ditchburn\, RHS Level 2 with merit. Learn about planting seeds\, soil mixes\, spacing and germination tricks. Container planting and organic pest protection. With general Q & A session afterwards\, with water\, tea\, coffee and cookies \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/planting-masterclass/
LOCATION:Snug Cafe\, Bishop’s Court Farm\, 91 High Street\,\, Dorchester-on-Thames\,\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HP\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Food & Drink,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/planting-masterclass.jpg
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T153000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T144516Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092751Z
UID:3944-1778421600-1778427000@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Revd Dr Malcolm Guite - 'Take Up the Tale’\, Why should we turn again to the tales of Galahad?”
DESCRIPTION:Tickets: £15 / £10 (Children under 16 free) \nThere will be a section of seats reserved at the very front of the nave 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. \nMalcolm Guite reads from his poetry collections\, including his latest book ‘Galahad and the Grail‘ and reflects on how the poetic imagination can express and deepen our spiritual lives. \nAyodeji Malcolm Guite is many things. A few of his credentials include poet\, academic\, Anglican priest\, and singer-songwriter. Born in Nigeria to British expatriate parents\, Guite’s early years were split between Africa\, Canada\, and England. He studied at Cambridge University for his B.A. in English Literature and Durham University for his PhD. His work focuses on the intersection of the arts and religion. \nGuite is the author of many books\, ranging from reflections on faith to collections of poems and songs. His books of poetry\, of which there are five\, including chapbooks\, have often been categorized as modern psalms. His blog contains a wealth of literary treasures and thoughts. As well as being an accomplished writer\, Guite is a self-proclaimed rock’n’roller. He is the lead singer and guitarist for blues-rock band Mystery Train. \nBeyond his accomplishments and accolades\, who exactly is this poet-priest? From a quick glance at his social media profiles\, one can discern a few important details. First\, he has a magnificent beard. Secondly\, he is often holding a pipe\, even more often in conjunction with a pint of beer. He seems to wear many tweed vests or blazers\, and is frequently in the woods. Could this man be a real-life Hobbit? Or\, given his books reflecting on the works of C.S. Lewis\, are we simply making an unconscious association with the Inklings? \nWhatever the case\, Guite is a thoroughly charming\, talented\, and enthusiastic follower of Christ. \nIf you need disabled parking or access contact us here – we’d love to help! \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/malcolmguite/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Art, History, Film & Literature,Literature,Spiritual
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/malcolm-guite-event.jpg
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DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T140000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T160000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T102839Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260215T092637Z
UID:3910-1778421600-1778428800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Lego Master Builders Club
DESCRIPTION:Tickets £21 \nJoin Master Builders Club for a two hour adventure with 1000’s of LEGO bricks\, Minifigures and LEGO components. The Village Hall will be turned in to a LEGO fans dream with colour coded boxes of bricks that allow ‘ little brickies’ to explore\, design and build creatively. This story led immersive brick building experience is suitable for LEGO fans aged 5-15. Those new to the brick and experienced LEGO Masters are all welcome. Just bring your imagination. \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements.  We’d love to help! \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/lego-master-builders-club/
LOCATION:Dorchester Village Hall\, 7 Queen St\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, ox107HR\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Family & Children,Older children,Workshops & Demos,Younger children
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/masterbuilders-3.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T193000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T213000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T071400Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260219T053926Z
UID:3898-1778441400-1778448600@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:Shall we Dance? - The BBC Elstree Concert Band and The Oxford Collutorium Choir
DESCRIPTION:Big Band tickets £22 / £17 adults Children (under 16) half price\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. \nShall We Dance? : From Strauss to Stage & Screen \nThe BBC Elstree Concert Band are excited to be back in Dorchester and this time will be whisking you onto the dance floor. From the waltz to the tango\, as well as a commemoration of 200yrs of Johann Strauss\, music for dance takes many forms and styles. They will showcase well-known dances from the musicals and also a tribute to American ragtime. The BBC Elstree Concert Band\, celebrating its 40th Anniversary\, has established a reputation for entertaining the Dorchester Festival audience with diverse and varied programmes from the wind band repertory. This year\, they will be joined again by Oxford Collutorium who will be making their own vocal tribute to the world of dance. \nThe BBC Elstree Concert Band was founded by flautist Ian Marshall and gave its first public concert at the BBC’s Elstree Studios in July 1986.  The audience was a modest one but included\, crucially\, the Mayor of Elstree and Borehamwood and the Town Council’s Entertainments Officer.  Their support over subsequent years has been vital to the band’s development.  Indeed\, Elstree and Borehamwood remains very much the band’s spiritual home\, where it regularly gives concerts.\nOver the thirty plus years of the band’s existence\, it has played at a wide range of venues in and around London\, including the Elstree and Maida Vale Studios\, St James’s Church Piccadilly\, The Proms at St Jude’s in Hampstead Garden Suburb\, Millfield Theatre\, Allum Hall\, Dorchester and Westminster Abbeys.  The ensemble has also given concerts further afield in Belgium\, Germany and France.\nThe band’s performances have been broadcast nationally as well as globally through the BBC World Service.  The band provided the music for a major BBC 1 documentary and has made several recordings\, the most recent of which was for a Radio 3 programme on the music of Charles Ives\, as part of the “Discovering Music” series.  The group has also given concerts in aid of The Voice of the Listener Trust\, the North London Hospice\, St Luke’s Hospice and several other charitable organisations. \nOxford Collutorium was founded in 1996 by a group of doctors from the John Radcliffe Hospital\, aiming to channel their extensive musical experience and enthusiasm into creating innovative and memorable concerts which could at the same time raise significant amounts of money for local medical charities. Under Will Orr’s direction since then\, they have performed a wide range of works from acapella renaissance motets through to premieres of new works with full orchestra. \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/the-bbc-elstree-concert-band-and-the-oxford-collutorium-choir/
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/2022/01/becb-1.jpg
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BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260531T100000
DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260531T170000
DTSTAMP:20261027T124108
CREATED:20220106T095525Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260526T083212Z
UID:3900-1780221600-1780246800@dorchesterfestival.com
SUMMARY:John Rutter Come & Sing
DESCRIPTION:This event is now SOLD OUT! \nSir John Rutter\, one of the UK’s foremost choral composers\, leads a Come & Sing day in Dorchester Abbey.  He explores some of his favourite treasures of English church music – and brings along some of his own well-loved shorter choral favourites.  Copies will be provided!  Enthusiastic singers of all levels are welcome to a hugely enjoyable day with this inspirational teacher. The singing day is aimed primarily at singers with some choral experience\, but all are welcome. \nThe timetable for the day will be:\nRegistration & coffee 10.00am\nSinging 11am – 4.45pm\nLunch 12.45 – 2pm (book lunch with your singing ticket)\nAfternoon tea break 3.25-3.45pm \nAccomplished soloist and accompanist Anita D’Attellis will be the accompanist for the day. \n  \n  \n  \nIf you’re not a singer do drop by the Abbey & listen at the back – completely for FREE! \nLunches bookable in advance through our ticketing website will be:\n– a roll with either pulled pork salad or Pecan Apple Chickpea Salad (Vegan )\n– a carton of fruit juice and/or tea/coffee\n– a piece of fruit\nGluten and other dietary requirements can be catered for on request – just contact us! festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk \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/john-rutter/
LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom
CATEGORIES:Classical,Music,Workshops & Demos
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/rutter.jpg
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