BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Dorchester Festival - ECPv6.15.18//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Dorchester Festival REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:Europe/London BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20250330T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20251026T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20260329T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20261025T010000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:+0000 TZOFFSETTO:+0100 TZNAME:BST DTSTART:20270328T010000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:+0100 TZOFFSETTO:+0000 TZNAME:GMT DTSTART:20271031T010000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;VALUE=DATE:20260501 DTEND;VALUE=DATE:20260511 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 CREATED:20220105T144036Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260320T141532Z UID:3879-1777593600-1778457599@dorchesterfestival.com SUMMARY:Drawn to Imperfection – an exhibition by Dave Nevard DESCRIPTION:This exhibition is FREE to visit \nThere will be a free preview and Q&A with the artist and David Painting (the author of the book about the exhibition) at 7pm in Dorchester Abbey on Thursday 30th April.  Please do come! \nDrawn to Imperfection is a collection of 21 large scale contemporary portraits offering an engaging invitation into the story of the Bible.  These portraits offer a unique window into the humanity and vulnerability of those found in the pages of the Bible\, giving audiences the opportunity to meet these characters face to face. \nCreated as a collaboration between artist Dave Nevard and author David Painting\, the exhibition is accompanied by a book of the same name.  This immersive collection of work has been featured on BBC 1 and tours around the UK. \nDave Nevard creates portraiture rich in empathy that explores the complexity of our humanity.  Blending influences from street art and traditional realism\, Dave’s wider work is often deeply informed by the lives of those found in the margins of society. This has led to collaborative work with charities and NGO’s around the world. \nInstagram: @dave.nevard \n  \nRevd Dr Harriet Harris will be facilitating a morning of prayer and reflection based on the exhibition on Thursday 7th May 9am-12noon.  Find out more about it here. \nSince graduating with a BA(Hons) in Fine Art\, Dave has developed a rich practice of socially engaged work. \nFrom leprosy communes in China to the homeless communities of Buenos Aires\, Dave has had the opportunity to create site-specific work in diverse cross-cultural locations around the world. Blending traditional painting and drawing with strong influences from street art and muralism\, Dave’s practice has been deeply informed by the lives of those found in forgotten places. \nParticularly drawn to those pushed to the fringes of society\, Dave’s work is often initiated by the relationship formed with those inhabiting these spaces. Exploring themes of identity\, belonging and social injustice within the cracks of contemporary urban life\, the circumstances\, stories and personalities of these individuals characterize the identity of his work. \nA passionate storyteller\, Dave loves to explore the medium of portraiture to provide thought provoking work that celebrates the beauty and complexity of our shared humanity. \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/drawntoimperfection/ LOCATION:Dorchester Abbey\, High Street\, Dorchester-on-Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Art,Art, History, Film & Literature,Free!,Spiritual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/DTI-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T043000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T063000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 CREATED:20220120T065117Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260417T162421Z UID:4212-1777782600-1777789800@dorchesterfestival.com SUMMARY:Dawn Chorus Walk DESCRIPTION:This event is SOLD OUT but you can add yourself to the waiting list by going to the box office.  We will contact the waiting list in order if customers drop out and want to resell their tickets. \nTickets £20 incl breakfast \nUp with the lark? Get up bright and early to enjoy the most beautiful natural concert of the season on this Dawn Chorus Walk. Birdsong is at its best in May\, so join local naturalists Roger Seabrook and Richard Tilley for an early morning guided amble around Dorchester’s three water meadows\, courtesy of the Hurst Water Meadow Trust. Relax in the amazing wall of sound that is the Dawn Chorus and pick up tips on how to identify birds by their calls. \nIf you prefer a later walk then try the Evensong Walk on Sat 9th May at 8pm \nPlease dress warmly.  Two stiles to cross. Not suitable for dogs unless reliably quiet and well behaved. Please park considerately in the village and be aware of residents still asleep! The Dawn Chorus walk takes one and a half to two hours\, followed by a hot breakfast roll in the Abbey \nTicket price includes breakfast!  Vegetarian and gluten free options available \nWalk starts at the Hurst Water Meadow bridge: what3words ///dissolve.redefined.inflation or grid reference SU5813294311 \nOrganised in collaboration with The Hurst Water Meadow Trust \nShare this:\n Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n Facebook\n \n Share on X (Opens in new window)\n X URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/dawn-chorus-walk/ LOCATION:Hurst Bridge CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/ChatGPT-Image-Jan-7-2026-07_56_57-PM.png END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260503T113000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 CREATED:20220106T145140Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260118T200534Z UID:3945-1777802400-1777807800@dorchesterfestival.com SUMMARY:Sunday All Age Praise Party DESCRIPTION:The event is FREE! \nJoin us for morning worship in the tent. Lots of interactive fun\, singing\, and praising as well as a short Bible story with a gentle challenge that all ages will understand! \nThis will be led by Chichester Cathedral’s travelling evangelist ‘Deacon Ish’ (Ishmael). He is a singer\, songwriter\, speaker and author. Dorchester Abbey is delighted to have him lead this very special service for everyone and he promises to sing the well known song that he wrote ‘Father God I wonder.’ \nBreakfast style refreshments from 10am \nIf you need disabled parking or access do contact us here with your requirements – we’d love to help you! \n  \nShare this:\n Share on Facebook (Opens in new window)\n Facebook\n \n Share on X (Opens in new window)\n X URL:https://dorchesterfestival.com/event/family-service/ LOCATION:Festival Big Tent\, Dorchester Abbey\, Dorchester on Thames\, Oxfordshire\, OX10 7HH\, United Kingdom CATEGORIES:Family,Family & Children,Free!,Spiritual ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://dorchesterfestival.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/family-service-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Dorchester Festival":MAILTO:festival@dorchester-abbey.org.uk END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T100000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260504T120000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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:20260507T090000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260507T120000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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:20260508T120000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260508T140000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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:20260509T200000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260509T213000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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:20260510T103000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T113000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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:20260510T140000 DTEND;TZID=Europe/London:20260510T153000 DTSTAMP:20261030T155918 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 END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR