Dorset Events - What's on in Dorset | Sykes Holiday Cottages

Events in Dorset

Find the most popular, unique and fascinating events Dorset has to offer

There are events in Dorset that everyone will love. The Dorset Seafood and Big Bournemouth Beer Festivals are perfect for foodies, the Tolpuddy Matyrs’ Festival and Great Dorset Steam Fair for the historians, and the Purbeck Literary Festival for the book lovers.

Want some ideas for your next trip? Discover our travel guide for useful information regarding what’s on in Dorset throughout the year. You won’t be disappointed; with everything from family-friendly Easter fairs, top summer music festivals like the renowned Camp Bestival and Christmas Markets selling quirky vintage and artisan goods, there are plenty of events and festivals in Dorset to be enjoyed all-year-round.

Tolpuddy Matyrs’ Festival image by: Nigel Mykura

Big Bournemouth Beer Festival

Displaying a selection of traditional and seasonal ales from the UK all under one roof, the Big Bournemouth Beer Festival takes place in the month of April at the Bournemouth International Centre. Hosting refreshments and a wine bar, this event is a fabulous choice for a leisurely afternoon.
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Camp Bestival

Set in the grounds of Lulworth Castle, Camp Bestival lies in the heart of Dorset’s countryside, entertaining guests with an abundance of music, comedy and theatre. Perfect for all the family, this festival is the home of creativity with fancy dress themes and interesting line-ups.
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Great Dorset Steam Fair

This English fair is held in the village of Tarrant Hinton in the heart of the Dorset countryside. 2018 saw the show in its 50th year, and provides an insight into how people lived and worked in past times. Whether you are a camper, music fan or steam fanatic, this event has exhibitions for everyone.
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Purbeck Literary Festival

The Purbeck Literary Festival celebrates the area’s literary heritage. Each year, events are orientated around certain themes and intertwine wild tales of travels, nature, poetry, music, finding fossils and a wide variety of children’s events. Inspired by the Purbeck landscape, this festival is not to be missed.
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Tolpuddy Matyrs’ Festival

This annual event features a wide range of family entertainment to honour the bravery of the martyrs’ struggle against poverty and authority. The festival features notable guest speakers, and is packed with fun, poetry and drama for the children.
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