Here’s our pick of some of the many Dorset events during August
Ship ahoy! Step back in time and sail on the spectacular Tall Ship ‘Earl of Pembroke’, a three masted wooden sailing ship whose film credits include Hornblower Series III, Treasure Island, Moll Flanders, Frenchman’s Creek, Shaka Zulu, Longitude and Wives & Daughters. The Earl of Pembroke will sail twice daily from Weymouth from the 1st to 7th of August (no sailings on the 4th August). Tickets are £40 per person. To book, or for further details, contact Square Sail 01726 70241 http://www.square-sail.comThe week of 7th to 15th August sees a fun packed programme of events for all the family at the 2010 Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week. The itinerary includes a beach treasure hunt; balloon races; regatta races; sand sport; torchlight processions; a dog show; lifeboat display; pavement art; teddy bears’ picnic and teddy bears’ parachute jump; gymnastics, taekwondo and majorettes displays; Old Lyme ghost tour, the World Pebble Balancing Championship and much much more. All money raised all goes to local good causes. Telephone 01209 443696 for more information.
The Bridport Carnival Procession takes place on Saturday 21st August. As always, this will be a very colourful event with many floats and walking entries, plus a carnival fete and funfair at Asker Meadows. On Sunday 22nd August you can take part in the fantastic spectacle of the traditional torchlight parade and join hundreds of people walking from Bucky Doo Square in Bridport to West Bay, where there will be a bar and live band on the beach, plus a bonfire and amazing firework display. Telephone 07836 516763 for more details.
On 22nd August, you can also watch a thrilling search and rescue display given by the Weymouth Lifeboat, Lyme Regis Lifeboat and HM Coastguard's Portland Helicopter Rescue Team (weather and emergencies permitting), at the RNLI Fun Day at West Bay. There will also be plenty of activities and games for all the family on The Green.If you are interested in traditional crafts, the countryside and conservation, and you would like to learn more, the Stock Gaylard Oak Fair on the 28th August promises to be a very enjoyable day out. There will be over 100 different activities, stalls and demonstrations by traditional crafts people, including blacksmiths, hurdle makers, wood carvers and more, plus fun and inspiring activities for children.
Dorset is packed full of exciting events and activities in August so don’t forget to book your self-catering accommodation in Dorset, or bed and breakfast in Dorset, as soon as possible.