It’s hard to believe it is October already. Autumn has arrived in style here in West Dorset: we’ve had some glorious sunny autumn days, and the leaves on the trees are turning myriad shades of gold. October also promises to have many fine days: perfect for long walks, and days out visiting some of the many local attractions and events. Here’s our pick of some of the best for October:
Sherborne’s Pack Monday Fair, on the 11th October, is a very popular annual street market: thought to date back to medieval times. Four of Sherborne’s major streets are lined with hundreds of stalls and street traders; and there’s lots of entertainment and a funfair. Pack Monday Fair starts with a noisy midnight procession through Sherborne’s streets, with participants blowing whistles and horns and making as much noise as possible!There’s some doubt about the origins of Pack Monday Fair: some people say it has connections with the completion of building work on Sherborne Abbey, and gets its name from the day the workers ‘packed’ up their tools; others say that the midnight procession has its origins in the celebratory procession that once marked the completion of repairs to the Abbey following a fire. Another possible origin is the tradition of servants and farm workers gathering in their local market town in order to find employment; followed by a fair held to celebrate their new jobs.
Regardless of its now long-forgotten origins, it’s always a fun and entertaining day out. In 2009 the Eat Dorset Food Fair was shortlisted in the ‘Best Countryside Event’ by Country Life Magazine. This event is on 16th to 17th October, at Parnham House, Beaminster, and offers two lively and packed days of hands-on sessions and demonstrations and talks from local food producers; as well as some of London’s top chefs. Children can get involved too and have lots of messy fun while they have a go at baking bread, decorating cakes and making chocolate.
For all the book lovers out there there’s the Eype Autumn 2010 Book ‘n’ Author Week, at the Eype Centre for Arts near Dorchester, on 18th to 22nd October. Book ‘n’ Author week is a literary festival featuring a selection of interviews, presentations and talks involving notable contemporary authors who write across a wide range of genres. Visitors are advised to book in advance for this popular event, via the Bridport Tourist Information Office: telephone 01308 424901
On the 30th and 31st October, Sherborne Castle holds its Autumn Colours Weekend. Sherborne Castle’s stunning Lakeside Gardens and ‘pleasure grounds’ were created by Capability Brown, and this is a wonderful opportunity to see them in all their autumn glory. Visitors can enjoy reduced price entry to the gardens and grounds on both days. Opening times are 11am to 4.30pm.We hope this gives you a small taste of the many interesting and entertaining events coming up in October. To book accommodation in Dorset for your October break, please contact us.
