What’s on in Dorset: September

Well, the summer holidays are drawing to a close and it’s almost time for a new school year already. We hope you enjoyed your summer and, if you were lucky enough to have a holiday; that you were blessed with fine weather and good company. We can’t help noticing that the evenings are getting noticeably shorter, a sure sign that autumn is just around the corner, but of course that doesn’t mean there isn’t plenty of fine weather to come, and lots of activities to enjoy. Here’s our pick of what’s on offer in September.

7th to 15th September Dorset Architectural Heritage Week: an annual event raising public awareness of Dorset's rich architectural and cultural heritage by allowing free access to many properties that are normally closed to the public or that charge for entry.  

11th September - Eggardon Kite Festival , Eggardon Hill, Near Bridport, The famous kite festival on top of the magnificent iron age hill fort of Eggardon Hill.   Competitions and kite workshop - adults £1, children 50p. 10am to 4.30pm.  

16th to 18th September, the Bridport Hat Festival: lots to see and do at various venues throughout Bridport, including musical events, exhibitions, entertainers, workshops, food and drink, and competitions. It’s easy to take part; “simply wear a hat, whether you make one or buy one, and you’ll find you’ll make lots of friends on this splendid event celebrating hats and the people who wear them.”

17th to 25th September, Lyme Regis ArtsFest: a truly packed week offering you the opportunity to meet artists in their studios and find out about them and their work; follow the art trail through the town and enjoy a great variety of work displayed in over 100 shops and businesses; learn a new skill or develop an existing one by participating in a stained glass, dance, poetry, photography or painting workshop; and experience street theatre, stone-balancing, busking and much more at various venues throughout Lyme Regis.  

23rd September, The Whitetop Mountaineers at Dorchester Arts Centre, 8pm. “Hailing from Whitetop, Virginia, The Whitetop Mountaineers are Martha Spence (banjo, fiddle, and vocals) and Jackson Cunningham (mandolin, harmonica, banjo and vocals). They are also members of The Whitetop Mountain Band, one of the most popular bands in Southwest Virginia. Their show features country duet singing, up-tempo old instrumentals and Appalachian dancing. Support comes from local banjo and fiddle whiz Stompin’ Dave.”

24th September, 7.30pm, international pianist Sophia Lisovskaya at the Eype Centre for the Arts, near Bridport: “a solo recital by this immensely talented international pianist.” 

24th September, The Magic of Motown at the Electric Palace. “Direct from USA, the stage show that’s taken the country by storm is coming to town – it’s the Magic of Motown. The show includes songs by the Temptations, Diana Ross and the Supremes, Marvin Gaye, Martha Reeves, Smokey Robinson, and Stevie Wonder.” Doors open at 7pm, tickets £19.50 (concessions £16).

30th September, comedy at the Electric Palace with Jo Caulfield: a regular on TV comedy panel shows and star of It’s That Jo Caulfield Again on Radio 4. Doors open at 7pm, tickets are £10 in advance.

This is just a small sample of what’s happening in our area - there’s always a huge variety of activities to choose from so if you plan to visit Dorset in September for any of these events or activities, don’t forget to book eco-friendly accommodation in Dorset as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming you here.