What’s on in Dorset: May

Welcome to a rather wet and windy May! We hope April wasn’t too much of a wash-out for you. It’s hard to believe that much of England has been given official drought status over the past few weeks.

We’ll be posting some suggestions for half-term activities later in the month and until then here’s our usual pick of what’s on in May in Dorset.

4th to 6th May The Lyme Regis Fossil Festival - in a full programme of activities you’ll be able to meet scientists from the Natural History Museum, sieve for sharks’ teeth (and keep what you find!); see the giant mechanised Jurrasic sea lizard that’s touring Dorset this summer, and join Onboard for a highly entertaining ‘flight’ with Jurassic Airlines along the Dorset and East Devon coastline and through hyperspace to other spectacular World Heritage Sites. The Fossil Festival programme offers much more so we highly recommend looking at the programme of events on their website.

4th to 7th May - Flower Festival at St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster, to celebrate the Queen’s Jubilee. Telephone 01308 862876 or email a.barham1957@btinternet.com for more information.

4th to 8th May Sherborne Abbey Music Festival presents another wonderful series of musical events this year, including artists Lesley Garrett and Emma Johnson appearing together in a specially devised programme for the soprano voice. You can also see the Tallis Scholars, Bath Camerata and Francesco Attesti.

6th May - Dorset Knob Throwing and Frome Valley Food Festival at Cattistock, near Dorchester, 10am-4pm. Adults £2 Under 12s Free. Lots of family fun and entertainment with demonstrations and contests.

12th May Dorchester Arts presents Blues / American with Bill Sheffield and Dave Saunders. This live concert contains elements of many genres: blues, folk, country and gospel – “honest, gutsy, passionate, an evening orchestrated by Bill promises to be an unforgettable musical experience”.

25th to 27th May - Lyme Regis Jazz, Blues and Beer Festival promises great music, terrific food and friendly people.  “So if you haven’t been before, make 2012 the year you boogie on down to Dorset for friendly hospitality and a relaxing, foot tapping (and maybe even some dancing!) weekend.

26th May to 10th June Dorset Art Weeks: a chance to view and purchase some wonderful examples of sculptures, furniture and woodcrafts, paintings and drawings, jewellery, and photography.

If you plan to visit our beautiful county for your next holiday, please book your accommodation in Dorset as soon as possible. We have a range of luxurious bed and breakfast and self-catering accommodation available for bookings, and we look forward to welcoming you and your family to Dorset.