What’s on in Dorset: June

Welcome to the second of our posts covering some of the great events and attractions in Dorset this month. We hope you enjoyed the Jubilee weekend celebrations and, if you have children, that you all enjoyed the half term break.

16th June Siege of Lyme Thanksgiving Day, Lyme Regis. Join the re-enactment of the relief of the siege of Lyme in 1644. Join a parade through the town at 11am with the Taunton Garrison and townspeople as they relive one of Lyme’s proudest moments. Marching, drills, theatre and dance throughout the day at the Marine Parade Shelters.

16th June - Dorchester Carnival. Lots of fun for all with colourful stalls and live music all day, with the procession at 6pm and Soulside performing at 7pm.

22nd June - Who Saw Marjory Daw? at The Abbey House, Abbotsbury. A hilarious new summer play from The Rude Mechanical Theatre Company. Who Saw Marjory Daw is a "comic mystery" set in 1960s hippy London against a background of power politics, a dubious North African revolution and the Viet Nam war. Outdoor Theatre 7.30pm. Box Office 01323 501260.

23rd June to 1st July, the 17th annual Beaminster Festival – a festival of music and the arts. Festivities again take off with the popular Dancing in the Square on Saturday 23 June, to which everyone is invited, and continues with a programme of music, literary talks, open air theatre, exhibitions. and ends with The President’s Concert featuring the brilliant Academy of St. Martin in the Fields.

 23rd and 24th June, Axe Vale Gardening and Crafts Festival at The Showground, Axminster from 10am to 6 pm on Saturday 23rd and from 9.30 am to 5.30pm on Sunday 24th: floral marquee, horticultural show, live bands, crafts, and much more.

24th June, Coast to Coast Motorcycle Run: starts at 10am, Marine Parade, Lyme Regis. Westland Classic Motor Club's 23rd Annual Coast to Coast Run from Lyme Regis to Weston Super Mare.

27th June, Cold Comfort Farm performed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre Company at Digby Hall, Sherborne, 7.30pm. Tickets are available from Sherborne TIC. Telephone 01935 815341 for more information.

30th June, The Great Dorset Nettle Eating Competition, The George Inn, Chideock, between Lyme Regis and West Bay. Competitors have an hour to eat as many feet of stinging nettle stalks as possible – the winner is the person who has eaten the most! There will also be live music from The Mighty Bills, wood fired pizza and a host of other activities from midday right through till 11pm.

As always, Dorset will be packed full of exciting events and activities this summer so keep checking our blog for our regular updates on local events and activities, and don’t forget to book your family-friendly holiday in Dorset as soon as possible. We look forward to welcoming you and your family here.