What’s on in Dorset: July (Part 1)

Welcome to another month on the Chesil Beach Lodge blog. We hope you’re not too bedraggled after all the recent rain! With rainy weather in mind, later in the month we’ll be posting some ideas for rainy day activities in Dorset over the summer holidays. We’ll be starting the month with our usual pick of things to do in Dorset in July and because there’s a lot happening we’ll be spreading this over two weeks. Our last post of the month will give you some good ideas about where to go for 4x4 off roading experiences in Dorset.

Without further ado, here’s the first of our selections of things to do in Dorset in July.

6th to 8th July - Stevens Farm Charity Beer & Cider Festival Stevens Farm, Martinstown, Nr Dorchester. This year’s festival promises to be bigger and better than ever with a large range of beers and ciders, the best in local bands, a Family Fun Day (7th July) and of course the return of the Classic Vehicle Rally (7th and 8th July). The Beer and Cider Festival starts on Friday 6th July at 6pm.

6th July - Dorchester Arts Stand Up Comedy at Dorchester Corn Exchange. Stand Up Dorchester presents another great line-up of comedians. 8.15pm (doors and bar open at 7.15pm) £8/£6 concessions.

7th July – The annual Bridport Charter Fair is a “celebration of Bridport's Borough status being granted in 1253, during the reign of King Henry III.” There will be lots of stalls lining South Street, plus children’s fancy dress, a dog obedience display, bands, dancers, food, face painting and many other attractions. 9am to 4pm in South Street and Bucky Doo Square.

12th to 14th July the Olympic Torch Relay in Dorset. You can find full details of where you can greet the torch, plus local activities and celebrations, on the Dorset For You website.

13th to 15th July, the Tolpuddle Martyrs Festival Tolpuddle. “Every July thousands of people come to Tolpuddle to celebrate trade unionism and to remember the sacrifice made by the six farm workers of the village. The festival is a popular mix of political discussion and speeches, great music to suit all tastes, entertainment for all the family and the traditional procession of banners, wreath laying and Methodist service.” Sunday 15th is Rally Day, with wreath laying at 1pm and procession at 2pm.

14th July Dorchester Arts presents The importance of Being Earnest: A welcome return for Cornwall’s Miracle Theatre with a wonderful new interpretation of Oscar Wilde’s classic comedy. Dorchester Maumbury Rings, 7.30pm.



14th July Uplyme and Lyme Regis Horticultural Society Summer Show Uplyme Village Hall and Field, Near Lyme Regis. Classes, stalls, train rides, dog show, music and refreshments. Entrance £1.50, 2pm to 5pm.

14th July, Ellingtonia at Bridport Arts Centre at 8pm. “The stunning Ellingtonia present a celebration of Duke Ellington’s extraordinary music of the 1920s, 30s and 40s: classic songs and great swing tunes performed with style and energy for a 21st century audience! With a nine-piece line-up of top musicians, the band makes a big sound. the front line features a growling trumpet, warm romantic trombone, the singing voice of the alto sax and the deep, dark sound of the baritone.”

14th July, A Midsummer Nights Opera at Eype Centre for the Arts. An operatic and picnic evening with a programme of opera classics and grand opera Soprano Virginia King. The evening will hear arias and ensembles from Don Giovanni, La Bohéme, Tosca, La Traviata, Eugene Onegin and Otello. There will also be art works by designer Gabriella Ghielmetti and stone carving by Anna Bowen on display.

If you’re planning a short break in July, you couldn’t choose a better place to stay than Chesil Beach Lodge. Please contact us to find out more about our eco-friendly holiday accommodation in Dorset, and to book one of our stunning bed and breakfast rooms or self-catering apartments.