Discover what’s happening this Summer with Love It Local Events
Summer has arrived, and few places are better placed to enjoy it than Purbeck and the surrounding Dorset coast. Whether you’re a local resident looking for new experiences close to home or a visitor exploring the area, there is no shortage of fantastic events, attractions and days out to fill the long sunny days ahead.
Festival season
Festival season is in full swing, with something to suit every taste. Food lovers won’t want to miss the Corfe Castle Food & Drink Festival on 11-12 July. Set against the spectacular backdrop of the castle ruins, the event brings together artisan producers, local drinks, street food and sweet treats from across Purbeck and South Dorset.
Music lovers are particularly spoilt for choice this year. The Swanage Jazz Festival 11th -12th July returns for its 35th edition with performances ranging from traditional New Orleans jazz to contemporary sounds. Bringing live music to pubs, hotels and venues across Swanage, creating a vibrant atmosphere throughout the town.
Later in the summer, Purbeck Valley Folk Festival returns from 20-23 August, offering a wonderful mix of live music, family entertainment and festival fun on a beautiful countryside location.
There is also the Halfway Fest comes to the Halfway Inn in Norden, near Corfe Castle, on Saturday 8th August a family-friendly festival with live music, great food, drinks and fun for all ages.
Looking ahead to September, Poole’s Seafood & Sounds Festival combines great food, live music, artisan markets and family entertainment in a celebration of the town’s maritime heritage.
Carnival season
Of course, no Dorset summer would be complete without carnival season. Wareham Carnival returns from 17-19 July with live music, a carnival bar, family entertainment and the ever-popular parade.
Meanwhile, Swanage Carnival runs from 25 July to 1 August, bringing more than 100 events to the town, including air displays, fireworks, live music, sporting competitions and this year’s carnival procession theme, “A Wacky Western in Carnival Canyon”.
The Arts
For those seeking arts and culture, there is plenty to discover. Sandy Hill Arts continues to build its reputation as one of Purbeck’s leading creative venues, with exhibitions, concerts, workshops and family events throughout the summer. See Balladeste Live at Sandy Hill Arts. See also their website for a full list of events.
Poole Museum hosts a major new exhibition by acclaimed artist Jason Wilsher-Mills, featuring colourful sculptures and immersive installations inspired by Poole’s rich maritime heritage. More details on their website.
Wareham Art Club have their summer exhibition at Wareham Town Hall on the 11-12 July, a great chance to see and purchase some great local art. Purbeck Arts Club also have their summer exhibition in Swanage on the 22nd August.
Outdoor Fun
Summer is also the perfect time to explore the great outdoors. Brownsea Island remains one of Dorset’s most magical destinations, offering wildlife, beautiful scenery and opportunities for kayaking, paddleboarding and guided nature walks. Read our guide to Summer at Brownsea Island on Visit Purbeck Dorset.
RSPB Arne are offering in intimate birding experience with David Lindo from Spring Watch on the 17th July. Or why not watch the sunrise at Arne over Poole Harbour this summer.
Closer to home, families can enjoy picking their own fruit at Lencentbury Farm near Norden every Wednesday and Sunday throughout July – a simple but memorable summer tradition – follow them on Facebook for updates
Summer Nights at the Castle concerts
One of the highlights of this summer’s cultural calendar is Love It Local Events’ spectacular Summer Nights at the Castle at Corfe Castle with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra.
Set against one of Dorset’s most iconic landmarks (lit up for the occassion), the concerts offer three unforgettable evenings of live music in a truly magical setting.
Whether you’re a lifelong classical music, film music of pop fan or simply looking for a memorable summer evening under the stars, Summer Nights at the Castle promises exceptional music in an unforgettable location.
Note that the Smash Hit 80’s concert is now sold out but tickets are still available for West End to Hollywood and Curious Creatures on teh 24th and 26th July.
What's on for kids this summer holiday
The Summer Nights at the Castle series of concert is offering a family friendly concert on Sunday 26th July, with discounted family tickets available. The concert by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra ensemble is Inspired by nature and the world around us and is suitable for audiences of all ages!
Or step into magic for the Blue Pool Fairy Day perfect for families and fairy lovers of all ages to wander this lovely nature reserve.
Community events
Community events remain at the heart of the Dorset summer. The popular Church Knowle Fete returns on 1 August with all the traditional attractions that make village fetes so special, from cream teas and brass bands to coconut shies and tug-of-war competitions.
Autumn
Looking ahead to the autumn, Love It Local Events are also delighted to be bringing more live entertainment to Wareham. Following the success of our recent comedy night with Hal Cruttenden, we welcome comedian Dominic Frisby on 24 October and the brilliant Jo Caulfield on 14 November. Music fans can also enjoy performances from award-winning guitarist Will McNicol on 26 September and classical guitar duo Kristiina and Ian Watt on 21 November.
Whatever your interests, there is plenty happening across Purbeck and Dorset this summer. So get out, explore, support local events and make the most of everything this wonderful area has to offer.
Promote your event
Are you organising an event?
We’d love to help you spread the word. We offer FREE LOCAL ONLINE LISTINGS to local event organisers – community groups, charities, and local businesses can submit upcoming events to our website.
