Recent & Past Events

December 2023

  • The Polar Express Train Ride in Swanage
  • Swanage Artisans open beach huts
  • Festive wreaths at Swanage Christmas Market
  • Santa's Sleigh in Purbeck

November 2023

  • The Salamanda Swing Band Autumn Dance – At Studland village hall, Saturday 4 November, 8pm – 10pm (doors open 7.30pm), with drinks & pizza available. Tickets £10 in advance from Sue’s Cards or £12 on the door
  • Psychic Clairvoyant Evening – With Jan Mayfield at Swanage Con Club, Tuesday 7 November, 7pm – 10pm, £12pp
  • Kimmeridge Keilidh – At Kimmeridge village hall with band Arish Mel & caller, no experience necessary. Tickets £7.50 adults, £2.50 children, byo drinks & nibbles. Friday 10 November, 7.30pm
  • Glass Engraving Workshop – At Durlston Country Park. Suitable for adults & children aged 8+, £15pp, booking required. Sunday 12 November, 11am – 12.30pm
  • Wine & Cheese-Tasting Evening – At Swanage Con Club, £12.50pp, Thursday 16 November, 7.30pm – 10pm
  • The Mowlem Film: The Great Escaper (12A) – Monday 13 – Wednesday 15 November
  • Fundraising Coffee Morning – Coffee, tea, cake & raffle in aid of local girl Emily McDonald at Swanage Conservative Club, Wednesday 15 November, 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • Purbeck Flower Club Demonstration: Flowers for the Festive Season – By Michael Bowyer MBE, in The Mowlem Community Room, refreshments available. Visitors welcome at £5 on the door. Thursday 16 November, from 1.30pm, (plus morning workshop at 10am: ‘Christmas Triangles’)
  • Fundraising Quiz Night – Ten quiz rounds, plus bingo cards, Play Your Cards Right & raffle. Raising money for the Friends of Durlston, £3pp cash – all welcome. At Swanage RBL, Thursday 16 November, 7:30pm
  • A Dorset Christmas at The Tank Museum – Dorset-based Etsy sellers, Santa arriving in a tank, festive kids’ trails, and more, Saturday 18 – Sunday 19 November
  • Mowlem Comedy: Andy Parsons Bafflingly Optimistic (14+) – Saturday 18 November, 8pm
  • Countdown to Christmas Table Top Sale – Plus raffle & refreshments, in aid of the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation. At Studland Village Hall on Saturday 18 November, 10am – 2pm
  • The Castle Inn Western Night – Step into the ‘saloon’ in Corfe for a Western-themed evening on Saturday 18 November. Three-course meal, £25pp, booking essential
  • WillDoes Wellness Retreat – A day of mindfulness, meditation, yoga and lots more at Hartland Stud, Sunday 19 November, 10am – 3.30pm. Tickets £35pp (in aid of #WillDoes)
  • Come & Sing – Choral singing session at St. Mary’s Church, Sunday 19 November, 4pm
  • The Mowlem NT Live: Skylight (Encore screening) – Thursday 23 November, 7pm
  • Vinyl Friday – Jazz, funk, Afro & Latin night in the Mowlem Showbar with DJ Paul Angel, Friday 24 November from 9pm
  • Wine & Cheese-Tasting Evening – At Corfe Castle Primary School, with guest host Garwyn Morris, £12.50pp, Friday 24 November, 7pm
  • Elton John Tribute Night – Tickets £25 to include ploughman’s buffet, licensed bar available. At The Blue Pool Tearooms, Friday 24 November, 7pm – 10pm
  • Baboo Gelato Live Music: Sundrunk – Friday 24 November, 7pm – 9pm (Plus 2 for £14 cocktails from 6pm – 10pm)
  • Double Act Show: Agatha Crusty & the Health Spa Murders – At Corfe Castle village hall, Thursday 23, Friday 24 & Saturday 25 November at 7.30pm, plus Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets: Adults £10, children £5, group discount available
  • Christmas Wreath-Making Workshop – Learn how to make your own wreath with a professional at Swanage Primary School (main hall). Tickets £40 to include all materials. Refreshments & mince pies available. Saturday 25 November, 11am – 1pm
  • The Mowlem Live Music: The Decatonics – Saturday 25 November, 7:30pm
  • Laughter at the Legion – Comedy Night at Swanage RBL with headliner Tom Glover on Saturday 25 November, 8pm (doors open 7pm), early bird tickets £10. Also Jack Campbell, Andrew White, Lottie Hazell & Tim Biglowe
  • The Kanji Quiz – Fundraising quiz & supper in Studland village hall, Saturday 25 November, 6.30pm for 7pm start. Tickets £15 from Studland Stores
  • The Scott Arms Live Music: DJ Format & Guests – Hip hop, funk & soul night, tickets £10 via Eventbrite. Saturday 25 November, 7pm – 11pm
  • Festive Sparkling Breakfast Club – Love Cake special morning – a glass of sparkling English Oak on arrival, followed by a selection of mini pastries & festive canapé breads before your full English breakfast is served. Booking essential. Sunday 26 November, 9am – 11.30am
  • Christmas Concert at Swanage URC – Candlelit performance from Karen G at the United Reformed Church, followed by mince pies & hot drinks, Wednesday 29 November, 6pm – 7pm
  • Swanage Town Band Concert – At Swanage Methodist Church, Wednesday 29 November at 7.30pm. Free admission, retiring collection for band funds
  • Steve’s Pop-Up Quiz – At Swanage Con Club, Wednesday 29 November, 8pm, £1 entry
  • Cocktail Masterclass – At The Pig on the Beach, Thursday 30 November

October 2023

  • Pick Your Own Pumpkin
  • Pumpkin & Beer Festival
  • Swanage Trick or Treat
  • Spooky Halloween Trail on Swanage Pier
  • Candles on the Beach
  • October Half-Term at Corfe Castle
  • Purbeck Film Festival
  • Durlston Evening Talk: Allsort’d – Meet the team behind local community group Allsort’d & hear about their latest work supporting your adults with learning disabilities, Tuesday 3 October, 7.3pm – 9pm
  • Creating Cleaner Air Communities – Information evening by Dorset Council at Emanuel Baptist Church, Wednesday 4 October, 6.30pm – 8pm
  • The Loft Film Night: D.O.A. – Friday 6 October, 7pm for 7.30pm start, £3 on the door (£2 conc). Hot drinks available, or byob
  • SENsational Story & Play – Fun session at Swanage library for children aged 0 – 5 with additional needs & their families. Sensory toys, story & rhyme, Friday 6 October, 11am – 11.30am
  • Swanage Carnival Presentation Evening – At The Mowlem, Friday 6 October, 7.30pm
  • Fundraising Quiz Night & Raffle – At the Swanage School, Friday 6 October, 7.30pm
  • Community Beach Clean – On Swanage Beach, with the Marine Conservation Society & Dorset Tea. With free hot tea, and Seashore Safari Guides for young people. Two sessions on Saturday 7 October at 11am (meet at the King Alfred Memorial) & 2pm (at Banjo Pier)
  • Corfe Castle Library 10-Year Birthday Celebration II – Join for drinks & nibbles on Saturday 7 October, 10am – 12pm
  • Swanage Railway: Fish & Chips Special – Saturday 7 – Sunday 8 October
  • Fundraising Concert – At St Mark’s Church, Herston, Sunday 8 October, 3.30pm. Music followed by hot drinks, wine & cakes, raising money for charity Breast Cancer Now
  • Corfe Castle Wedding Fair – Visit the Castle as a wedding venue and meet specially-selected suppliers for your big day, Sunday 8 October, 10am – 3pm
  • Dorset Coding Day – Interactive coding activities for Key Stage 2/3 at Swanage Library on Monday 9 October, 4pm – 5pm. Booking on Eventbrite essential
  • Discussion Evening: Photography, Process, Poetics, Place – Illustrated talk in conjunction with Paul Jeffris’ The Dreaming Lens exhibition at The Mowlem, Tuesday 10 October 6.45pm – 8pm
  • Forest School Stay & Play sessions – Free indoor & outdoor activities for children aged 2-4, plus parent or carer at Swanage Explorers Forest School, Tuesday 10 October, 10am – 11am
  • The Mowlem Theatre: Tiger Lady – An Artsreach production by Dead Rabbits Theatre. Suitable for age 12+, Thursday 12 October, 7:30pm
  • RBL Fundraising Quiz Night – Quiz, Play Your Cards Right & raffle, for St Mary’s Primary School. Thursday 12 October, 7.30pm for 8pm start, £3pp
  • Patient Artwork Exhibition – Seaside-themed artwork and sculpture with Lewis-Manning Hospice Care at Purbeck New Wave Gallery, 30 September – 14 October
  • Swanage Con Club Open Weekend – Live music in the evenings, Saturday coffee morning & tour, Sunday lunchtime quiz and lots more, Friday 13 – Sunday 15 October. All welcome
  • Artsreach Performance: The Canterbury Tales – One-man show at Corfe Castle village hall, Saturday 14 October, 7.30pm
  • Dorset Maverick X Series – Four trail races (short, middle, long & ultra) around the Isle of Purbeck, starting from just outside Corfe Castle, Saturday 14 October, from £35pp
  • Swanage Green Seafront Guided Walk – Learn about the Green Seafront Stabilisation Scheme & explore the area’s green spaces at this free event on Tuesday 17 October – meet at Swanage Information Centre at 2pm for a gentle 1.5 hour stroll
  • The Mowlem Art Exhibition: The Dreaming Lens – Purbeck landscapes by Paul Jefferis. Runs till 17 October, Monday – Saturday 5.30pm – 9pm & whenever the theatre or Showbar are open
  • Art in the Library: Textiles – Craft workshop for adults at Swanage Library, Wednesday 18 October, 10am – 11.30am
  • Guided Walk: Purbeck Ridgeway & Corfe Common – Enjoy a three-mile guided walk up West Hill to the ridgeway and back via Corfe River, Wednesday 18 October, 1pm – 5:30pm
  • Swanage Railway: Taster Driving Experience – Drive your own steam train – approx. one hour experience, plus goody bag. Selected dates between 2 – 20th October
  • Forest School Stay & Play sessions – Free indoor & outdoor activities for children aged between 2-4 years old & their parent or carer, at Swanage Explorers Forest School, Thursday 19 October, 2pm-3pm
  • Artsreach Performance: Gertrude Lawrence: A lovely way to spend an evening – Langton Matravers village hall, Thursday 19 October, 7.30pm
  • Purbeck Coast FM Fundraiser – Come & meet the team on Local Radio Day & nominate your Community Hero. They’ll be at the Co-Op on Friday 20 October, 10am – 4pm
  • Wareham Autumn Beerex – Exhibition of 20+ real ales, plus local ciders & gins. Live music in the evenings. Friday 20 – Saturday 21 October
  • ‘Snuggle Up For Winter’ Fundraising Event – Help raise funds for the new Herston village hall and pick up some preloved books, jigsaws & blankets, with cosy café hot drinks & cake, Saturday 21 October, 2 – 4pm
  • Halloween Children’s Party – Fun & games at The Royal Oak, with fancy dress competition, disco & hot food. Tuesday 24 October, 4pm – 6.30pm
  • Messy Church – Craft, games, songs & stories for primary-age kids at Swanage Methodist Church, Tuesday 25 October, 10am – 12pm. Lunch included
  • Wild Wednesdays – At Durlston Country Park: Free painting & craft activities drop-in at the Learning Centre, Wednesday 25 October, 11am – 3pm
  • Halloween Crafts – October half term drop-in fun for kids on Swanage Pier, Thursday 26 October, 10.30am – 2pm, £2 per child – make as many Halloween-themed creations as you like
  • Botanical Pumpkin Workshop – Make a festive pumpkin with a difference with Dorset Dried Flowers in Corfe. £25pp – includes tuition, materials & refreshments. Suitable for both adults and children. Thursday 26 October, 10.30am – 12pm To book
  • Fundraising Quiz Night – Quiz, Play Your Cards Right & raffle, raising funds for Tyler’s Friends. At Swanage RBL, Thursday 26 October, 7.30pm for 8pm start, £3pp
  • Halloween Bat-Painting Workshop – Get spooky at Studio South this half term from Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 October. £4pp, includes halloween treat, booking essential
  • Sausage & Cider Festival – The Greyhound Inn, Corfe Castle, 21 – 28 October, 12 – 9pm daily (Plus ghoulish Greyhound goodies in the spooky marquee for Halloween – kids treats, fangtastic freakshakes & horrifying hot chocolate throughout half term)
  • Eco-Friendly Craft Fun – At Swanage Library throughout the October half term between 11am – 3pm (Sat 21, Mon 23, Wed 25 & Fri 27)
  • Studland’s Wicked Wildlife Trail – Get into the spooky season at this nature-themed activity trail, packed with creepy crafts, spells & stories and witchy woodland walks, Saturday 21 – Sunday 29 October, 10am – 3pm, £3 per child
  • Spooky Crafts – Half term Halloween fun at the library – make a ghost, a bat & a skeleton, from 23 – 28 October, 10am – 3pm
  • Halloween Disco at Putlake – Halloween fun at the adventure farm on Friday 27 October from 5pm – 7pm. £6 per child (tickets must be purchased from the farm in advance)
  • Halloween Night at The White Swan – Dress up and dance with Phoenix Rocks’ Roll Band, Friday 27 October, from 9pm
  • Happy Halloween at The Globe Inn – Halloween party with disco & karaoke; fancy dress encouraged. Friday 27 October, 7pm – 11pm
  • Fright Night Halloween Experience – Spooky storytelling, illuminated trails & kooky characters at Carey’s Secret Garden (Wareham), with pizza, and live music from FeverStreet. Prizes for best fancy dress. Friday 27 October, Tickets £10 (suitable for age 12+)
  • Sausage & Cider Night – Love Cake special menu, plus all the usual cocktails and puddings, Friday 27 October
  • History Talk: Swanage Pubs – Join Swanage Museum at St Edward’s Catholic Church hall for a history talk on Friday 27 October at 7.30pm (doors open 7pm, light refreshments available. Museum members £3; non-members £4)
  • Fundraising Bingo Night – At Swanage Conservative Club, raising money for Emily McDonald, Friday 27 October, 7.30pm for 8pm start
  • Autumn Barn Dance – With music & calling by Arish Mel. Tickets to include a ploughman’s meal (byo drinks & glasses) – £12 adults, £8 youth. At Corfe Castle village hall on Friday 27 October, 7.30pm
  • Autumn Crafts & Halloween Lego – Free event for children of all ages at Swanage Library, Saturday 28 October from 2.30pm – 3.30pm
  • Spooktacular Fun Photoshoots – Pop along to Purbeck Photo Studio and strike a scary pose to get a free photo – raising money for Dorset & Somerset Air Ambulance (pop your donation in the pumpkin bucket). Saturday 28 October, between 10am – 3pm
  • Quiz Night – Support Baboo Gelato’s first ever quiz night on Saturday 28 October. Teams of max 4, cash prizes, gelato prizes & 2-4-1 cocktails & frozen cocktails. Start time 7pm, £2pp
  • The Anchor Inn’s Halloween Party – With DJ & dancing and prizes for the best Halloween costumes. Saturday 28 October, 8pm – late
  • Swanage Con Club Presents: Halloween Party – Prizes for best costume, live music from 9pm, over 18s only & non-members welcome, Saturday 28 October, from 8pm
  • Halloween Party – Two course dinner followed by spooky disco, fancy dress optional, for adults aged 18+, £31pp. At the Isle of Purbeck Golf Club, Saturday 28 October, from 6.45pm
  • Halloween Disco Party at The Square & Compass – Feat. DJ Reverend Jack Daniels, Saturday 28 October, 7pm – 11pm. Bean nachos will be on the menu & costumes encouraged
  • Swanage Jazz Club Presents: Amy Roberts Quintet – At Harman’s Cross village hall, £14pp, Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm (bar opens 7pm)
  • Sandy Hill Arts Live Music: Soothsayers – Fusion of dub, reggae, Afrobeat & jazz. Tickets £10-£15, bar available. Saturday 28 October, 7.30pm
  • Women-Only Full Moon Walk – At RSPB Arne, Saturday 28 October, 5pm – 7pm
  • Halloween Karaoke Party & Live Music – Karaoke for all ages, followed by the Red Not Chili Peppers band from 10pm, fancy dress encouraged. At The Anchor Inn, Tuesday 31 October, from 6pm
  • Halloween Half-Term at The Blue Pool – Spooky trails, chilling hot chocolates, pumpkin carving & marshmallow toasting around the fire, Friday 20 October – Tuesday 31 October

September 2023

  • Music by the Sea 
  • PS Waverley Cruises
  • Swanage Folk Festival
  • Classic Steam & Vehicle Show
  • Purbeck Walx Festival
  • Planet Purbeck Festival
  • Dorset County Show
  • Swanage Super Vets’ Rowing Regatta
  • White Swan Live Music: Hugh Budden & The Blue Chords – Blues, soul, rock n roll and dancing, Saturday 2 September, 9pm
  • Swanage featuring on the Antiques Roadshow – First episode of the BBC programme filmed at Swanage Pier & seafront, Sunday 3 September, 8pm
  • Fun Food Discovery Session – A free sensory session for parents & young children (toddlers to preschool age), Herston village hall, Wednesday 6 September, 10am – 12pm
  • Purbeck on ITV1 – Parts of Purbeck including Corfe Castle & Durdle Door will appear on Mel Giedroyc & Martin Clunes’ Explore Britain by the Book on Wednesday 6 September at 9pm
  • Outdoor Contemporary Dance Promenade: Light – Free performance procession featuring music & light, leaving from The Downs (7.30pm) & culminating at the amphitheatre, Wednesday 6 – Thursday 7 September
  • Purbeck Arts Choir Taster Session – Two free rehearsal sessions for newcomers to this Swanage-based choir (St Mary’s School), Thursday 7 September, 6.30pm. Joining enquiries – email: purbeckchoir@gmail.com or phone: 01929 481419
  • Have-a-Go Firefighter sessions – Swanage Fire Station is recruiting and offering taster sessions on Friday 8 September from 5pm – 7.30pm & Saturday 9 September, 10am – 1pm
  • Mowlem Comedy: Seann Walsh – Back from the Bed – Stand up comedy show at The Mowlem, Saturday 9 September, 8pm
  • Jazz at the Grand Hotel – Charity fundraising concert with Swanage Jazz Machine, Sunday 10 September, 2pm. Free entry – donations gratefully received
  • Square & Compass Live Music: Rain of Animals – Acoustic duo playing bluegrass, old time, swing tunes & songs, Sunday 10 September, 2pm
  • Wedding Showcase – Get inspiration for your big day, sample canapés and explore decor ideas at this free event. Plus meet wedding planners, DJs, florists & photographers. At Kingston Country Courtyard, Sunday 10 September, 1pm – 4pm
  • Swanage Community Defibrillator Partnership Annual Meeting – Meet the SCDP team at this familiarisation session, with the opportunity to have a go. Light refreshments provided. At Emmanuel Baptist Church, Wednesday 13 September, 7pm
  • Herston Village Hall Quiz & Raffle – Help raise funds for the new hall build, byo food & drink, £5 a ticket. Thursday 14 September, 7pm for 7:30pm start
  • Forest Bathing – Two hour taster session At Wilkswood woods with Vibrant Earth, Friday 15 September
  • Swanage Pier Mini Wellbeing Retreat – Yoga, meditative art-making & more. Includes lunch at the 1859 Pier Café, £65pp, Saturday 16 September, 9am
  • Junior Rowing Taster Session – Come & have a go and learn to row at Swanage Sea Rowing Club (Year 6 & up) on Saturday 16 September between 10am – 1pm
  • Don’t Ditch It Clothing Event – Clothes swap & repair event in The Mowlem’s community room, Saturday 16 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm. Drop clothes between 9.30 – 10am & come back from 10.30am to swap and/or learn how to hand-sew/embellish garments
  • Swanage Library Kids: Mini Beasts & Mini Meadows – Build a wildlife haven behind the library & make some nature crafts, Saturday 16 September, 1pm – 3pm
  • Sandy Hill Arts Mini Festival – Open studios, craft stalls, live music, family activities & refreshments, Saturday 16 September
  • Square & Compass Live Music: Phillip Clouts Jazz Trio – Trio playing piano, double & drums, Saturday 16 September, 9pm
  • Square & Compass Live Music: Martha Spencer – Singer-songwriter & dancer from Virginia’s Blue Ridge Mountains, Sunday 17 September, 2pm
  • Swanage Bandstand: Karen Grant’s ‘Uplifting songs for a Sunday Afternoon’ – Sunday 17 September, 2.30pm
  • Swanage Drama Company Auditions: Cinderella – Pantomime auditions open to the public: Chorus (children & adults at 2pm) & Principles (aged 16+) at 3pm, Sunday 17 September at the SMTC Hall
  • Come & Sing’ Evensong – At St Mary’s Church, with Lindsay Gray (former King’s College Cambridge choral scholar). Sunday 17 September – rehearsals at 4pm, tea & cake 5.45pm & Evensong at 6.30pm
  • Isle of Purbeck Festival of Cultural Heritage – Corfe Castle is hosting a special celebration event to mark National Heritage Open Days 2023, with artisan crafts, demonstrations & talks. Free entry for the weekend, Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 September, 10am – 5pm
  • Studland Bay celebrates National Heritage Open Day – Head to Middle Beach to explore WWII displays, children’s activities and a self-guided (top secret!) Studland walk, Sunday 17 September, 10:30am – 5pm
  • ARUK Explorer Hike: Jurassic Coast – Support Alzheimer’s Research on this 18-mile circular hike starting from Corfe Castle – take part or volunteer (marshalling/photography roles) on the day by emailing volunteer@alzheimersresearchuk.org, Saturday 16 September
  • Swanage Railway: Fish & Chips Special – Saturday 16 – Sunday 17 September
  • Offshore Model Racing Association Race – At Swanage Pier, Sunday 17 September, 10am – 4pm
  • The Mowlem Ballet Screening: Swan Lake – Matthew Bourne’s Swan Lake, Saturday 16 September at 7:30pm & Monday 18 September at 2:30pm
  • Musical Evening with Keith Lockett & Friends – Raising funds for Dementia-Friendly Purbeck at Newton Manor Hall (170 High Street, Swanage), Tuesday 19 September, from 7.30pm
  • Durlston Art: Linear – Exhibition of work by artist Bonnie Brown, inspired by the Purbeck landscape, Tuesday 5 – Wednesday 20 September, 10:30 am – 5pm daily
  • Norden Farmers’ Market: Meet the Makers(Cancelled due to bad weather) – Meet local food & drink producers; with live music, talks – and welly wanging! In the grounds of Norden House, Wednesday 20 September
  • Purbeck Folk Club Evening – With Lady Nade & the Marine Club, plus Hattie Brown’s bar and pop-up café. At Langton Matravers village hall, Thursday 21 September, 8pm (doors open 7:30pm)
  • Autumn Equinox Soundbath – At The Loft Community Centre, Thursday 21 September, 7pm – 8pm, £10pp
  • Dorset Architectural Heritage Week: Durlston Country Park Walk – Approx. 7-mile walk as part of this week-long celebration of the historical & contemporary architecture of Dorset, £6. Thursday 21 September, 10am
  • Seafood Weekend – At The Castle Inn, Corfe. Sample platters & fish dishes available from Friday 22 – Sunday 24 September, with special five-course Seafood Gala Dinner on Saturday 23 September at 7pm
  • An Evening With Ken Wharfe – Former personal protection officer to Princess Diana, The Mowlem, Friday 22 September, 7.30pm
  • Square & Compass Live Music: Katie Spencer – Folk singer-songwriter and guitarist, Friday 22 September, 9pm
  • Park to Pier Walk – Guided walk from Durlston Castle to Swanage Pier, adults £5, child £3. Saturday 23 September, 10:30 am – 12pm
  • South Coast Makers Market – Local artisan stalls at Carey’s Secret Garden (Wareham) on Saturday 23 September, 11am – 3pm, £5 per adult, children under 12 free
  • Swanage Pier on The Antiques Roadshow – The second episode of the BBC show will be aired on Sunday 24 September
  • Autumn Equinox Sunrise Swim – Meet at Joe’s Café on South Beach, Studland, Saturday 23 September 6.50am
  • Mowlem Talks: Celebration of Purbeck – Short films & talk with wildlife expert Nadeem Parera, as part of Planet Purbeck Festival, Saturday 23 September, 7pm – 9pm
  • Hidden History Family Quest – At Corfe Castle, 31 August – 22 September, daily 10am – 5pm. Free event, normal admission applies
  • Dementia-Friendly Awareness Event – Drop-in community event at The Mowlem – find local support & meet other people living with dementia , plus your local teams of friendly professionals. Refreshments available. Monday 25 September, 10.30am – 12.30pm
  • The Future of Purbeck’s Countryside & Coast – Join Planet Purbeck & The Wild Purbeck Partnership for an educational and inspiring talk and share your thoughts. In The Mowlem’s community room, Wednesday 27 September, 7pm – 8pm
  • Early Morning Yoga & Breakfast on Brownsea Island – Yoga session followed by plant-based, chef-prepared picnic breakfast. Boat leaves Sandbanks at 8am (full details on the National Trust website), Wednesdays between 6 – 27 September
  • Sustainable Swanage Open Evening: The River Swan – Celebrating & understanding our local waterways, with special guest speakers. At Emmanuel Church on 28 September , 7pm – 2.15pm (doors open 6.30pm to browse information stalls)
  • History Talk with Dr Phil Judkins: WWII Naval Convoys & Purbeck – At St Edward’s Church hall on Friday 29 September, 7.30pm. Tickets £4, refreshments available
  • Women-Only Full Moon Walk – At RSPB Arne, Friday 29 September, 6.30pm – 8.30pm
  • Harvest Supper – Special autumnal menu at Love Cake – 2 course £24.50 or 3 course £29.50. Friday 29th September, 6pm – 8.30pm. Booking advised
  • Mowlem Live Music: Pop-Up Bowie – Tribute act playing Bowie’s greatest hits, Saturday 30 September, 7.30pm. Plus Afterparty with ‘The Flying G’ till midnight
  • The Anchor Inn Live Music: Red Not Chili Peppers – Saturday 30 September from 10pm
  • Sandy Hill Arts Live Music: iyatraQuartet – Saturday 30 September, 7:30pm
  • Forage for Knowledge – Educational foraging walk looking at local edible species including medicinal herbs, mushrooms & wild greens, £20pp. Harman’s Cross, Saturday 30 September, 1pm (lasts 2-3 hours)
  • Threads at The Grand – Needlecraft & textiles exhibition at the Grand Hotel by the Purbeck Group of West Country Embroiderers. Items for sale, plus tombola, Wednesday 27 September – Sunday 1 October, 9.30am – 4pm

August 2023

  • Swanage Bandstand Centenary Concert
  • Three Parishes Fete
  • St Edward’s Church Fete, Corfe
  • Swanage Lifeboat Week
  • Purbeck Valley Folk Festival
  • Harman’s Cross Village Fete
  • Swanage Library Summer Book Sale – Books for sale at the library from as little as 50p. Friday 11 August, from 2pm
  • Purbeck Rally – Steam & vintage show, Wareham, 11 – 13 August
  • Purbeck Rally Car Boot Sale – Buyers from 9am, sellers from 7.30am, cars/trailers £7, vans £10. Sunday 13 August, Rally show ground, BH20 6AB
  • Black Swan Live Music: James Hollingsworth – Acoustic music session in the beer garden, Sunday 13 August, 3pm – 5pm
  • Outdoor Cinema: Bar Luhrmann’s Romeo & Juliet – At Knoll House Hotel, Saturday 12 August, 8.45pm. Drinks & snacks available, plus pre-film two-course dinner to purchase for £20 in addition to cinema ticket
  • Mowlem Live Music: The History of Soul – Saturday 12 August, 7.30pm
  • RBL Music: Soul Cellar – At The Legion, with DJ Stevie G, Saturday 12 August, from 8pm
  • Langton Fete – Live music, kids’ games & entertainment, refreshments & bar, tombola and more – free entry. At St George’s Church, Saturday 12 August, 2pm – 5pm
  • The Isle of Purbeck Model Railway Exhibition – At Harman’s Cross Village Hall, Saturday 12 – Sunday 13 August
  • Cider Sundae – Live music, food & local cider – at the Dorset Cider Farm, Bushey, £10pp (kids go free) Sunday 13 August, 10am – 5pm
  • Double Act: Murder Walk by the Castle – Join the local amateur dramatic group for an unusual twilight whodunnit. At North Castle Field (opposite Castle View NT car park, Wednesday 2, 9 & 16 August 7pm – 8.30pm, £5pp
  • Mowlem Theatre: Sally’s Spooky Holiday – Family show for 2-8 year olds, plus free present for each child, 7, 14 & 21 August
  • Outdoor Theatre: The Comedy of Errors – At the amphitheatre in Prince Albert Gardens, Monday 14 August, 7pm; tickets on the door, from Swanage Information Centre or call 03306 600541. Bring a picnic and blanket or camping chair
  • Swanage Library Art Club: Printing – Wednesday 16 August, 2.30-3.30pm
  • Morris Dancing – Catch Dorset Buttons Morris dancers on Swanage seafront on Wednesday 16 August
  • Swanage Library Talk: Be Dog Smart – Learn how to stay safe around dogs & keep them happy with The Dogs Trust at Swanage Library, Friday 18 August, 2pm – 3pm
  • Outdoor Theatre: Robin Hood – At Corfe Castle, Thursday 17 August, 7pm
  • Durlston Kids’ Activity: Delinquent Dinosaurs & Fantastic Fossils – Prehistoric fun, games & hands-on activities at the country park, £3.50. Thursday 17 August, 2.30pm – 4pm
  • Jurassic Dance Festival – Wilkswood Farm, 18 – 20 August
  • Outdoor Cinema: Jurassic Park (PG) – At Durlston Country Park, 19 August, 8.45pm
  • Outdoor Cinema: Dirty Dancing – At The Blue Pool, Saturday 19 August, 8.45pm (Drinks & refreshments from 6pm)
  • Mowlem Live Music: The Elton John Show – Tribute show celebrating 50 years of Goodbye Yellow Brick Road Saturday 19 August
  • Swanage Town Band – At Swanage Bandstand, Saturday 19 August, 2.30pm
  • Outdoor Cinema: Top Gun: Maverick – At The Blue Pool, Sunday 20 August, 8.45pm (Drinks & refreshments from 6pm)
  • Mowlem Live Music: Fleetwood Shack – Fleetwood Mac tribute band, Wednesday 23 August, 7.30
  • Morris Dancing – Dorset Buttons Morris dancers will be at The Square & Compass pub on Wednesday 23 August
  • Old Harry Bar: 6th Annual Beer Festival – Friday 25 – Monday 28 August
  • Bushcraft Experience – Wild fire-lighting workshop with The Bushcraft Bus at Norden Farm, £12pp or £20 for two, Saturday 26 August 9am – 11am & 4pm – 6pm
  • Durlston Kids Trail: Pirates of Purbeck – ‘X’ marks the spot! Follow a map around the country park to find the hidden treasure, £3.50 per trail pack. Daily from 10am – 4pm, Friday 11 – Sunday 3 September

July 2023

  • Pop-Up on the Hill
  • Swanage Punch & Judy Show
  • Nifty Thrifty Crafty Fridays
  • Jay Miller’s Circus
  • Purbeck Young Musicians in Concert – Enjoy music from students from the Purbeck schools and Rotary Young Musicians Competition prizewinners. At The Mowlem, Monday 3 July, 6.30pm
  • Swanage Town Band – Playing at Swanage bandstand, Wednesday 5 July, 7pm
  • Fish & Chip Cruise – From Swanage Pier to Poole Quay and back, £25pp, Saturday 8 July
  • Swanage Railway: Champagne Afternoon Tea – Treat yourself on the ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman observation car; standard cream teas available in the 1930s Maunsell heritage carriages, Sunday 9 July
  • Summer Organ Recitals: Carl Jackson MVO – St Mary’s Church Swanage, Thursday 13 July, 7.30pm
  • Jurassic Swim Challenge – Hub with refreshments at Prince Albert Gardens, Saturday 15 July, volunteers required
  • Swanage Town Band – At the bandstand, Saturday 15 July, 2.30pm
  • Clothes Swap – With Sustainable Swanage. At The Mowlem, Saturday 15 July, 9.30-10am drop off clothes & collect tokens; 10.30am – 12.30pm – come back & spend tokens. Plus repair workshope
  • Swanage Railway: Champagne Afternoon Tea – Aboard the ‘Devon Belle’ Pullman observation car; standard cream teas in the Maunsell heritage carriages, Sunday 16 July
  • Swanage Pier History Walk – Learn all about the pier’s Victorian history on this 45-minute tour, Thursday 20 July, 11.30am
  • Durlston guided walk: Stars in the Grass – Join a ranger to look for glow worms at the country park, £8, booking required. Friday 21 July, 9.30pm – 11pm
  • Charity Car Wash – Get your car cleaned by local firefighters at Swanage Fire Station, Saturday 22 July, 10am – 2pm
  • Swanage Railway: Kids for a Quid – Children aged 5 – 15 can travel for £1 when accompanied by a fare-paying adult, from 22 July – 3 September (includes Wareham services)
  • Summer Organ Recitals: David Fawcett – St Mary’s Church Swanage, Thursday 27 July, 7.30pm
  • Swanage Pier Exhibition: Underwater Photography – Discover the world beneath the pier. Daily from 28 July – 10 August, 9am – 5pm (weather permitting)
  • Meet the Makers: Purbeck Artists & Stallholders – Arts & crafts plus refreshments at Worth Matravers village hall, Saturday 15 July – Sunday 20 August, daily 11am – 4.30pm
  • Fruit-Picking – At Lenctenbury Farm, from Thursday 15 June throughout the season; further fruits to follow in due course. Open 10am – 5pm daily (or until latest ripe fruit is picked)
  • Magic Mondays at The Castle Inn, Corfe – Magician at the pub every Monday in the school holidays at 6pm
  • Jerk Shack at The Scott Arms, Kingston – Jamaican cuisine & rum punch, served from the pub’s outdoor drum BBQs, open every Saturday & Sunday throughout the summer (weather permitting)
  • Durlston Exhibition: The Isles: Shetland – Nature artwork by Robin Mackenzie & Katy Harrald Wednesday 26 July – Wednesday 30 August, 10am – 5pm. Free event
  • Studland Bay: Summer of Play – Fun outdoor games at Shell Bay, including giant snakes & ladders, volleyball and badminton. Free event. Every Wednesday between 26 July – 30 August, 11am – 3pm
  • Wet & Wild Inflatable Fun – Obstacle course at Purbeck Sports Centre swimming pool. Every Sunday 2.45pm – 3.45pm plus Monday – Friday during the school holidays. Booking essential: 01929 500000. Sunday 23 July – early September
  • Children’s Fossil Competition – Enter your found fossils into The Etches Collection’s annual competition. Each entry receives a years’ free admission; winners receive a certificate & have their fossils displayed. Closing date: 1st September
  • Purbeck New Wave Gallery Exhibition: Little & Large – Selection of outsize & miniature paintings and drawings, running from 28 July – 28 September
  • Casting Call: Swanage Railway’s Polar Express Train Ride – Calling all local actors, singers & dancers (adults & children) for the live experience coming to Swanage. Paid roles available: chef, stewards, hobo, hero boy, conductor & Santa. To apply: send a headshot, desired role & experience to info@fusedevents.co.uk from Monday 31 July (auditions held end of August)

May 2023

April 2023

November 2022

October 2022