Events in Dorset to look forward to this summer

As we move into the warmer, sunnier summer months, alongside the better weather comes a whole host of events taking place across Dorset this summer.

We know that Dorset is a great place to live and these events just highlight that there is something of offer for all of the family. Each event offers the perfect opportunity to get outdoors and discover some of the best parts of the county.

Many of these events are making a welcome return following a hiatus in 2020 due to the government’s social-distancing guidelines in response to the Covid pandemic.

6 events not to miss in Dorset this summer

Bournemouth Air Festival

Aviation fans will love the free-entry Bournemouth Air Festival which takes place across Bournemouth and Poole’s beaches from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 September. There’s plenty in the air, on the sea, and on land. Highlights will include the Red Arrows displaying on all four days of the event, as well as appearances from the RAF Typhoon and the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

Gillingham & Shaftesbury Show

There will a host of show jumping, heavy horses, livestock, agricultural displays, gun dogs, ferret racing, vintage vehicles, crafts, and food and drink at the Gillingham and Shaftesbury Show. The event celebrates the rural Dorset community and will take place on Wednesday 18 and Thursday 19 August

Christchurch Food Festival

Foodies will be able to enjoy a range of culinary creations during the free-entry Christchurch Food Festival which takes place from Saturday 28 to Monday 30 August over the Bank Holiday weekend.

Poole Quay Fireworks

Families will be able to enjoy a free fireworks display on Poole Quay each week from 22 July to 26 August. A host of family entertainment will also be available including live music performances and each week will have a different theme including ‘Carnival’ and ‘Pirates and Nautical’.

Lyme Regis Folk Weekend

Lyme Regis Folk Weekend will welcome a host of live music acts to the Marine Theatre from Friday 27 to Monday 30 August. The set list will include the Gigspanner Big Band, Ninebarrow & Friends, and Merry Hell.

Shake & Stir Festival

Shake & Stir Festival takes place on Saturday 7 and Sunday 8 August featuring a host of vintage fashion, vehicles, music, dancing and lifestyle. Highlights will include Rockin’ The Joint, Retro Rita, and The Aphrodites Singers

Living in Dorset

We have a range of homes available across the county. These include Parkstone, Poole town centre, Christchurch and Sherborne which offer the perfect balance between living independently while enjoying the benefits of living within a supportive community of like-minded people.

For more information about our Dorset communities, visit our Retirement in Dorset page.