Seven Christchurch Events Not to Miss in 2017

There’s so much to look forward to in 2017 – not least because our Monterey Show Home in Christchurch will be opening in February! Christchurch has a great community with lots of interesting events and those in 2017 include the Christchurch Carnival, the Christchurch Food Festival and much more!

1. William Shakespeare’s Long First Play

Nearby Poole’s centre for the arts, Lighthouse, will be hosting William Shakespeare’s Long Lost First Play on 1st-2nd February. Stars from the West End stage will be celebrating our cultural heritage through the eyes of three Americans wearing trainers… The Lighthouse puts it,

‘…barnstormingly irreverent and breathtakingly hilarious…this ‘new’ play by the man himself, as discovered in a Leicester car park!’

Having already premiered at the renowned Folger Shakespeare Library and the Edinburgh Fringe, this is one not to be missed by anyone fond of old Bill Shakespeare. Find out more on the Lighthouse’s website.

2. Dorset County Orchestra Spring Concert

Founded in 1951, the Dorset County Orchestra is a local institution that has been giving musical pleasure to locals in the county of Dorset for many years. The musicians live all over the county and have a wide classical repertoire.

If you would like to hear the Dorset County Orchestra’s Spring Concert on 18th March 2017, it will be taking place at Wimbourne Minster where they will be performing Brahms, Piano Concerto No. 2 and Dvorak, Symphony No. 7, see this website for more details.

3. Christchurch Food Festival

Christchurch’s Food Festival has a great tagline called ‘Fun for Foodies’ and it really is. A food and wine festival for everyone, this local festival has been pioneered by the local businesses who sell their produce to many a hungry, thirsty traveller! Thousands of people attend every year, enjoying the festival in the picturesque Christchurch surroundings.

100’s of stalls will take over the high street and quay offering cakes, bratwurst, ciders, gin, artisan cheeses, wines, pork, cordials and coffee! If you enjoy local flavour and local colour then the Christchurch Food Festival is where you should be on 6th & 7th May 2017.

4. Living Crafts

If you love arts and crafts then this event could be for you. From 5th June – 10th June local artists and craftspeople will be demonstrating their skills for everyone to see. Set within beautiful Christchurch Priory Church in the heart of the town, this will be a lovely day out soaking up some of the local art-scene as well as the historic church.

You can find out more about the Living Crafts event, which will be run by CADarts, on their website.

5. Christchurch Festival

Like music and supporting charity? Then the Christchurch Festival is the place for you to be on the 30th June – 2nd July 2017. Organised and run by volunteers and found around the picturesque Christchurch quay, you can enjoy live music and dance troupes over the three days.

The festival is a great way to get an idea of the local flavour, especially as all the acts are local bands and musicians, and is a lovely way to spend a day out. Find out more about the Christchurch Festival on their website.

6. New Forest Show

This three-day agricultural show is found near Brockenhurst and is one of the largest countryside shows on the south coast. It welcomes over 95,000 people a year and entertains with a huge amount of livestock showing and classes as well as a myriad of trade stalls, family activities and events.

It’s on in 2017 on the 25th, 26th and 27th of July and is going to be better than ever. Visit their website for updates on what they have planned for this year’s show.

7. Christchurch Carnival

The Christchurch Carnival is run by a committee that create a wonderful weekend event for all the family on the 19th & 20th August 2017. It’s the perfect outing for all and a great tradition that goes back 100 years in Christchurch, Dorset. You can enjoy a wonderful parade through the streets of Christchurch, lots of activities around the seafront, live music, events and a funfair. Then, to finish the day off you can watch fireworks in the evening and the best part about this is that the whole event is free for the community.

You can find out more on Christchurch Carnival’s website here.

Like the sound of Christchurch and the surrounding area? Why not book your visit to our Monterey Show Home in the heart of Christchurch and start your retirement adventure today!