Local events are limited this year due to cancellations and postponements resulting from COVID-19. Details were correct at the time of compiling this list but may be subject to change.
SEPTEMBER / OCTOBER
The Gin to My Tonic Festival Salisbury
Saturday 17 October 12.30-4.30pm and 6.30-10.30pm, City Hall, Malthouse Lane, Salisbury SP2 7TU
Embark on a journey of gin discovery with over 100 gins from around the UK and beyond served in 35ml measures! Food and live entertainment also included along with access to gins and giveaways. Tickets £14.99 from www.thegintomytonic.com/event/gin-festival-salisbury
Adult all-day stone carving course
24 October, 10am-4pm, Burngate Stone Carving Centre, Kingston Road, Langton Matravers, Swanage BH19 3BE
Ever wanted to have a go at stone carving? Stone, tools, safety equipment and expert tuition included. Adults only £80 per person. Book in advance. Details at www.burngatestonecentre.co.uk
Access All Areas
24 October, The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset, BH20 6JG
Get behind the scenes and see inside the workshop, archive and a First Wold War Tank. See details.
NOVEMBER
Free Fireworks Night
From 5pm, 5 November, Poole Quay, BH15 1HD
Join the party with live music and entertainment from 5pm, fireworks display at 8pm. There is a chance that the event may be cancelled due to social distancing measures. Please check here.
Simply Smart at Beaulieu
Sunday 8 November, National Motor Museum, Beaulieu SO42 7ZN
All smart car owners and enthusiasts are invited to the museum parkland for a great day out. www.beaulieu.co.uk/events/simply-smart
Christmas and New Year
Please see the page Christmas and New Year 2020 at Back of Beyond.
Regular Events
Street markets
- Ringwood Town Market – every Wednesday, Ringwood Market Place
- New Milton Street Market – every Wednesday
- Hampshire Farmers’ Market, Ringwood Furlong – Last Saturday of every month, 10am-2pm www.hampshirefarmersmarkets.co.uk
- Lymington Market – every Saturday, High Street
- Hythe Market – every Tuesday
- Wimborne Market (indoor and outdoor) – Friday, Saturday & Sunday 8am-2pm www.wimbornemarket.co.uk
Local venues
Theatres
The following venues are putting on a range of concerts, theatrical events, films and broadcasts with social distancing measures in place. Events may change so please check with the venues directly.
- Bournemouth International Centre
- Bournemouth Pavillion Theatre
- Lighthouse, Poole’s Centre for the Arts
- The Regent Centre, Christchurch
2021
Some annual events have been postponed until next year.
Tankfest 2021
25 June to 27 June, The Tank Museum, Bovington, Dorset BH20 6JG
The world’s biggest display of historic moving armour! See tanks roar around the arena, explore Living History encampments and meet YouTube stars and historians amidst a world-class collection of military vehicles. Visit https://tankmuseum.org/events/tankfest/.
Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival
10 July to 11 July, Weymouth, Dorset
A weekend of seafood, English sparkling wines from Nyetimber, celebrity chefs and a great atmosphere around Weymouth harbour. Details at https://www.dorsetseafood.co.uk/.
New Forest & Hampshire County Show
27-29 July 2021 New Park Showground, Clay Hill, Brockenhurst SO42 7QH
One of the top agricultural shows in the country, with dog shows, gymkhana and farm animals, as well as a local produce market and demonstrations. Tickets are available from the Gateway building in the Ringwood main town carpark. www.newforestshow.co.uk
Ellingham Show
Saturday 14 August, 9an-5.30pm, Somerley Estate, Ringwood
If you want to soak up our agricultural heritage, this show is a great day out hosted by our local stately home. It has dog displays and dog show, equestrian events, Shetland pony racing, a donky show, livestock classes, heavy horses and fancy dress competition, to name just a few of main ring attractions. There will also be judging of fruit, vegetables and baking, plus numerous stalls. www.ellinghamshow.co.uk
The Great Dorset Steam Fair
Thursday 26 to Monday 30 August, South Down, Tarrant Hinton, Blandford, DT11 8HX
One of the world’s largest heritage and cultural events, showcasing Britain’s industrial, agricultural and leisure history. Experience steam giants of the past, WW1 flying aircraft, heavy horse displays and much more. www.gdsf.co.uk
Bournemouth Air Festival
Thursday 2-5 September, Bournemouth sea front
Free displays in the air, on the ground and at night in the UK’s largest air festival, featuring the Red Arrows and other flight acrobatics along with WW2 planes.www.bournemouthair.co.uk