Whats on in Dorset - May 2024 | Dorset Cottage Holidays

	12th – 14th May Diesel Gala Swanage The Diesel Gala will see an impressive line up of diesel locomotives operating on the Swanage Railway. During the Gala an intensive timetable will be operated from 0800 to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 08:00 to 19:00 on Sunday giving visitors the opportunity to ride behind as many of the engines as possible, as well as giving great photo opportunities. Attractions include: Dining Trains Dorset Beer Festival Trade and Enthusiast Stands at Corfe Castle and Swanage Stations.
	TBC Margaret Green Week We would like to invite you to take part in a special and exciting fundraising event. We would like to invite local businesses and schools to participate during the week by wearing something green. You could decide on a small donation such as £1 and encourage your colleagues/pupils to get involved. It doesn’t stop there, if you would like to go all out on the day why not wear an animal onesie or arrange a cake sale, quiz or raffle! All money raised will go to helping rescue animals, so let’s get #AllTogetherForAnimals
	TBC Lyme Regia Fossil Festival A weekend of science, discovery and fun at this year’s Lyme Regis Fossil Festival held on 1st to 3rd May 2020. The Fossil Festival will host some fascinating exhibitions including the wonderful Natural History Museum, the British Antarctic Society, the Palaeontological Society and lots of local scientific organisations, as well as some thought-provoking and entertaining talks and lectures in the Marine Theatre.
	May 1st – May 21st RSPB Arne Enjoy the magical symphony of the Dawn Chorus (almost) as well as learning to identify a range of our native and migratory songbirds by their calls. Join our expert guides for one of spring’s best wildlife spectacles. We will be out early on the reserve to witness the murmurs in the woodland daybreak and enjoy the wonderful acoustic performance of the dawn chorus. A unique experience well worth getting up early for! On your journey through the woods, you will get to hear a variety of traditional birdsong; establishing their territory, attracting potential partners or calling amongst their flocks. Finishing up our walk at 9:00am, we’ll then head to our on-site café for a breakfast bap and hot or cold drink (vegetarian and gluten free options available) which is included in the price. If you have any unanswered questions, please email us at [email protected].
	4th – 25th May Beekeeping Our beekeeping experiences are very calm and relaxed as this is the best way to approach bees and observe them. You will be amazed at how much you can learn in a short time spent with a group of enthusiastic people. The experiences include lunch or afternoon tea after visiting the bees, which provides a welcome chance for a chat about the shared experience and to ask questions about bees. We love chatting about bees, so we are happy to answer the many questions we always get from our enthused guests. BOOKING BY APPOINTMENT ONLY.
	Baby Swans Hatching at Abbotsbury Swannery This is the only place in the world where you are able to walk through the heart of a colony of nesting Mute Swans. A visit to the Swannery is considered one of the best things to do in Dorset.
	TBC Great Dinosaur Hunt Events throughout the Museum – hunt for the dinosaur using clues.
	8th May 2023 Lyme Regis May Fete 1:00p.m until 4:00p.m. Free entry to this great community fundraising family afternoon in Lyme Regis. Featuring various displays and Local Youth Organisations. 60+ Fantastic Stalls. Hot Food, Ice-Cream, Fresh Coffee, Homemade Cakes, Refreshments. Bouncy Castle, Glitter Tattoos, Face Painting, Fete Games, Activities, Raffle, Tombola, Plants.
	27th May – 11th June Purbeck Art Weeks Over 80 artists living and working in Purbeck now open their studios to the public every year during the Festival. For emerging artists this can be an important launching pad for developing their careers as professionals. We have reached out to young people from the beginning and, with support from a range of valued local funders, have for several years run workshops in around 12 schools across Purbeck. Some 500 young people every year benefit from the experience of our artists who lead these workshops – their achievements are celebrated during the Festival and at our central exhibition area at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle.
	tbc Lyme Regis Jazz and Blues Festival: Jazz Jurassica A weekend of jazz and blues. For tickets Telephone 01297 442138.
	Back in 2024 Poole Regatta Poole Regatta. Witness superb Yacht racing over the 3 days and experience what Poole has to offer.
	29th May Sherborne Castle Country Fair Great day out for the whole family, traditional country fair set in the grounds of the beautiful Sherborne Castle.
	3rd – 4th June Wessex Folk Festival The Wessex Folk Festival will get off to a merry start on Friday evening, 1st June, with specially laid-on folk sessions, as people gather in local hostelries and meet old friends again, or just relax in the slightly exciting atmosphere as the glorious weekend begins…..Then on Saturday and Sunday 2nd & 3rd June the Festival bursts into life, promising fun, love and laughter; colourful dancing and perhaps a little drinking – and of course, some of the best Folk Music that England has to offer – all FREE!