Coast and Countryside Events

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Your truly comprehensive list of local events

30 November – 1 December

Eggardon Winter Sale Prints, Artist Blacksmith, Woodwork/Trees, Pots. Liz Somerville, Colleen du Pon, Dean Traquair, Sarah Gee and Katy Shields. 11-5 North Eggardon Farm, Powerstock DT6 3ST. insta: @mappercombemakers.

Christmas Fair Bring your family and friends to experience the joy of the holiday season in the heart of Abbotsbury. Mark your calendars and prepare for a weekend filled with joy, creativity, and festive cheer! visit www.abbeyfarmabbotsbury.co.uk or contact marketing@cherriesdorset.com for more information. Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury 10 – 4pm.

Saturday, 30 November

Stockland Christmas Market Local Crafts, Wreaths, Metal Forge-work. Refreshments, Free parking. Victory Hall. 10-12 noon. Bookings / Information. Monica on 01404  881 535.

Children’s Christmas Give and Take event Little Green Change’s free, annual, Children’s Christmas Give and Take event is taking place this year 10:30am-12:30pm, at Woodmead Halls in Lyme Regis, thanks to the support of Lyme Regis Town Council. Donations can be brought 1 hour before the start time, or they can be collected by Little Green Change prior to the event from the Lyme Regis, Axminster and Charmouth areas. Please email info@littlegreenchange.com or text 07803705100 to arrange a local collection. Items must be in good condition and must not be torn, stained, dirty, damaged or broken.

Christmas Fair – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 10am – 3pm, free entry Join us for our annual festive fair. Lots of craft stalls providing ideas for Christmas presents. The café and bar will be open too.

Sunday, 1 December

Cotley Christmas Fair Open 10am until 3pm. Tythe Barn Cotley, Somerset, TA20 3EP Charity raffle on behalf of RDA.

Santa Special Yeovil Railway Centre, Beginning of this year’s season of Santa Specials. Details on website www.yeovilrailway.freeservers.com, and on the Facebook page, where dates and details are available and bookings can be made. Recorded information also on 01935 410420. Yeovil Junction Station, Stoford, Yeovil BA22 9UU.

Kiss Me Kate: The Musical (PG) Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 2pm doors 1.30pm, tickets Adults  £16, Under 16s £10. Adrian Dunbar (Line of Duty, Ridley) and Broadway royalty Stephanie J. Block lead a stellar cast in a sizzling new 5-star production of Kiss Me, Kate, filmed live at the Barbican in London especially for the big screen. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk, or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Monday, 2 December

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall EX13 7BH   7.30 -10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00  Contact David on 01460 65981   www.chardscottishdancingclub.co.uk.

Hawkchurch Film Nights, in association with Moviola.org, proudly presents ‘Swede Caroline’ (97 mins, Cert. 15 – strong language, sex references, violent scenes).  Chaos reigns in this strange, funny and amiably anarchic mockumentary about skullduggery in the cut-throat world of competitive vegetable-growing.   Doors open 6.30pm, film starts 7.00pm at Hawkchurch Village Hall, EX13 5XD. Ticket reservations £5.50 from csma95@gmail.com or leave a message on 07753 603219 (socially-distanced seating available if reserved in advance); tickets also available for £5.50 from Hawkchurch Community Shop or £6.00 on the door (cash only). Subtitles for hearing-impaired patrons provided.  Home-made cake, popcorn, teas, coffees, wine and other tasty refreshments available.

Wednesday, 4 December

Bridport Christmas Cheer – An evening of Christmas Celebrations: 4 – 8 pm Join us for a magical evening celebrating the arrival of Christmas in Bridport. Soak up the festival atmosphere and get yourself into the seasonal mood. The Town will be ready to welcome you. The Christmas decorations and trees will be up along the streets. The retailers shop windows will be decorated and they will be stocked with a fantastic selection of Christmas gifts and goodies for you to browse and buy – Please take the opportunity to vote for your favourite Christmas shop window – and the pubs, bars and restaurants will be ready to greet you with lots of lovely Christmas festival treats.

Meeting Voices Community Choir, Chard. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Chard Guildhall. Fore St, Chard TA20 1PP. Phone 07534 116502 or email mvsecretary@outlook.com.

Wednesday, 4 – 15 December

Christmas Tree Festival, Bridport United Church. Mon-Thurs 10 – 1pm. Friday 2 – 6pm. Saturday 9 – 3pm. Sunday 2 – 4pm. East St, Bridport DT6 3LJ

Thursday, 5 December

Lev’s Violin Greg Lawson & Phil Alexander Shipton Gorge Village Hall 7:30pm Born with a beautiful sound but no name, Lev’s Violin was valued as worthless. Although its origins remained a mystery, many tales were attached to Lev’s Violin, some true and some wonderfully untrue. Old and worn by its travels, it eventually broke a few years ago, and the instrument became the subject of a book by Helena Attlee and a BBC Radio 4 reading. It has since been through an extensive restoration and, having passed through the hands of countless musicians, travelled continents and played the music of many cultures, it is now in the possession of violinist Greg Lawson. Joined by former Moishe’s Bagel bandmate and accordionist Phil Alexander, follow the violin’s journey and hear some of the music from its past – from Bach and Arvo Part, to Armenian and Macedonian music and Klezmer. Tickets £13, £7 (u18s) Suitable all ages. Tickets available online at www.artsreach.co.uk / 01308 897649. Please note: A pre-event supper will be available at the New Inn Shipton Gorge – 5pm to 7pm, 5-10 minute walk from the venue – please book direct on 01308 897302.

The Holdovers (2023, US, 15, 133 mins, Director: Alexander Payne) In this good-natured comedy drama, set in the 1970s, an unpopular teacher, a rebellious student, and a recently bereaved school cook form an unexpected bond while stuck together over the Christmas break. Doors 7:00 pm, 7:30 pm start. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall (TA18 8PS). Membership £25,  guests £5 per film. For more details, contact mickpwilson53@btinternet.com or ring Mick Wilson on 01460 74849 or Kathy Everard on 01460 30646.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at 1930 hrs. The Dancing keys will be providing the music and the caller is Rosie Shaw. It’s £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun! Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909.

Unlocking the Archives: Digitisting the David Hunt Collection Speakers – Volunteer team  Sherborne resident and keen photographer, David Hunt (1921-1995), amassed a large collection of Victorian and Edwardian glass plate negatives, which were deposited at Sherborne Museum following his death. Last year, the award of a substantial grant by Dorset Council enabled the museum to embark on what has been termed “a landmark community project” – the digitisation and cataloguing of the David Hunt Collection. In this talk, several of the volunteers involved with the project will share their experiences alongside some of the highlights of the collection. Venue: Digby Memorial Church Hall, Digby Road, Sherborne, DT9 3NL Talk begins at 2pm. Doors open from 1.30pm. Admission: Free entry for members of Sherborne Museum. £5 non-members.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com. 5 Dec. Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com.

Friday, 6 December

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. Symondsbury Christmas Fair 4.30pm. Symondsbury Estate Bridport, Dorset, DT6 6HG.

Jurassic Coast Choir’s Christmas Concert; the local choir will be opening the Christmas festivals with a concert of carols and new choral pieces, charity Weldmar Hospicecare; 7 pm in the Minster, Axminster; Tickets £12.50, available at the door from 6.30 pm, includes mulled wine and mince pie; To book 01297 560885.

South Somerset Youth Orchestra & Friends, seasonal concert. £5 includes mince pies & mulled wine/soft drink; please book in advance if possible.  7pm, at Clapton & Wayford Village Hall.  Further information from Mary (01460 74849) or Julia (01460 72769).

Drop-In Wellbeing Event. Featuring virtual dementia experience bus, blood pressure checks, health tech support, resources for carers, exercise demos, local groups and exhibitors, refreshments. No need to book. 10.30am – 14.00pm, Woodmead Halls, Hill Road, Lyme Regis, DT7 3PG. Free entry. For more information please call 01308428943 or email jcsocialprescribing@dorsetgp.nhs.uk.

Acantha Lang – A night of Funk & Soul – Live Gig – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 8pm doors 7.30pm,Tickets  £18, £20 on door. Acantha Lang is an emerging singer-songwriter known for her soulful vocals and emotive storytelling. Drawing inspiration from her own life experiences and the world around her, Lang creates music that connects with audiences on a deep and personal level, musical storytelling in all its funk and soul glory. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Saturday, 7 December

Christmas Craft Fayre at Musbury Village Hall – 10.00 am to 12.30 pm. A good variety of local craft stalls including hand made willow items, felt and textile items, Christmas decorations and lots more, not forgetting the Church cake stall,and raffle. Refreshments including bacon buttys!  Proceeds to St Michaels Church Musbury. Enquiries 01297 552440/552711.

The Friends of Weymouth Library (F.O.W.L.) Saturday morning talk at 10.30 am will be about Charles Dickens, his controversial private life, stories, books and characters, presented by Jacqueline and Brian Sutton as the notorious couple Mr. and Mrs. Bumble from Oliver Twist. Tickets can be obtained from the Library (01305762410) at £2 for members and £3 for non-members. Refreshments provided and everyone welcome. Other enquiries phone: 01305 832613.

Christmas Cake & Coffee Morning Drop in between 10:00am and 12:00pm to enjoy homemade cake, mince pieces, tea and coffee and to browse the museum shop, which will be full of Christmas goodies. Entry is £3.00 for adults, £1.00 for children, pay on the door. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB.

The New West End Jerseys Live Gig – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 8pm doors 7.30pm, tickets £20, £22.50 on door. Featuring stars of the West End, performing the incredible music of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons. From ‘Sherry’, their first No. 1 single, to chart-topping hits like ‘Oh What A Night’, ‘Walk Like A Man’, and ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’, The New West End Jerseys take you through one of the most recognisable back catalogues in music today. Tickets from 01297 625699,  www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Willow Angels – Learn to craft your own willow angels using locally sourced willow, perfect for adding a unique, natural touch to your indoor or outdoor space. 10:00am to 1:00pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. £30 (all materials included). To book, please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk

Cantamus presents ‘O Radiant Dawn!’, a concert of beautiful choral music for Advent. St Mary’s Church, Netherbury at 3.30pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash or card). Refreshments available.

Sunday, 8 December

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 5pm. The White Horse,. Litton Ln, Dorchester DT2 9AT.

Dennis Chinaworks Pottery Open Day 11am – 5pm. Sale of trials, Demonstrations, Pot Throwing, Vintage Glass Shop & Refreshments. Higher Rd, Shepton Beauchamp, TA19 0JT. Tel 01460 240622. www.denischinaworks.com, info@dennischinaworks.com.

Dance Connection & Gong Day, Dance Day, 11am-4pm, Bridport St Mary’s CHH, DT6 3NN, 07787752201, https://www.joysofdance.co.uk/workshops.

Lyme Bay Chorale’s Christmas Concert. Programme includes A Ceremony of Carols (Britten), Gloria (Vivaldi) and carols for choir and audience. Lyme Regis Parish Church at 4pm. Tickets £15 from Fortnam, Smith & Banwell in Lyme Regis (cash or card), choir members or on the door. Wine/soft drinks and mince pies. Proceeds to the choir’s bursary scheme for young singers.

Andre Rieu’s 2024 Christmas Concert: Gold and Silver Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 3pm doors 2.30pm, Tickets, Adults £16, Under 16s £10. Celebrate the holiday season with André Rieu’s dazzling Christmas Concert, “Gold and Silver,” exclusively in cinemas! This magical event embodies the festive spirit of Christmas, bringing joy, warmth, and sparkle to the big screen. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Monday, 9 December

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall  EX13 7BH  7.30-10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00   Contact David on 01460 65981   www.chardscottishdancingclub.co.uk.

The Bridport Choral Society start rehearsals for their Christmas concert. We welcome everyone without auditions. So join us at the United Church Hall in East street at 7.30pm. Check out our website at www.bridportchoral.wordpress.cm or find us on Facebook. Contact Bob on 02308425987 to let him know you’re coming. We look forward to meeting you!

Tuesday, 10 December

The Taste of Things Bridport Film Society 7.45pm Doors and the bar open at 7pm. Membership cards must be presented at the door. Bridport Arts Centre. South Street, Bridport. email: bridportfilm@gmail.com. Visit website at www.bridportfilmsociety.co.uk.

Divine Union Soundbath 9PM  Digby Memorial Hall,  Digby Rd, Sherborne DT9 3LN Deep-tissue sonic massage and detox. Booking 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com £16.

Beaminster Museum Winter Talk Digby Barker in conversation with Gill Cheeseman Digby was a former pupil and boarder at the Beaminster and Netherbury Grammar School from 1959-1966. He and Gill will explore the history of the school, which in January 1963 became Beaminster Comprehensive. Refreshments are available after the talk. Entry is £5.00 on the door. 2.00pm. Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB.

Wednesday, 11 December

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 7pm. Bridport Golf Club, Burton Rd, Bridport DT6 4PS.

Film Thelma (12) Inspired by the real-life experience. A grandmother gets duped by a phone scammer sets out on a risky quest to reclaim what was taken from her. Starring June Squibb who delivers a hilarious and believable lead performance showcasing her comedy skills. An action-comedy. Doors and bar open 6.45 film start 7.15 at Kilmington Village Hall EX13 7RF. Tickets @ £5, or £5.50 on the door, can be ordered by contacting: John at wattsjohn307@gmail.com or Tel: 01297 521681.

Christmas Coffee Morning, including mince pies, scones & savouries, and bacon/egg rolls (made to order), 10.30am – noon; all welcome. Clapton & Wayford Village Hall.  More details from Julia (01460 72769).  Please note this is the 2nd Wednesday, rather than the usual 3rd Wedenesday.

West Dorset Community Orchestra Christmas Concert – St. Swithuns Church. A programme of Christmas music performed by West Dorset Community Orchestra conductor Jonathan Jevons, will be held at St Swithuns Church, 1 The Linen Yard Bridport DT6 5FJ,  at 7.30p.m. This event promises to be enjoyable and an excellent opportunity to get into the spirit of Christmas and offers a wide range of music to our audience. The orchestra will be playing a variety of music and a host of lively Christmas music. There will be various guest appearances in the programme. Entry is free but there will be a retiring collection at the end. There will be a raffles and refreshments will be served during the interval. Parking is available in local car parks. So come and enjoy an evening of music and song to get you in the swing of Christmas!

Meeting Voices Community Choir, Chard. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Chard Guildhall. Fore St, Chard TA20 1PP. Phone 07534 116502 or email mvsecretary@outlook.com.

Thursday, 12 December

Dope, Rope and Hope: A Cine Film Celebration illustrates how the town has long been a hotspot for art and culture. The tailor-made screening will be shown at Bridport Arts Centre by Dorset-based charity Windrose Rural Media Trust, which has put together the tailor-made screening from its extensive Dorset film archive. Tickets are £11 and are available online at  https://www.bridport-arts.com/event/dope-rope-and-hope-a-cine-film-celebration/ or by calling the arts centre box office 01308 424204.

Film Thelma  (See 11th Dec) Matinee, doors open 1.45pm film starts 2pm, cream-teas served during the interval but must be pre-booked with your seats @ £3.50.  see above and www.kilmingtonvillage.com/other-organisations.html for more information.

The Shanty Sessions come along and join the original Shanty group from East Devon, The Chantry Buoys of Colyton, singing old and new shanties, and other well known songs of the sea. They encourage audience participation and having a fun time. Entry is free and all proceeds go to local charities, including Force. There is a licensed bar, doors open from 7pm and the Buoys begin at 7.30pm. The Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis.

Chard History Group Hidden High Street Histories By Chard Museum. 7 for 7.30 Start. Chard Guildhall upstairs (lift available). Members £2.50 Visitors welcome £3.50. For further details ring Tessa 07984 481634.

Chesil Bank Writing Shed Do you write? Would you like to be a writer? Whatever you want to write why not join our friendly creative writing group. New writers always welcome. 7pm – 9pm, Portesham Village Hall.  Find out more at www.lindaph.co.uk.

Seaton Music New ensemble of ten dynamic, creative and spirited young artists  (strings and wind instruments) Meliora Collective perform music by Martinu, Clementi, Tchaikovsky, Cheetham, Le Gendre. Gateway Theatre Seaton,  7.30pm. Tickets available on line or at door.

Seaton Garden Club A Talk and demonstration of Christmas Delights by Angie from Cottage Flowers. Christmas arrangements to be raffled. The Masonic Hall Seaton. Time 2.30 p.m. Visitors £2.00. Contact 01297 22869.

White Tara 2:1 healings 4-8.30 PM Oborne Village Hall, Oborne,  DT9 4LA Anna Howard and Dean Carter team up once again to give clients a unique healing modality, Anna channelling White Tara and providing a ‘traditional’ Spiritual healing, while Dean provides a Pure Sound healing in the client’s home key. One hour treatments booking 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com £80/60 concs.

Lyme Voices Community Choir. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Baptist Church (Pine Hall round the back), Silver St., Lyme Regis, DT7 3NY. Phone 07534 116502 or email petelinnett2@hotmail.com.

Friday, 13 December

Dave’s Big General Knowledge Quiz – Come and support the Arts Centre with a wonderful evening of fiendish questions, a bar, and a raffle. 7:30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. Tickets: £12 per team of 4. 01460 54973 www.ilminsterartscentre.com.

Christmas Concert in association with Parnham Voices A programme of Advent and Christmas music, with readings from choir members and museum volunteers. Be prepared to join in some familiar carols! Tickets are £8.00 and include a glass of mulled wine and a mince pie in the interval. Tickets are available from familyhistory@beaminstermuseum.co.uk. 7.30pm, Beaminster Museum, Whitcombe Rd, Beaminster DT8 3NB.

Beauty and the Beast Live theatre/panto- Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 6pm, doors 5.30pm, tickets Adults £15, Under 16s £12.50, Family £50 (2 adults & 2 Children). Be our guest this Christmas and enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast this festive season as part of a six week national tour. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Friday, 13 – 14 December

Duncan Honeybourne; classical piano Tincleton Gallery, The Old School House, Tincleton, nr Dorchester, DT2 8QR. Opening / performance times: doors open 19:30; concert starts 20:00. Admission fee: £15. Venue contact number: 01305 848 909. Website: http://www.tincletongallery.com.

Saturday, 14 December

Celebrate the festive season with a mesmerising one-man performance of Dickens’ timeless, transformative story: A Christmas Carol. Bah! Humbug! Milborne St Andrew Village Hall. Saturday 14th December. 7.30pm Tickets: £12.50, £6 u18s, £35 family, available from 01258 839060. Or artsreach.co.uk/event/christmas-carol-dave-mynne.

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 7pm. The White Lion, Back Ln, Broadwindsor, Beaminster DT8 3QD.

Bridport Choral Society present their annual Christmas Concert “Sleigh Ride” A journey through Christmas music over the centuries including traditional and contemporary songs and carols, with some opportunity for audience participation. Time 7.30pm at Bridport United Church, East Street. Tickets £13 including programme and refreshments, available from Bridport Music Centre, Smith and Smith and on the door.

Cantamus presents ‘O Radiant Dawn!’, a concert of beautiful choral music for Advent. St Mary Magdalene, Loders at 7pm. Tickets £12 on the door (cash or card). Refreshments available.

‘Beauty and the Beast’ Live theatre/panto- Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 11am, doors 10.30pm & 3pm, doors 2.30pm tickets Adults £15, Under 16s £12.50, Family £50 (2 adults & 2 Children). Be our guest this Christmas and enjoy a tale as old as time with Wonder Pantomimes as they bring the story of Beauty and the Beast this festive season as part of a six week national tour. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

The Martin Schellenberg Music Trust presents A Christmas Concert with Malcolm Archer – Organ  Winston Leese – Trumpet  Chloe Underwood – Soprano Jan Wyld – Festive Readings & The Beaminster Church Choir directed by Peter Nardone at St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster at 4pm Tickets: £10 (to include a glass of mulled wine). Available from Yarn Barton Community Centre, Fleet Street & The Church Office,  Hogshill Street, Beaminster. Enquiries: schellenbergmusictrust@gmail.com / 07796 491701 Tickets will also be available on the door. Sponsored by A.J. Wakely & Sons – All proceeds to The Martin Schellenberg Music Trust. This is our third Christmas concert and promises to be another enjoyable afternoon with wonderful music and pleasant company in the beautiful St. Mary’s Church, Beaminster. Mulled wine will be available on arrival and in the short interval when a raffle will be drawn. The concert should finish no later than 5.45pm

Exploring Acrylic Techniques – Experimenting with Colour, Composition, and New Techniques. 10:30am to 2:30pm at Ilminster Arts Centre, TA19 0AN. £40 plus £5 for materials (paid to tutor on the day). To book, please ring: 01460 54973 or email: workshops@ilminsterarts.org.uk.

Sunday, 15 December

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 4pm. The Shave Cross, Shave Cross, Bridport DT6 6HW.

A Matinee Piano Recital for Christmas raising funds to ‘Start the Clock Axminster’ at 3pm by Stephen Beville at the Minster Church Axminster. Music to include Mozart, Beethoven, Chopin, Poulenc with a Christmas theme. Tickets £12 to include mulled wine and mince pies. Tickets from the Archway bookshop, Axminster.

Royal Ballet & Opera: Cinderella (12A) Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 2pm doors 1.30pm, tickets Adults £16, Under 16s £10. This Christmas, be transported into an ethereal world where a sprinkling of fairy dust makes dreams come true. This enchanting ballet by The Royal Ballet’s Founding Choreographer Frederick Ashton is a theatrical experience for all the family. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

French + Breton Folk Dance,  Bal Crewkerne,  with live house band, in the Speedwell Hall, Abbey Street, Crewkerne, TA18 7HY.  All welcome, no experience necessary. Dance workshop for beginners 6-7pm followed by main dance 7-9.30pm. Free admission to our  December Bal! Tea and coffee available or bring your own drinks.  Free parking in the town centre car parks.  More information on our website: https://balcrew.wixsite.com/balcrewkerne

Monday, 16 December

Scottish Dancing in Chardstock An evening of Scottish dancing in Chardstock Village Hall  EX13 7BH  7.30-10.00 p.m.  Tea and coffee provided but please bring your own mug and wear soft soled shoes.  No partner required.  Cost £2.00   Contact David on 01460 65981   www.chardscottishdancingclub.co.uk.

Tuesday, 17 December

Miracle on 34th Street (PG) Nostalgic Cinema – Matinee screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 1.30pm, doors 1pm, tickets £3.50. Anyone who loves nostalgic films is very welcome to join us for an afternoon of fond memories and friendship. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Wednesday, 18 December

The Light of Christmas festive concert by the Mid-Wessex Singers to include works by Lauridsen, Rutter and Chilcott plus readings and audience participation carols. St Michael’s Church, Market Square, Somerton, 7.30pm. Advance tickets £12 from Cobbs Wholefoods, Somerton (under 16s free) or £15 on the door, if available. midwessexsingers.co.uk.

Meeting Voices Community Choir, Chard. 19.30 to 21.15. Sing for fun. Learn songs in harmony by ear. Everyone welcome. Chard Guildhall. Fore St, Chard TA20 1PP. Phone 07534 116502 or email mvsecretary@outlook.com.

Thursday, 19 December

Festive Dance Connection Event, pathway, open mic and disco, 7:15 – 9:45pm, Bridport St Mary’s CHH, DT6 3NN, 07787752201,  https://www.joysofdance.co.uk/danceclass.

Folk dancing at Combe St Nicholas village hall (TA20 3LT) at  1830 hrs. Mary is the caller and the band are Robert, Mary and Friends. Please note that this is party night and all everyone should bring a plate to share with their fellow dancers before we get moving! It’s £4.00 per person which includes a cuppa and cake, all welcome and it is a lot of fun! Further details from Elaine on 01460 65909.

Royal Ballet & Opera: The Nutcracker (12A) – Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 7pm, doors 6.30pm, tickets Adults £16, Under 16s £10. Discover the enchantment of ballet with this sparkling festive treat for the whole family. Julia Trevelyan Oman’s period designs bring festive charm to Peter Wright’s beloved Royal Ballet production, as fairytale magic comes together with spectacular dancing in this unforgettable classic ballet. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Friday, 20 December

Magnificent Buble at Christmas Live Gig – Gateway Theatre, Seaton, 8pm doors 7pm, Tickets Row seats £21.50, Table seats £23. Following back to back sell out shows at the Seaton Gateway Theatre, Magnificent Bublé, featuring James Billington and his fabulous local big band are back again for 2024, throwing a traditional Bublé style Christmas party and you’re invited! Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Saturday, 21 December

Axminster and District Choral Society present a Christmas Concert – Pergolesi’s Magnificat and carols for choir and audience.  7.00 pm at the Minster Church, Axminster. Tickets £12 from axminsterchoral.co.uk or 01404 43805.

Paddington In Peru (U) Family Gala Night Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton  7pm, doors 6pm, Tickets Adults £12, Under 16s £8. Book your tickets for a special VIP evening where all the family is invited! Alongside a screening of the brand new film ‘Paddington in Peru’, we will welcome you on arrival with a complimentary glass of prosecco or soft drink and canapes. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Sunday, 22 December

Paddington In Peru (U) Matinee Screening – Gateway Theatre, Seaton – 3pm, doors 2pm, Tickets Adults £7.50, Under 16s £6.50. PADDINGTON IN PERU brings Paddington back home to the Peruvian jungle to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy, now a resident at the Home for Retired Bears. With the Brown Family and Mrs Bird in tow, a thrilling adventure ensues. Tickets from 01297 625699, www.gatewaytheatre.co.uk or in person Tue – Thur 10am – 1pm.

Monday, 23 December

Carols round the Christmas Tree The Rotary Club of Lyme Regis ‘Carols Round The Christmas Tree’, Street Collections  in aid of Julia’s House The Dorset Children’s Hospice. Cancer Research Lyme Regis Branch. Accompanied by The Lyme Regis Town band, The Mayor of Lyme Regis in attendance and led by our Town Crier; Carol sheets provided. All welcome for a wonderful start to the Christmas festivities. Time :- 7 pm  Broad Street, Lyme Regis by the large Christmas Tree. www.lymeregisrotary.org , secretary@lymeregisrotary.org.

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 6.30pm. The Hare and Hounds, Slape Hill, Waytown, Bridport DT6 5LQ.

Sunday, 29 December

Divine Union Soundbath Oborne Village Hall,  Dorset DT9 4LA Deep-tissue sonic massage and detox. Booking 01935 389655 ahiahel@live.com £16.

Tuesday, 31 December

New Year @ The Gateway with The Zoots  New Year Party– Gateway Theatre, Seaton – From 7.30pm, doors 7.30pm, Tickets £25. New Year @ The Gateway returns for its third year, get ready for a fun party night to see in 2025! We are excited to welcome back THE ZOOTS as this year’s headliners.

Wednesday, 1 January 2025

The Symondsbury Mummers Performing the oldest & most complete mumming play in England. Festive fun for all the family. 6.30pm. The Ilchester Arms, 1 The Buildings, Symondsbury, Bridport DT6 6HD.