Music events in Dorset

If you seek laid back jazz, lively bands, quirky folk music or chart topping hits, we’ll get your feet tapping in Dorset.

Whatever your taste in music, we can guarantee there will be a musical event that you’ll being queuing to get tickets for.

Now, who said Dorset was quiet?

Music to your ears

We've got festivals and music events for all tastes, whether you like a bit of folk, reggae, pop or perhaps classical or more up your street, Dorset has it all....and in some of the most wonderful settings!

From stunning abbeys to picturesque castle grounds you will be in tune with your sense with music in your ears and a beautiful sight for your eyes.

Kick back with a cocktail and listen to some smooth jazz

Dorset is no stranger to the odd jazz festival or two! With festivals featuring bands from across most of the spectrum of jazz, from New Orleans to contemporary sounds, with lots of leading names as well as new faces you're sure to find one to tap along to.

What better than to spend a weekend on the coast, listening to your favourite melodies played by some of the country’s best talent and soaking up the atmosphere and entertainment?

Raise your hands in the air for Camp Bestival!

Camp Bestival's live music selection covers all bases from rock to pop and way beyond, with brilliant and diverse headliners each year.

This festival has families at it's heart and there's loads for everyone to enjoy whatever age.

Past line ups have included Jess Glynne, Fatboy Slim, Beckie Hill and Blondie plus the very best in new music and lots of sing-along favourites too.

Whether you're young or just young at heart, there's a live act that will get you jumping, so we'll see you down the front!

Partied out?

If you’re dancing the night away, then you’ll need a place to stay.

We can help you find accommodation in Dorset whether you need a hotel for the night or a cottage for the week.

May 01

O Flow'ry May

Athelhampton House and Gardens

Join esteemed folk musician Tim Laycock, assisted by folk singer Alastair Braidwood, for an evening of words and music from the county and beyond all to do with Spring, May Day, the turning of the...

May 01

Voices from the East

Despite its popularity, Tchaikovsky's First Piano Concerto remains refreshingly original with its exciting and altogether exceptional opening and richly forged musical dramas of powerful...

May 02

Sherborne Abbey Music Festival

Sherborne Abbey

Sherborne's annual Abbey Music Festival takes places from 2 to 9 May 2024. With another full programme of music concerts, venues include Sherborne Abbey, Cheap Street Church, Lewston School,...

May 03

Awake with Tony Moore

Dorchester Arts

Tony's journey in the music industry has been nothing short of legendary, from being an original member of Iron Maiden to playing with Meatloaf and touring the world with Cutting Crew ('I Just...

May 03

The Cabarats

FREE ENTRY The Cabarats bring a new musical experience to the global underground, combining traditional Eastern European and Middle Eastern sounds with lively reggae and ska. Using a collection of...

May 04

Casterbridge Male Voice Choir

Dorchester Arts

Join us for a mixture of popular classics, sung in sumptuous four-part harmony, accompanied by Louise Dukes at the grand piano. Music by legendary composers such as Irving Berlin, Rogers and...

May 04

Fran and Flora

Performance by multi-award-nominated experimental/folk duo Fran & Flora, captivating audiences with their reinventions of traditional Eastern European melodies and songs. Francesca Ter-Berg...

May 04

Fran and Flora at Sandy Hill Arts

Multi-award-nominated experimental/folk duo Fran & Flora captivate audiences with their reinventions of traditional Eastern European melodies and songs. Francesca Ter-Berg (cello/vox) and Flora...

May 07

Keane

Hopes and Fears was a landmark album for Keane and has set all kinds of records in the process. It's one of the best selling albums in UK chart history having sold over 2.5 million in the UK in...

May 08

Iolanta

Tchaikovsky's last opera is tender, magical and poignant. Extolling the healing power of love, Iolanta tells the story of the king of Provence's daughter, who is blind. King René has...

May 08

Thanks for the Memories

The Exchange

Join Neil Sands for his brand new matinee show. as he brings back more musical memories. The Fabulous 40's, The Rocking 50's, The Swinging 60's and The Sensational 70's. In fact,...