Welcome to the new year. Yes, we hear you – the memories of a festive Christmas and celebratory New Year are probably distant already as we start to make our way back to school and work – but fear not. There are a host of exciting things that lie ahead for you to enjoy in, and around, Beaminster this year! So, we thought we’d highlight just a snapshot of them. (As things do change from time to time, if an event catches your eye – be sure to contact the organisers directly to confirm times and dates, to avoid disappointment).
Les Gloriables : 25 January 2020 (Drimpton Village Hall)
“Following on from the success of Gloriator, and Glorilla, the award-winning Spitz & Co are proud to present the third and final show of the trilogy Les Gloriables.
Inspired by Victor Hugo’s classic French novel Les Miserables, legendary French actress Gloria Delaneuf is determined to create a piece of theatre with the power to reunite Europe. She has dreamed a dream, and her UK tour manager Josephine Cunningham is going to help her make it happen.”
For more, visit https://artsreach.co.uk/event/les-gloriables-spitz
The Cajun Roosters Trio : 13 March 2020 (Broadwindsor Comrades Hall)
Taking their place at the Broadwindsor Comrades Hall in March, are the Cajun Roosters Trio – a group of musicians who take the music of the Louisiana swamplands into fresh territories, creating a sound that’s uniquely their own. Combining accordions, fiddle, guitar and vocals they create an uplifting sound that has led to headline appearances all over Europe. They’ve recorded with the likes of Sir Paul McCartney, Dave Gilmour, Kate Bush and Seth Lakeman, and they can be seen in Broadwindsor on Friday 13 March, for one night only.
For more, visit https://artsreach.co.uk/event/cajun-roosters-trio
John Etheridge & Chris Garrick : 29 March 2020 (Drimpton Village Hall)
Guitarist John Etheridge and violinist Chris Garrick have performed together for many years. Back with a new show, this world class duo provides a feast of interplay, improvisation and eclectic repertoire, with music ranging from Peter Gabriel to Richard Rogers via Dollar Brand and Alison Goldfrapp.
Using looping and other effects, Garrick and Etheridge create exotic tapestries of sound, switching seamlessly to a pure acoustic, with rollicking renditions of Hot Club swing, evoking the spirit of Reinhardt and Grappelli. Atmospheric, hypnotic, humorous and entertaining.
For more, visit https://artsreach.co.uk/event/john-etheridge-chris-garrick
Beaminster Festival : 27 June – 5 July
It’s a big year for the Festival this year, as they mark their 25th anniversary in 2020. The Festival brings locals and visitors together in an abundance of fantastic theatrical and musical shows, with fringe events hosted by a number of venues around the town too. Last year saw a brilliant Party in the Park under brilliant blue skies, and with a focus on engaging the youth even more in many of the events, a new electric energy burst into the Festival Spirit.
They’ve already announced their first headline act of the 2020 Festival with the performance by renowned pianist Isata Kanneh Mason. Many may know her as the eldest of the phenomenal family of seven siblings and sister of cellist Sheku (who performed at Harry and Meghan’s Royal Wedding in 2018), Isata will be performing a fantastic programme of piano music.
For more, visit https://www.beaminsterfestival.com/
Dorset Art Weeks : 23 May – 7 June
Back after taking a break in 2019, we’re thrilled that the Dorset Art Weeks schedule is back for 2020. Dorset Arts Weeks is one of the largest Open Studio Events in the country. It brings artists and visitors together in ways that are often remarkable and profoundly different from entering a public gallery, and during the summer weeks between May and June, homes are opened, studios presented, to anyone who is keen to explore new creations. From textile design to painting to sculpture and more, it’s a great opportunity to get to see the abundance of talent and creativity that our town has to offer. Registration for artists to take part is currently open, and brochures will be distributed from April onwards, so if you want to keep an eye on all that is ahead, make sure you visit their website too.
For more, visit https://www.dorsetartweeks.co.uk/
Open Garden Scheme: Throughout the year
Every year, little yellow signs and arrows point out new gardens waiting to be explored. So, if you’re updating your diary, and you don’t want to miss some exclusive opportunities to visit homes you ordinarily may not have the chance to, listen up.
The National Open Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to over 3,700 exceptional private gardens in England and Wales, and raises impressive amounts of money for nursing and health charities through admissions, teas and cake. Beaminster boasts a number of incredible gardens to visit; from the Manor House, to Horn Park to Knowle Cottage (a new garden!) and more – it’s a great way to spend an afternoon, taking in the fresh Dorset air and a homemade bake or two! For questions about accessibility and whether the gardens are dog-friendly, please visit the website below. And don’t think that this is only limited to the Summer months – you may be able to catch a Snowdrop garden or two, in as early as February already!
For more, visit the Beaminster-related list of Open Gardens here.
Do you have a special event coming up this year, that you’d like to add to the list? Get in touch with us and let us know about it! Simple email us on [email protected] .
