Events at Dorchester Abbey
For generations people have brought their gifts and skills to enhance the life of Dorchester Abbey and this tradition continues as a huge variety of groups and organisations hire and use the Abbey each year as the venue for a wide and vibrant programme of concerts, theatre, visual arts and other events.
If you would like to hire the Abbey for your event then take a look at our information for hirers.
Birinus And All That..!
A Musical history of Dorchester Abbey from 635AD to the present day!
In the afternoon of Sunday January 11th we will perform Birinus and All That…, a short cantata telling the history of the Abbey, including:
- the establishment of the Cathedral by St Birinus in the 7th century,
- the building of the present church in the 13th century,
- the naughty monks and destruction of the monastery in the 15th,
- and the renovation of the church in the 19th, as well as the building of the School, (now the Village Hall), Rectory and Missionary College (later Hallidays antiques).
The work, for three singers, string trio and percussion, lasts about half an hour, admission is free and there will be an exhibition of facsimiles of historic documents, including the announcement by William the Conqueror that he was moving the diocese from Dorchester to Lincoln in 1072, and Richard Beauforest’s will, bequeathing the abbey to the village in 1554.
There will also be another chance to hear Henry and His Wives , an account of the much-married monarch and his unfortunate consorts, premiered in 2025.
As we enter the new year come and experience this musical journey Written and Composed by Tim Cook.
This is a fundraising event with FREE ENTRY and an opportunity to make a donation towards the upkeep of the abbey.
Sunday 11th January 2026, The concert starts at 3.00 pm and will last just over an hour.
Piano Concerto No 2 is a jubilant, humorous work composed for Shostakovich’s son, featuring a lyrical slow movement and a finale full of clownish energy.
The Scottish Symphony is a musical journey inspired by Mendelssohn’s visit to Scotland in 1829, capturing its landscapes, folklore, and history.
Fauré’s Pelléas et Mélisande is a suite of incidental music for Maeterlinck’s symbolist play – a love triangle which leads to tragedy, jealousy, and death.
| Moving Music concerts are offered by the charity Sound Resource, which promotes music for health and wellbeing.
Instrumental & song performances by talented young musicians, with sing-along songs led by Hannah Davey. 11.30am: Pate’s Grammar School musicians 2pm: Magdalen College School musicians
All are welcome, particularly people living with dementia, their family, friends and carers. Reserve places in advance for your preferred concert time: movingmusicconcerts@gmail.com; 01865 251305. Pay what you can at the door, guide £8.
More information: https://soundresource.org.uk/whats-on/
Dress warmly! |
Ryan Wang – BBC Young Musician of the Year 2024
The Overture of 1807 vividly shows Coriolanus’s conflicted inner state through a fierce, rebellious theme in C minor representing the general and a tender, pleading theme in E-flat major for his mother.
Piano Concerto No 1 of 1798 is a work of youthful energy and classical poise, demonstrating his developing Romantic style within the formal structure of the Classical period.
Symphony No 7, composed in 1812 at the peak of his powers, is an energetic, rhythmically driven masterpiece often described as the “Apotheosis of the Dance”.
PLEASE NOTE THIS EVENT HAS TWO PERFORMANCE TIME OPTIONS : FOR TICKETS SCAN QR CODE OR VISIT www.lumos-experiences.com
A Vivaldi & Mozart Candlelight Experience in Dorchester Abbey – Lumos Experiences
⏰ 2 Sittings: 1st Sitting: 5-6pm | 2nd Sitting 7-8pm
🕰 Entry: 1st sitting – Doors open at 4.15pm | 2nd sitting – Doors open at 6.30pm
🎼 Musical Theme: A Classical Vivaldi & Mozart Tribute
🪑 Seating Is First Come First Serve To Your Allocated Tiered Zones (In Platinum, Gold, Silver, Bronze)
❓ Please Read Our FAQ’s
👥 8+ This event is for eight year olds & above
📞 Whatsapp Us For Any Questions – 07742686376
Lumos brings you enchanting concert experiences paying homage to world famous artists. We’ve partnered with spectacular locations & churches across the UK to deliver a concert experience that is nothing short of magical ✨
The performance at this event will be a String Trio 🎻
Featuring Mozart’s,
Eine Kleine Nachtmusik
Movements from Divertimento k.563
And Vivaldi’s,
Movements from Four Seasons
Gloria
Concerto in A minor 3rd Movement
More Details Coming Soon!
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Rock Choir Charity Concert – Supporting Wallingford Family Centre & Sue Ryder Join us for an uplifting evening of music with the incredible Rock Choir, all in support of two local charities providing vital care in our community: Wigod Way Wallingford Family Centre and Sue Ryder Palliative Care Hub South Oxfordshire. About Wigod Way Wallingford Family Centre A community-run charity since 2017, the Family Centre have over 1,000 local families registered, they support through play sessions, parenting support, SEN groups, baby groups, fitness sessions, one-to-one help, food and clothing parcels, and tailored support designed around each family’s individual needs. Last year alone families attended over 300 sessions, with total footfall reaching 10,171 visits. Parents describe the centre as: “A lifeline for local families… I would be lost without it.” “Finding somewhere like Wigod finally put my motherhood journey on a more positive trajectory.” Your ticket helps ensure these vital services continue as demand rises. About Sue Ryder – South Oxfordshire Sue Ryder provides expert, compassionate palliative care for people living with life-limiting conditions, along with emotional and practical support for families. Their team helps people live the best life they can, even at the toughest times — ensuring no one faces illness or bereavement alone. About Rock Choir Rock Choir is the UK’s leading contemporary choir, known for its feel-good performances and huge community spirit. Expect uplifting harmonies, well-loved songs and an evening full of energy, joy and connection. Why Your Ticket Matters All funds raised will be shared between the Family Centre and Sue Ryder, helping to: • provide children and parents with crucial support for families • ensure local families receive compassionate palliative and bereavement care
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Dorchester Festival is an amazing 64 events raising money for Dorchester Abbey and, in 2026, Be Free Young Carers, a local carers charity. Come and see The Kings Singers, sing with John Rutter, folk with Steve Knightley & Rusty Shackle, dance to Jay Rayner’s jazz sextet, be fascinated by Ashmolean Director Xa Sturgis, mesmerised by poet Brian Bilston, race ducks, find scarecrows, laugh with Nick Page, cook and do historical trails and much much more!
Find out more on the Festival website here
More Details Coming Soon!