Events

The fabulous Lyme Regis Farmers' Market is held on the second Saturday of the month in the Marine Parade Shelters.

They proudly bring together local producers, makers and growers from a 30 mile radius to create a diverse and fantastic shopping experience.
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We think Lyme Regis is the perfect place for this eclectic mix of traders and products and gives shoppers the opportunity to find unique businesses and produce that they you might not see anywhere else, all in one place.

Although called our event a 'Farmers' Market' we are also welcoming local designers and makers to our event to create a rich and vibrant mix to showcase all the wonderful talent there is right on our doorstep. More information can be found here.

Bridport Hat Festival will take place September 2025 with a celebration of hats, a fundraiser for head-related charities and a giant summer-ending party for the town and its visitors – all run by volunteers.

The most creative, quirky, stylish and inventive head wear combines with live music, multiple competitions, demonstrations, talks, displays, shows, a hat auction, games, hatted dogs (yes, hatted dogs) and much, much more, all ‘topped’ off by a HUGE mass hat-wearing photoshoot in Bucky Doo Square on ‘Haturday’. 

And all you need is a hat!

Discover the joy of cooking and explore our diverse range of courses at River Cottage which run throughout the year! From pasta and bread making to curing, smoking, and beekeeping, our award-winning cookery school has something for everyone. Whether you’re a novice or a seasoned chef, you'll find a course that sparks your passion.

Click here for more information on courses. 

Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival Week 1st - 9th August 2025. A week of over fifty events for the whole family during the summer holidays aiming to raise as much money as possible for local good causes. Highlights of the week include the Walk of Light Torchlight Procession, the Carnival Procession, fireworks, the duck race, the beach treasure hunt, open air film screenings, beach sports and regatta. 

One of the biggest highlights of Carnival Week has to be the procession which brings colour, music, dance and entertainment to the hundreds of people lining the route.

Watch the annual Carnival Procession as it kicks off at 8pm and makes its way down Pound Street, Broad Street, through Cobb Gate and along the seafront to Cobb Square. Entries will include individuals and groups, local organisations and businesses plus majorettes.

The Melplash Agricultural Society Show is one of the South West’s premier agricultural exhibitions and is held at The West Bay Show grounds, Bridport, Dorset on the last Thursday before the August Bank holiday. The 2025 Show will take place on Thursday 21st August.

The Melplash show really offers something for everyone! The showground is packed full of exhibits including livestock, horses, homecrafts and horticulture.  There are over 400 trade stands selling everything from locally produced food to tractors… and plenty in between!

Newlands is the perfect base for The Melplash Show, just 7 miles between us. We have the Jurassic Coaster bus that stops directly outside Newlands which can take you to Bridport as well as Melplash's direct free bus service.

Weymouth’s award-winning food and drink festival is back. Dorset Seafood Festival will be held the begining of September on Weymouth Peninsula.

Our fabulous Festival, now in its 17th year, is recognised as one of the country’s top food and drink events. Bursting with fun and full of flavour, the Festival attracts upwards of 10,000 visitors to Weymouth for Festival Weekend, celebrating Dorset’s amazing catch of delicious fresh fish and shellfish, fine English wines and delicious Dorset ales, as well as a feast of other fantastic local artisan producers. 

A fun-filled day for the whole family, with plenty to keep younger visitors entertained. Don’t miss the School of Fish!

Illuminate - Winter Lights at Abbotsbury Subtropical Gardens is a magical event running from late November through December. This enchanting experience transforms the gardens into a glowing wonderland with stunning light displays and atmospheric music.

Perfect for all ages, the event offers a festive evening stroll through beautifully illuminated pathways and serene subtropical landscapes. Whether you're seeking a unique way to celebrate the season or simply love dazzling lights, Illuminate is a must-visit on Dorset’s festive calendar.