What’s On

We are delighted to announce the return of ILLUMINATE.  ‘OT Event Technicians’ will be Illuminating the Gardens in the lead up to Christmas this year. The event will run daily 4.30pm to 8.00pm from the 26th of November to the 23^rd December, with last entries between 7.00pm and 7.15pm.

Tickets £9.50 per adult and £7.50 per child (children under 5 years go free). Online booking essential.

Please note that we are unable to offer Season Ticket / Historic Houses / Military / RHS holders’ free entry to this event. 

Tesco Vouchers, Gardeners World 2 for 1 and all other discounted tickets are also excluded.

The coffee shop will be open every evening during the event serving homemade cakes, snacks and hot drinks (please note there will be a reduced offering from the 20th Dec to 23rd). Click here to view the menu.

Tickets are on sale HERE

From 29th November until 24th December, Bridport’s Market House Inn will be serving a festive three course menu.

Pre-ordering is required if your party is 10 people or more.

You can pop into the Market House to book, email here or give them a call on 01308 459669.

Live Nation & The Comedy Store presents

MC Andy Robinson

Sean Collins

Lou Conran

Thomas Green

With nearly 40 years’ experience in the business and as the premier name in comedy, The Comedy Store is renowned as a breeding ground for new comedy talent, and remains the place to see tomorrow’s stars today. The likes of Eddie Izzard, John Bishop, Jimmy Carr, Rhod Gilbert and Sarah Millican, have all cut their comedy teeth with us.We bring you “The Best In Stand Up” from around the globe, showcasing the brightest names in comedy today.

Date:  Friday 03 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: Advance £16.00 / Door £17.00 (18+years)

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Check out several other upcoming dates across 2021 and 2022:

Friday 08 October 2021

Friday 03 December 2021

Friday 25 March 2022

Friday 27 May 2022

Friday 16 September 2022

Friday 18 November 2022

Bridport Arts Centre presents:

THE STORYTELLER and THE MUSICIAN return with an adaptation of that most famous festive ghost story… A Christmas Carol.

Time: 7.30pm

Bridport Arts Centre (previously advertised as at the Chapel in the Garden)

Ticket Price: £14.00 / £12 concessions

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901 or

www.bridport-arts.com

Classic Ska with Big Brass Sounds and Skanking Rhythms. Guaranteed to make you Dance and Smile! 🙂

For more pics of this amazing band go here: GALLERY | guns (gunsofnavarone.co.uk)

Pictures are from Antony Penny (antpenny.co.uk)

The Athelhampton Christmas Fair is back for 2021!

Saturday 4 & Sunday 5 December at Athelhampton House- Dorchester, DT2 7LG.

10am-4pm

Escape the high street this Christmas, soak up the festive vibes, grab a bite to eat and enjoy a winter tipple as you shop with local stallholders, producers, and makers – offering tastyfood and drink, handmade gifts and beautiful crafts. With around 48 stalls, there’s plenty to choose from.

Athelhampton House events manager Michela Giudici said: “We’re delighted to host the Dorset Food & Drink Christmas Fair again, after having to cancel in 2020 because of the pandemic.

The Christmas market usually attracts quite a crowd, so we are getting ready for a busy weekend showcasing the best of Dorset. We’re running a slightly smaller event this year to continue to keep visitors, staff, and volunteers safe. But it will still have the same festive sparkle, delicious food, and unique shopping opportunities!”

You can find a full list of stallholders on the events page of the Dorset Food & Drink website.

DF&D Coordinator Caz Richards said: “We’re bringing together a fantastic collective of makers & food producers with the buzz of a traditional market. Stalls include English wines, cheese, spirits, homewares, honey, bakery, beer, keto snacks, fudge, nuts, cider, confectionery, artisan crafts, hampers, preserves, chutney, coffee, traditional toys, olives, fresh meat, hot food, and a festive bar!

Caz continues, “The icing on the Christmas cake is that when you shop for gifts at events like this, you get to MEET the amazing people who make, bake, brew, farm, grow, cook, milk, preserve, pickle and serve you with all this festive local loveliness!”

Tickets: £5 per person. Under 12’s free.

Pre-booking is essential. Book online at www.athelhampton.com/events

There will be a FREE park and ride service running hourly from County Hall in Dorchester to Athelhampton.

Enjoy a Saturday learning how to make amazing ceramic Christmas cake decorations!

The cost is £65 and the workshop starts at 10.00am and ends at 3.00pm.

For bookings you can email: sgee1979@yahoo.co.uk or call 0744 566 2583

Bridport Artisans Christmas Fair

Venue: Bridport United Church

Date: Saturday 4 December 10-4

A range of unique handmade crafts and gifts made by local creatives

Refreshments available – handmade cakes, tea, coffee & hot chocolates.

SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER – SUNDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2021

Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market is back and even better than before! So much so, we are making it a two-day event. 

We are looking forward to welcoming back our regular stallholders as well as introducing an array of exciting new businesses, focusing on products where locality, product quality and sustainability are of first and foremost importance.

There’s live music and performances across both days, so come along and share our Christmas Cheer!

On the occasion of the death of its beloved Kansas-born editor Arthur Howitzer, Jr., the staff of The French Dispatch, a widely circulated American magazine based in the French city of Ennui-sur-Blasé, convenes to write his obituary.

Memories of Howitzer flow into the creation of four stories: a travelogue of the seediest sections of the city itself from The Cycling Reporter; “The Concrete Masterpiece,” about a criminally insane painter, his guard and muse, and his ravenous dealers; “Revisions to a Manifesto,” a chronicle of love and death on the barricades at the height of student revolt; and “The Private Dining Room of the Police Commissioner,” a suspenseful tale of drugs, kidnapping and fine dining.

Date:  Saturday 04 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: £5.50

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Blimey ohRiley (AKA the mind altering sausages) are a band hailing from sleepy Devon. A collective of musicians who have gigged with the likes of Noel Gallagher, Frank Turner, & Megadeth to name but a few.

Together though they speedball more genres, styles, & influences into a single punk fuelled show, than you could shake a rhythm stick at!

SATURDAY 4TH DECEMBER – SUNDAY 5TH DECEMBER 2021

Symondsbury Estate Christmas Market is back and even better than before! So much so, we are making it a two-day event. 

We are looking forward to welcoming back our regular stallholders as well as introducing an array of exciting new businesses, focusing on products where locality, product quality and sustainability are of first and foremost importance.

There’s live music and performances across both days, so come along and share our Christmas Cheer!

Are you proud of your beard or moustache?

The Ropemakers competition for men or women who are perhaps facially hirsute or maybe not!

A prize will go to the holder of the most magnificent moustache or beautiful beard.

In the Ropemakers tradition, this is not quite what it seems, but the relevant beard or moustache need not be their own, but can be made out of any material suitable, it is time to get creative!

Perhaps decorate the beard you have? Get decorating!

There will be two classes in this competition, one for the women and one for the men. Prizes etc. to be announced.

Entry will be £5 per beard or moustache and all proceeds will go to The Bridport Living Tree cancer support charity.

Willow Sculpture Workshop- Deer

Tuesday 7th December

9am-3pm (Lunch break 12.45-1.30-bring our own)

Skyrm Room, Beaminster Town hall

£75pp

For more details please visit the website: Workshops 2020/21 | Jo Sadler Forged n Willow (bigcartel.com)

All booking by email. Terms and conditions with booking information. Limited groups. Covid restrictions applied. Flexible re booking if needed. Non returnable deposit. All materials and tutoring included.

Symondsbury Estate are thrilled to be partnering with Emma Dixon, the resident River Cottage Florist, in bringing you three nights of festive flora and fauna.

With expert tuition from Emma, you will be shown step-by-step how to create your own signature show stopping yuletide wreath in this relaxed, enchanting seasonal workshop.

All materials are included, so get creative using festive favourites such as holly berries, eucalyptus, spruce and rosemary, and don’t worry no experience is necessary!

 Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you work.

Tickets are £40 per person, and you can book here.

After much careful consideration, including discussion with Bridport Town Council, Bridport United Church has decided to hold a ‘slimmed down’ Christmas Tree Festival this year.

There will be fewer trees than previously and more widely spaced so as to minimise too much crowding around any individual tree.
There will a double focus this year:
(i)  A tree to mark the work of the various Food Banks working to aid the community in Bridport.
(ii) A tree to support the invaluable work done by Bridport Town Council via it’s Community Fund.

The opening hours every week day, Monday to Friday, will be from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. so as to give opportunity for school parties to come in their own ‘bubble’ move around more freely between 9 – 11 a.m.

On Saturdays, the church will be open until 3.30 pm

On the Sundays: 12th & 19th December, the Christmas Tree Festival will be open to the public from 2.00 – 3.30 p.m.

The Festival will be officially opened on the evening of December 7th  at 7.00 p.m. …..  More details to follow

Symondsbury Estate are thrilled to be partnering with Emma Dixon, the resident River Cottage Florist, in bringing you three nights of festive flora and fauna.

With expert tuition from Emma, you will be shown step-by-step how to create your own signature show stopping yuletide wreath in this relaxed, enchanting seasonal workshop.

All materials are included, so get creative using festive favourites such as holly berries, eucalyptus, spruce and rosemary, and don’t worry no experience is necessary!

 Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you work.

Tickets are £40 per person, and you can book here.

This month we welcome six delicious seasonal cheeses, together with crackers and accompaniments .

There will be three sittings, one at 7:30pm, one at 8:00pm and one at 8:30pm.

The cost for this event is £7.50 per head and there will be a selections of drinks chosen by Palmers Wine Store available for purchase.

Booking for this event is essential.

Early dates for your diary ‘Meet the Maker’ and late night shopping till 7pm at @artyfacts_studios on Thursdays in December. Come and meet your local artists and makers and have a mince pie and glass of wine from @selectedgrapes – we’re all looking forward to seeing you there!

This event takes place every Thursday (during term times) at The Chapel in the Garden.

Exercise to classic music at your own place.

All abilities, all ages, no frills – Bring Your Own Hula Hoop.

Pay what you can – the suggested donation is £3.00.

All proceeds go to The Chapel in the Garden.

Feeling overwhelmed by it all?

Come an share with those who understand!

On Thursday November 18 and December 9, there will be a pilot Climate Café in Bridport, at Soulshine Café, South Street, 2-3.30pm. In the past couple of years, there has been rapid growth in climate cafés across the UK, and a small team is now doing training to host them in Bridport.

A climate café is an informal, supportive space where you can talk about your feelings about climate change. It’s a confidential space for respectful listening, whatever your views. It’s not a therapy group, and it’s not a place for discussing or planning action, vital as that is. No regular commitment is needed: everyone is asked to arrive promptly, so we can make group agreements like confidentiality, but you can leave anytime. The café is free of charge, except for you buying whatever refreshments you’d like.

For any queries, call Alan Heeks on 07976 602787.

Symondsbury Estate are thrilled to be partnering with Emma Dixon, the resident River Cottage Florist, in bringing you three nights of festive flora and fauna.

With expert tuition from Emma, you will be shown step-by-step how to create your own signature show stopping yuletide wreath in this relaxed, enchanting seasonal workshop.

All materials are included, so get creative using festive favourites such as holly berries, eucalyptus, spruce and rosemary, and don’t worry no experience is necessary!

 Enjoy a complimentary glass of mulled wine and a mince pie while you work.

Tickets are £40 per person, and you can book here.

Years after apprehending Blofeld (Christoph Waltz), James Bond (Daniel Craig) has retired, living quietly in Jamaica. When CIA agent Felix Leiter (Jeffrey Wright) approaches him for one last job.

The mission to rescue a kidnapped scientist turns out to be far more treacherous than expected, leading Bond on the trail of a mysterious villain who’s armed with a dangerous new technology.

Bond finds himself taking on the sinister Safin (Rami Malek) — and must uncover the secrets of the woman he loved, Madeleine Swan (Léa Seydoux).

Date:  Thursday 09 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: £5.50

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Join us among the trees and twinkling lights to enjoy folky carols, poems and a hearty song.

Suitable for all ages, with a craft table for children.

Bring a mug for us to fill with something warm and delicious!

Willow Sculpture Workshop- Deer

Saturday 11th December

9am-3pm (Lunch break 12.45-1.30-bring our own)

Skyrm Room, Beaminster Town hall

£75pp

For more details please visit the website: Workshops 2020/21 | Jo Sadler Forged n Willow (bigcartel.com)

All booking by email. Terms and conditions with booking information. Limited groups. Covid restrictions applied. Flexible re booking if needed. Non returnable deposit. All materials and tutoring included.

Enjoy a night bursting with all the disco classics….from funk, soul, groove & Motown through to the best 70s and 80s dancefloor fillers.

YOUR ULTIMATE CHRISTMAS 2021 PARTY NIGHT AT BRIDPORT ELECTRIC PALACE

★ Doors open 7pm with disco sounds from DJ Dr Funk
★ Complimentary glass of chilled Prosecco on arrival
★ Themed Cocktail Bar by Lloyd Brown of Grey Bear Bar Company

★ Live band After 8s onstage from 8pm
★ Dancing to our 8 piece live band After 8s plus vinyl disco until 1am
★ 2 fabulous bars serving drinks all night : Foyer & Auditorium

Advance tickets
★ £22 per person (18+)

SPECIAL GROUP TICKET OFFER
★ £20 per person*
(* 4+ tickets, purchased in one transaction)

After 8s
Superb energetic 8 piece band with male & female lead vocals, backing vocals & brass section.
After 8’s play an awesome unique blend of modern & classic Funk, Soul, Motown, Disco, Rock ‘n Roll and R ‘n’ B  anthems.

With a repertoire that spans from the 50s right through to the 10s that includes hits from legends, old and new. Expect to hear tracks from artists such as: Etta James, Marvin Gaye, The Beatles, Al Green, Stevie Wonder, Kool & The Gang, + more!!

Date:  Saturday 11 December 2021

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

We are extremely pleased to have Psychadelephant back. Their blend of psychedelic funk they brought to the Ropemakers was another level with their incredible original songs and their absolute jaw dropping covers of funk, soul and blues classics from Marley to the Mac, Hendrix …

They have been described variously over the years, with references to Billie Holiday, Tom Waits and a “moody Mary Margaret O’Hara”, yet Ma Polaine’s sound is very much their own.

Beth’s effortlessly distinctive vocals and evocative lyrics coupled with Clinton’s understated guitar underpin the songs, and on their latest release “City of Love” we hear the character of Ma Polaine explored more deeply than ever before.

“City of Love” received wide-spread acclaim and earned the band “Best band/duo” award from Fata Magazine, with MOJO magazine saying they “have evolved a pop-folk-blues-americana style that is warmly familiar, yet is sufficiently unhinged to keep you guessing”.

The first single from the album is Morphine, described by the band as “what Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds was for LSD, this one is for childbirth” and racked up airplay on 6 Music and Cerys Matthew’s Radio 2 Blues Show.

Book now for your terrarium workshop! Fun for all ages. Add Christmas accessories and lights for a unique alternative to a Christmas wreaths. Or add a crystal for a zen glass garden at the Green Yard Café Bridport

£40 per person includes a complimentary glass for Christmas Fizz!

To book call 07795443218 or email mandalaminideserts@gmail.com

Broadcast LIVE from The Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London.

Into the romantic world of an idealistic painter Cavaradossi and his sensuous lover Tosca comes the malevolence of Baron Scarpia, Chief of Police, with fatal results.

Elena Stikina, Bryan Hymel and Alexey Markov bring to life one of the best loved operas in The Royal Opera repertory: Puccini’s Tosca.

From the demonic chords with which it famously begins to the violent twist of the opera’s shock ending, the tension never lets up for a moment. Love and evil come – thrillingly – face to face in Jonathan Kent’s intense production.

Company The Royal Opera
Music Giacomo Puccini
Libretto Giuseppe Giacosa and Luigi Illica
Director Jonathan Kent
Designer Paul Brown
Lighting designer Mark Henderson
Language: Sung in Italian with English subtitles

Run time : 205 minutes, including 2 intervals.

Date:  Wednesday 15 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.15pm

Ticket Price: Advance £13.00 / Door £14.00

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Willow Sculpture Workshop- Deer

Thursday 16th December

9am-3pm (Lunch break 12.45-1.30-bring our own)

Skyrm Room, Beaminster Town hall

£75pp

For more details please visit the website: Workshops 2020/21 | Jo Sadler Forged n Willow (bigcartel.com)

All booking by email. Terms and conditions with booking information. Limited groups. Covid restrictions applied. Flexible re booking if needed. Non returnable deposit. All materials and tutoring included.

Early dates for your diary ‘Meet the Maker’ and late night shopping till 7pm at @artyfacts_studios on Thursdays in December. Come and meet your local artists and makers and have a mince pie and glass of wine from @selectedgrapes – we’re all looking forward to seeing you there!

Bridport Arts Centre

Old Malt House Jazz Band

The Old Malt House Jazz Band are a swing and jazz ensemble from Bristol who have a passion for the Trad Jazz of the 1920s to ’40s.

The band is led by singer/guitarist Joseph Trudgeon and his regular collaborator, saxophonist Greg Sterland. They will be joined at Bridport Arts Centre by their rhythm section of Dan Somers on piano, Mike Kennedy on Double Bass and Barney C Rockford on Drums.

As well as playing at festivals such as Glastonbury, Boomtown and Fanny’s Meadow, the Old Malt House Jazz Band have played venues across the country from London to the Brecon Beacons and Cornwall, much to the delight of local jazz lovers.

Their set includes Louis Armstrong’s Dinah, Billie Holiday’s Me, Myself and I (Are All in Love with You), and Can’t we be Friends by Red Nichols and his Five Pennies, not to mention the irresistible Little Ann Street Stomp penned by Joseph Trudgeon himself in a 1920s style.

 Video link  Little Ann Street Stomp by the Old Malt House Jazz Band

Date: Friday 17 December 2021

Time: Starts 8pm

Ticket Price:£12.00

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901 or

www.bridport-arts.com

Electric Palace

IMPACT OF THE DROP
PRESENTS THE LEGENDARY

DJ APHRODITE

[Urban Takeover / Aphrodite Recordings /

 An International drum and bass originator that has set the scene on fire since ’95. DJ Aphrodite will be playing an original Aphrodite and Urban Takeover set. Featuring all his classics and rave igniters from the last 15 years!

 Aphrodite produced the ultimate anthem ‘Stalker’ which was featured in the infamous record shop scene in cult dance music movie ‘Human Traffic’. Other certified rave specials include ‘Ganja Man’, ‘King Of The Beats’, ‘Style From The Darkside’, ‘All Over Me’, ‘Summer Breeze’, ‘Dub Moods’, ‘Mash Up You Know’, ‘Booyaa’ and ‘We Enter’.

 Not to be missed, Aphrodite is unlikely to be seen main stage in Bridport again anytime soon. Catch him dropping a drum and bass master class this Christmas.

Date: Friday 17 December 2021

Time: Starts 9pm

Ticket Price: Advance £10.50 (£10+50p bf) / Door £11.50

This show has been rescheduled from Friday 10 April  2020.

Tickets for 10.04.20 are valid at this performance.
Read the Rescheduled Events Policy HERE

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Shelby’s Elbows are an acoustic duo, made up of Dorset musicians Martin P. Davies and Phil Jeffs.

Formed after meeting in various Open Mic nights in 2008, Shelby’s Elbows have developed into a locally well known entertainment duo, playing a variety of instruments and producing an instantly recognisable sound that surprises people when they discover that there’s only two people making it. Starting out as a covers band, they are now writing and recording their own original music from a wide variety of influences gained from their covers set – from Nirvana to Neil Young, Seal to Skynyrd, Dire Straits to Turin Brakes and anything in between.

Shelby’s Elbows are an exciting, dynamic duo, delivering a deep filled sound that punches well above the level which their numeric deficiency should allow. Inspirational lyrics and catchy conundrums for those who like to rock their fun but socially-aware world with guitars, exuberance and honesty, along with the misuse of inappropriate and inaccurate presidential quotes.

Lower Walditch Play Area & Community Orchard

Christmas Trail 

18th-24th December

Walk the Christmas Trail along Howard Road/Close and Gundry Lane. Find letter clues on your walk to reveal a festive message whilst enjoying the festive lights and decorations.

How to visit the trail..

The map is £1.00 or buy a goody bag at £4.00 from Bridport Tourist Information Centre (Mon-Sat 10am to 3pm)

Bridport Arts Centre presents

Winter Warmer at the WI Hall Bridport

Date: Saturday 18 December 2021

Time: 7pm

Ticket Price: £8.00

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901 or

www.bridport-arts.com

A mythic and emotionally charged hero’s journey, “Dune” tells the story of Paul Atreides, a brilliant and gifted young man born into a great destiny beyond his understanding, who must travel to the most dangerous planet in the universe to ensure the future of his family and his people.

As malevolent forces explode into conflict over the planet’s exclusive supply of the most precious resource in existence—a commodity capable of unlocking humanity’s greatest potential—only those who can conquer their fear will survive.

Date:  Saturday 18 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: £5.50

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

On Christmas eve, Marie and her whole family are gathered around the tree in celebration of the holiday. She receives a magical gift from her godfather Drosselmeyer and soon enough this Christmas eve will take an unexpected turn for her. Marie’s new doll comes alive and carries her into a whirlwind adventure.

The exceptional score by Tchaikovsky, brought to life by the Bolshoi Ballet dancers in The Nutcracker, delights the hearts and ears of all generations of music lovers. Experience this holiday classic with the whole family through the eyes of Marie and her Nutcracker Prince on the big screen.

Date:  Sunday 19 December 2021

Time: Starts 3pm

Ticket Price: £13.00 adult advance / £14.00 on the door / £10.00 under 12

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Fly Yeti Fly are the Wiltshire-based acoustic duo Lorna Somerville and Darren Fisher. Blending sensitive vocal harmonies with intricate guitar arrangements, mandolin and harmonica, the duo weave songs and stories from their travels together, with a sound that is reminiscent of the late-’60s folk scene.

Now living on their canal boat on the Kennet & Avon canal, their music is heavily influenced by the natural world and life on the water.

Their debut album ‘Shine a Light in the Dark’, released March 2017, has since received critical acclaim. Having appeared on BBC Introducing stages across the south west and keen artists on the festival circuit.

Christmas Concert – West Gallery Carols

The Ridgeway Singers and Band keep old and new Dorset music alive through live performances around Dorset.

Led by well-known local musicians Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries.

Sunday 19 December at 7pm

St Swithun’s Church, North Allington, Bridport DT6 5DU

Ticket Price: Adults £10.00 / Under 18’s £5.00

Available from Bridport TIC on 01308 424901 or Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concert on Sunday 19 Dec at Bridport

Ridgeway Singers and Band are very much looking forward to performing to live audiences again their popular annual concerts leading up to Christmas, at four venues around the county.

This year the all Dorset-based programme will feature pieces from the manuscripts of Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) and Benjamin Rose (1796–1877), music by the Wareham-based composer William Knapp (1698–1796) and 19^th-century carols from Bridport and Martinstown, as well as more recently composed songs in the style of the old bands. The concerts will also include readings and poetry by the Dorset writers Thomas Hardy and William Barnes (1801–86).

Other Concert dates

Sat. 11 December Stalbridge village hall 4.00pm, presented by Artsreach

Sun. 12 December  Alderholt village hall 3.30pm, presented by Artsreach

Tickets for these concerts via www.artsreach.co.uk

Wed. 22 December Dorford Centre, Dorchester 7.00pm

Booking for these concerts: 01308 424901 or Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concert on Wednesday 22 Dec at Dorchester

Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!

Bringing to life all of our favourite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton The Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination-

The colourful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.”

Horton faces a double challenge–not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Bridport Young Performers

BYP is a youth theatre group which features a cast and production team, from our characters and chorus to our costumes and backstage team, with everyone involved being 25 or under! ‘Seussical’ is our 5th full scale musical which helps raise money to provide scholarships for young performers to use for tuition in the performing arts.

Date:  Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: Adults £12.50 / Under 16’s £8.50

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Christmas Concert – West Gallery Carols

The Ridgeway Singers and Band keep old and new Dorset music alive through live performances around Dorset.

Led by well-known local musicians Tim Laycock and Phil Humphries.

Wednesday 22 December at 7pm

Dorford Centre, Dorchester DT1 1RR

Ticket Price: Adults £10.00 / Under 18’s £5.00

Available from Bridport TIC on 01308 424901 or bridportandwestbay.co.uk/product/ridgeway-singers-band-christmas-concert-on-wednesday-22-dec-at-dorchester/

Ridgeway Singers and Band are very much looking forward to performing to live audiences again their popular annual concerts leading up to Christmas, at four venues around the county.

This year the all Dorset-based programme will feature pieces from the manuscripts of Thomas Hardy (1840–1928) and Benjamin Rose (1796–1877), music by the Wareham-based composer William Knapp (1698–1796) and 19^th-century carols from Bridport and Martinstown, as well as more recently composed songs in the style of the old bands. The concerts will also include readings and poetry by the Dorset writers Thomas Hardy and William Barnes (1801–86).

Other Concert dates

Sat. 11 December Stalbridge village hall 4.00pm, presented by Artsreach

Sun. 12 December  Alderholt village hall 3.30pm, presented by Artsreach

Tickets for these concerts via www.artsreach.co.uk

Wed. 19 December St Swithun’s Church, Bridport 7.00pm

Ridgeway Singers & Band Christmas Concert on Sunday 19 Dec at Bridport

Seussical is a fantastical, magical, musical extravaganza!

Bringing to life all of our favourite Dr. Seuss characters, including Horton The Elephant, The Cat in the Hat, Gertrude McFuzz, lazy Mayzie, and a little boy with a big imagination-

The colourful characters transport us from the Jungle of Nool to the Circus McGurkus to the invisible world of the Whos.

The Cat in the Hat tells the story of Horton, an elephant who discovers a speck of dust containing Whos, including Jojo, a Who child sent off to military school for thinking too many “thinks.”

Horton faces a double challenge–not only must he protect the Whos from a world of naysayers and dangers, but he must guard an abandoned egg, left to his care by the irresponsible Mayzie La Bird.

Although Horton faces ridicule, danger, kidnapping, and a trial, the intrepid Gertrude McFuzz never loses faith in him.

Ultimately, the powers of friendship, loyalty, family, and community are challenged and emerge triumphant.

Bridport Young Performers

BYP is a youth theatre group which features a cast and production team, from our characters and chorus to our costumes and backstage team, with everyone involved being 25 or under! ‘Seussical’ is our 5th full scale musical which helps raise money to provide scholarships for young performers to use for tuition in the performing arts.

Date:  Tuesday 21 & Wednesday 22 December 2021

Time: Starts 7.30pm

Ticket Price: Adults £12.50 / Under 16’s £8.50

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk

Come along to Bridport’s famous Ropemakers Pub for an evening of folk music and song sessions.

Every fourth Thursday of the month, the October session will have an Irish influence.

Come along and enjoy, or take part and play and/or sing!

Enjoy a sumptuous five-course lunch on Christmas Day at The Market House Inn, right in the heart of Bridport.

Booking is essential. You can pop into The Market House Inn, email info@themarkethouseinn.co.uk or give them a call on 01308 459669. When the menu is available you will then be able to pre-order your courses. £85.00 per head.

The Golden Cap Association (West Dorset) was founded in 1978 and has over 375 members, and organises illustrated talks on the last Monday of the month.

For more information you can contact Mike Nicks on (01308) 459855

Electric Palace

EARLY BIRD CODE : USE MK2021 SAVE £2 PER TICKET!

MARTIN KEMP’S 80s PARTY SET TO RETURN TO BRIDPORT’S ELECTRIC PALACE IN 2021.

Dig out those 80`s clothes, grab your dancing shoes, and prepare to enjoy a night of pure ‘Gold’ and Yes fancy dress is encouraged!

If you want to join us in December 2021, this is the perfect 80s Christmas gift, a birthday gift or just a fantastic night out with your friends, family or work colleagues.

In a recent interview on ITV’s This morning program, Martin described what these shows are like-

“It’s amazing! People absolutely lose themselves, singing to every word. It’s the most euphoric atmosphere I have ever been in, in my life!”

About Martin Kemp…

Martin Kemp’s band ‘Spandau Ballet’ sold millions of records worldwide, topping the charts around the globe. If you remember the music of the 80s, you KNOW Spandau Ballet!

Most recently seen on Channel 4`s Goggle Box with his Capital Radio DJ son Roman + Celebrity Island with Bear Grylls, Martin and Roman’s Sunday morning TV show. Martin Kemp continues to have a truly distinguished career. Since his role in the global success of Spandau Ballet, he has played lead roles in likes of The Krays and Eastenders plus Starring in Gary Barlow`s Let it Shine.

Join Martin as he trades his bass for the decks and spins the biggest and best hits from the 1980’s! An Unstoppable Singalong!

Date: Wednesday 29 December 2021

Time: Starts 8pm

Ticket Price: Advance £23.00 (£22+£1.00 bf) / Door £25.00

EARLY BIRD CODE : USE MK2021 SAVE £2 PER TICKET!

Tickets available from Bridport Tourist Information Centre, Bridport Town Hall, South Street DT6 3LF. Tel: 01308 424901

www.electricpalace.org.uk