There’s no Glasto, so the party starts here, right on your doorstep!

Friday 12, Saturday 13, Sunday 14 June

Tickets from: £12 adult, £6 child (5-16), £30 family, under 5s free

When the world’s most famous music festival takes a year off, it’s time for others to step up – which is exactly what Upton House Food & Music Festival is doing.

Next weekend, the home-produced festival in Upton Country Park hosts a fabulous live lineup featuring some of the best known music in rock and pop history, alongside the brand new Ibiza Classics Terrace and an array of quality street food and locally produced drink.

Whether it’s sweet beats, rock cakes or soul food, families, foodies and music fans alike are ready to revel in the idyllic grounds of Upton House with top tributes to the likes of Queen, Oasis, Foo Fighters, Elton John, Amy Winehouse, Robbie Williams and Bon Jovi on stage and star turn DJs Brandon Block, Paul Moss and Jon Langford rockin’ the Ibiza Classics Terrace alongside local legend Mark Rush Palmer and Hed Kandi artist Vicky Sax.

“There’s always a happy, inclusive feel at Upton House Food & Music Festival – people are in the mood for a good time – and with Glasto taking a year off, we’re expecting even more special vibes,” says festival organiser Serena Wren.

“We can promise non-stop hits played by the best in the business alongside a tasty celebration of creative street food and local drink – this is where everyone comes to eat to the beat!”

Local acts lined up this year include the extraordinary Chris Payn & the Parade, dynamic duo The Transitions, high energy cover artists the Wonky Donkeys and instant party starters Mother Ukers; while taste buds will be tempted with flavours from around the world ranging from the original Wild West cowboy cuisine at the Chuck Wagon Kitchen and a taste of the East at Montien Thai, to the sweet treats at Churros Hermanos and locally made Shanty spirits.

And if you’re stuck for an early Father’s Day present, look no further – the music-loving guy in your life will be itching to get his dad-dance groove on to this lineup. Get ’em while they’re hot though – organisers are down to the last few tickets!

“We’re all about providing the best times for the best price, there’s no better value festival out there,” adds Serena.

Well established as the region’s biggest and best celebration of food, drink and live music, festival goers can expect as many sweet sounds from the food stalls as the main stage as bangers blast, rolls rock and beats crunch and munch.

The new Kids’ Area hosts top family entertainers from Krazy Kev, to Mr Merlin with Okey Dokey Dragon, and Jamie Jambo, as well as a craft workshop area and the Mad 4 Animals’ interactive shows. There’s also free giant garden games such as Jenga, Connect 4 and Hoopla, not to mention the ever-popular bubble shows and Mad 4 Animals’ interactive shows.

And for something completely different, there’s carefully supervised axe throwing!

The site opens from 5pm on Friday and 11am on Saturday and Sunday.

Pre-paid on-site parking is available and well-behaved dogs on leads are welcome, although given the recent heatwave, remember to be mindful of whether the weather is suitable for your canine companions.

For bookings and more information visit: https://uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival.com/ or check out the Facebook Page here: https://www.facebook.com/uptonhousefoodandmusicfestival/

The Dorset Food & Arts Festival 2026 returns this summer with a celebratory showcase of the very best local flavours, creativity, and community spirit.

Saturday 1st August 10am – 4pm – The Great Field, Poundbury, Dorchester

This popular one-day event offers an unbeatable opportunity to support Dorset makers, bakers, brewers, artists, and growers in a vibrant outdoor setting.

What to Expect– Over 80 stalls will pop up around the Great Field offering:

• Delectable food & drink from local award-winning producers
• Handmade gifts, crafts & art
• Live music
• A welcoming space to catch up with friends and discover more about Poundbury

FREE entry for all – Explore the stalls, savour a local tipple, and soak up the laid-back, atmosphere. Whether you’re shopping for gifts, meeting the makers and producers, or simply enjoying the vibe; this community celebration has something for everyone.

Old Town Poole & The Quay – Sat 12th & Sun 13th September 2026

Now in its third year, Seafood and Sounds is a vibrant community festival celebrating the very best of locally sourced seafood and talented Dorset musicians, all set against the charming backdrop of Old Town Poole and The Quay.

About the Event

Seafood and Sounds was created by five passionate local business owners:

• Coastal Cruises Poole
• The Custom House
• The Poole Arms
• Saint Tropez Restaurant
• Truly Scrumptious

Together, they have built an inspiring event that brings people together, supports local enterprise, and showcases Poole as a fantastic destination for food, music, and culture.

What to Expect

• Exceptional local seafood, prepared and served by established Poole businesses
• Live music performances by talented Dorset artists
• Atmospheric waterfront locations throughout Old Town and The Quay
• A community-focused celebration, championing local businesses and residents

This two-day event offers the perfect opportunity to indulge in incredible food while enjoying unforgettable musical performances in one of Dorset’s most beautiful settings.

Join them this September for Seafood and Sounds 2026 — a celebration of food, music, and community by the sea.

Escape the high street this winter. Soak up the seasonal atmosphere, grab a bite to eat, and enjoy a cosy tipple as you browse stalls from a curated selection local producers and makers, offering delicious food and drink, handmade gifts, and beautiful crafts.

Whether you’re picking up something special for yourself or getting ahead on thoughtful Christmas shopping, it’s the perfect way to support local independent small businesses and savour the season.

With around 60 stalls, there’s plenty to choose from! Dorset Food & Drink are bringing together a fantastic collective of producers and makers with the buzz of a traditional market.

Stalls include local wines, cheese, spirits, honey, bakery, beer, cider, confectionery, preserves, chutney, coffee, olives, fresh meat, hot food, and a festive bar! Artisan crafts and homewares – perfect for gifts and practical too.

When you shop 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!

To get you in a festive mood there will be music over the weekend from – Blue Bridge, Dr Jazz, Barbara Gasior and Aaron Carter.