Dorchester Festival to return with 61 events over 10 days

Based around the village of Dorchester, near Wallingford, on the River Thames, the festival will see 61 events held across 10 days, from music and entertainment to activities, comedy, art and food.

This year will see MP for Henley and Thame Freddie van Mierlo cut the ribbon and lead a 100ft abseil down Dorchester Abbey tower, in a daring stunt.

The 100ft abseil down the tower will this year be led by Freddie van Mierlo (Image: Dorchester Festival)

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He’ll be joined by Sabiene North, CEO of Be Free Young Carers, the festival’s chosen charity, along with county councillor Gavin McLauchlan and 15 other brave locals and young carers who are kicking off the festival with the abseil.

Jazz pianist and food critic Jay Rayner is in the line up (Image: Dorchester Festival)

Headliners include the world-renowned Kings Singers, Liza Pulman singing Streisan, jazz pianist and food critic Jay Rayner, John Rutter and Steve Knightly.

Promising to be the ‘biggest and best programme yet’, according to festival director Steph Forman, the line up will also include comedy, art, food, gifts, a dog show, a 5k fun run, a vicar walking on custard and a silent auction.

Liza Pulman sings Streisand (Image: Dorchester Festival)

Festival director Ms Forman said: “Our 300 volunteers are ready to give visitors a warm welcome with tea and 3,000 pieces of cake, bars and BBQs.  

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“We encourage people to support local young carers by buying tickets, bidding in the online auction, or sponsoring a brave abseiler today.”

Be Free Young Carers charity CEO Ms North said they are ‘excited’ to raise awareness of the ‘often unheard and unseen’ work of young carers through the festival.

The opening day is on Saturday, May 2 and attendees are encouraged to book tickets online at www.dorchesterfestival.com.