Dorchester Cider Festival August 2026

Cheers To Cider!

Grab your picnic blanket and get ready for one of the biggest dates on Dorchester’s summer calendar. The Dorchester Cider Festival returns to Borough Gardens on Saturday 15th August, running from 2pm right through to 10pm, and we cannot wait to welcome back your favourite cider makers alongside a few exciting new names joining the festival for the first time this year.

Great cider, great music and a great cause, all wrapped up in one sunny afternoon in the heart of town. It is easy to see why this one has become such a firm favourite on Dorchester’s summer calendar. So what can you expect this year? Let’s dive in.

What’s In The Cup

There is always a brilliant range to work your way through at the Dorchester Cider Festival, with the region’s finest producers pouring everything from crisp, fruity blends to good old fashioned scrumpy. Honestly, you could spend the whole afternoon tasting your way around the cider village and still not get through it all. And if cider is not quite your thing, do not worry, there are cocktails, soft drinks and tasty local food stalls too, so there is something for everyone in the family.

The festival is free to attend, though you will need to pick up a festival cup once you arrive, as it is the only cup used across the cider village. The event is organised by the Dorchester Round Table, and every penny of profit raised on the day goes straight back into supporting local causes across the community, so every pint you buy is helping Dorchester in more ways than one.

Live Music From Afternoon Into Evening

No Dorchester Cider Festival would be complete without some proper live music, and this year is no exception. Expect two stages of entertainment across Borough Gardens, with local bands and touring acts keeping everyone singing, dancing and having a brilliant time from the moment the gates open right through to the evening. Think toe tapping folk, feel good pop and everything in between, the perfect soundtrack to an afternoon pint in the sun. Bring a blanket, find your spot on the grass, and let the afternoon roll gently into evening surrounded by music, laughter and good company.

Main Stage

• Fluke – Stage time: 14:00–14:50.
• Tristan Hutton – Stage time: 15:30–16:30.
• Tabula Fire – Stage time: 17:00–18:00.
• Ironhide – Stage time: 18:30–20:00.
• Stillyano – Stage time: 20:30–22:00.

Acoustic Stage

• Drew Allen – Stage time: 14:55–15:25.
• Kipper – Stage time: 16:30–17:00.
• Chris Davies – Stage time: 18:00–18:30.
• Eva Grant – Stage time: 20:00–20:30.

Family Friendly Fun

While the cider takes centre stage, this really is a festival for everyone. Families are always warmly welcomed, with plenty of space across the gardens to spread out a picnic, let the little ones have a run around and soak up the atmosphere together. Bring the whole family, meet up with friends, or pop down on your own for the afternoon, it is the kind of easy, laid back day that suits everyone.

Know Before You Go

Borough Gardens holds Green Flag status, a real point of pride for the town, so we would love your help looking after it while you are there. Extra bins are put out especially for the festival, so please make good use of them and help keep the gardens looking their best, on the day and long after.

Entry to the park and the live music is completely free. Just bring yourself, a blanket and a thirst for something local, and remember to grab your festival cup when you arrive.

See you there!

Dorchester Cider Festival Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Dorchester Cider Festival 2026?

The Dorchester Cider Festival takes place on Saturday 15th August 2026, from 2pm until 10pm.

Where is the Dorchester Cider Festival held?

The festival is held in Borough Gardens in Dorchester, Dorset, right in the heart of the town.

Is the Dorchester Cider Festival free?

Yes. Entry to the Dorchester Cider Festival is free, including access to the live music and entertainment. Visitors will need to purchase a festival cup to buy cider from the cider village.

What cider will be available at the festival?

The festival brings together a range of cider makers, with everything from crisp and fruity ciders to traditional scrumpy available to try throughout the day.

Is there anything to drink besides cider?

Yes. As well as cider, visitors can enjoy cocktails and soft drinks, alongside a selection of local food stalls.

Is there live music at the Dorchester Cider Festival?

Yes. There will be live music across two stages in Borough Gardens, with local bands and touring acts performing from the afternoon into the evening.

Is Dorchester Cider Festival family friendly?

Yes. The Dorchester Cider Festival is a family-friendly event, with plenty of space in Borough Gardens for families to relax, enjoy a picnic and listen to the live music.

Can I bring a picnic blanket?

Yes. Visitors are encouraged to bring a picnic blanket, find a spot on the grass and enjoy the festival atmosphere and live entertainment.

Who organises the Dorchester Cider Festival?

The festival is organised by Dorchester Round Table, with profits from the event used to support local causes and community projects.

What else can I do in Dorchester when visiting the Cider Festival?

The festival takes place close to Dorchester town centre, making it easy to combine your visit with the town’s shops, cafés, restaurants, museums and other local attractions.

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