Summer Live Music in Borough Gardens

Borough Gardens is coming alive with music this summer, with a wonderful line up of local bands and musicians bringing their tunes to the park across the season. We are delighted to welcome six talented local artists to the Bandstand this year, with nine dates of free live music running from July right through to September. All you need to do is grab a picnic blanket, find your spot on the grass and enjoy the tunes in the park. Here is your rundown of who is playing and when.

Summer Sessions Round Up

• Elyot Warburton – Saturday 11th July, 2pm to 4pm
• Tony Lowe – Sunday 12th July, 2pm to 4pm
• Damaris & Rick – Sunday 19th July, 2pm to 4pm
• Durnovaria Silver Band – Saturday 25th July, 2pm to 4pm
• Fluke – Sunday 26th July, 2pm to 4pm
• Tony Lowe – Sunday 2nd August, 2pm to 4pm
• Daytime Brass Band – Tuesday 11th August, 2pm (midweek concert)
• Tony Lowe – Sunday 6th September, 2pm to 4pm
• Tony Lowe – Sunday 13th September, 2pm to 4pm

Summer Sessions Line Up: July

First up, on Saturday 11th July, is Elyot Warburton. He plays music steeped in the Wessex tradition, often on a diatonic button accordion, so if you have never heard one of those in the flesh, here is your chance. Elyot’s session page

Tony Lowe follows on Sunday 12th July, and he is worth getting to know, because you will be seeing him again. Weymouth born, now splitting his time between here and Belgium, he sings swing in a tuxedo and bow tie, channelling the likes of Sinatra and Michael Bublé. He is booked in four times across the summer, so there is really no excuse for missing him. Catch Tony on the 12th

On the Sunday 19th July, Damaris & Rick take over the Bandstand with a set that moves from eighties hits through to old favourites. Nothing too taxing, just good music to sit back with. Details for Damaris & Rick

Saturday 25th July belongs to the Durnovaria Silver Band, and it is a bit of a milestone one. The band was founded back in 1936, named after the old Roman name for Dorchester. This year marks 90 years of them playing for this town, so expect a proper send off from the crowd. More on the Durnovaria show

Fluke close out July on Sunday 26th with a pop and soul set that tends to get people up and moving rather than sat still on their blankets. Fluke’s session page

Summer Sessions Line Up: August & September

August opens with Tony Lowe back for round two on the 2nd August. Grab your spot for 2nd August. Then things shift midweek on Tuesday 11th for something a little different. Daytime Brass Dorchester only started up in 2025, built specifically for people who cannot make the usual evening concerts. It is led by Ian Young, who has spent the better part of thirty years conducting brass bands around the region. More on the Daytime Brass Band concert

Tony rounds things off twice more, on Sunday 6th and 13th of September, each time with another set of golden year classics. By the time he takes his final bow, the Summer Sessions are done for another year. Details for 6th September | Details for 13th September

Grab a Picnic and Pitch Up for the Day

A colourful park, a warm afternoon and live music drifting across the park. That is a summer well spent. Every one of these sessions is free to attend, so stop by for a song or two on a stroll or settle in for the whole afternoon.

If you are planning a picnic, you will find plenty of wonderful cafes just a five minute walk away on the High Street, offering all sorts of sweet treats and delicious bakes to take away. Mina’s Deli, The Secret Garden Cafe and The Pickle Jar all come highly recommended to grab your favourites and enjoy the show with.

Share:

Facebook WhatsApp X Email