Weldmar’s Summer Fete 2026

Friday, September 11th, 2026 Weldmar Summer Fete 2026 with Martin Clunes

One of Dorchester’s favourite events is back this Saturday. Weldmar’s Summer Fete takes over the grounds of the hospice on Herringston Road on 12th September with much to explore and get involved with during the celebrations, including live music, animal encounters, vintage vehicles Punch and Judy and more. Entry is £3, under 16s go free, and every penny raised stays in Dorset funding hospice care for local families.

Here’s everything you need before Saturday.

When and where is Weldmar’s Summer Fete 2026?

When?
Saturday 12 September 2026, 11am to 4pm.
Where?
Weldmar Hospicecare Inpatient Unit, Herringston Road, Dorchester, DT1 2SL. It’s a 15 minute walk from Dorchester town centre, so combining the fete with a wander round town works nicely either side of your visit.
How much does entry cost?
£3 per person on the gate. Children under 16 get in free, so a family day out costs the price of two coffees.

Who is Weldmar Hospicecare?

Weldmar provides specialist end of life care to adults with life-limiting illnesses right across Dorset, both at the inpatient unit in Dorchester and in people’s own homes. Alongside nursing care, the team offers counselling, complementary therapy and support for families before and after a death.

The charity holds an Outstanding rating from the Care Quality Commission and is a registered charity (number 1000414). All care is free for families, funded largely through donations, the Weldmar shops and community events like this one.

Every pound spent on the day goes straight back into specialist care and bereavement support for families across the county. Your £3 on the gate, your raffle tickets, your slice of cake, your photo with Martin Clunes, all of the day’s takings go the same way.

What’s on at the fete?

There’s a lot packed into five hours, with something for every age. On the music front you’ll hear Andy Collett, swing from Tony Lowe, the Dorchester Ukulele Group and Anissa Lee. In between sets, look out for Magic Jay, storyteller and musician Will Adams, dancers from The Studio and Professor JR’s Punch and Judy Show.

Younger visitors are well looked after too, with animal encounters from The Ranch, C-Star Cosplay Characters wandering the field, the Human Fruit Machine and the Weld-bark dog game. Steam engines and vintage vehicles will be lined up for anyone who likes a good bit of chrome.

There’s one more familiar face to look out for. Actor and long-standing Friend of Weldmar, Martin Clunes is coming along for photos, with a suggested £5 donation going straight to hospice services. Expect a queue, and expect the queue to be worth joining.

When you need a break, you’ll find hot food, snacks, tea, coffee, cake stalls and an ice cream van, with traditional fete games and stalls running right through the afternoon.

How do I get there? Is there parking?

There’s no parking on site, but a free park and ride has been laid on for everyone coming along. First Bus is running a free service between Dorchester South station and the hospice roughly every 30 minutes through the day, so you park up at the station, hop on the bus and skip the walk altogether. Check the Weldmar website for this year’s bus times before you set off.

If you’d rather make your own way, the hospice event is a 15 minute walk from the town centre and drop-offs at the entrance are fine. If you park on nearby residential roads, please park considerately and keep driveways clear for the neighbours.

See you in Dorchester Saturday!

Weldmar’s Summer Fete is one of the warmest days in the Dorchester calendar, and a lovely way to give back to a charity close to the hearts of so many local families. Come along on Saturday 12 September, 11am to 4pm, at Herringston Road, DT1 2SL, with £3 for the gate and room for cake.

Find more of what’s on across Discover Dorchester website.

FAQs

Are dogs welcome?

Dogs are welcome on leads. Water bowls and shaded spots are dotted around the site, and Katie’s Pet Portraits will be there taking commissions if your four-legged friend fancies a sitting.

Is the site accessible?

All areas are accessible, though worth knowing the meadow stalls sit on uneven ground with a few slopes. In wet weather the grass gets soft, which makes things harder going for wheelchair users. Shaded rest areas are available across the site.

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