Don’t miss our Dorchester Christmas Cracker – 8th December. There’s no better way to spend your Thursday evening than grabbing something to eat and drink, being spectacularly entertained and ticking some presents of your gift lists. The local shops will be open late for Christmas shopping and staff will be getting into the spirit of the evening.
Family entertainment and music will commence at 6pm, with the Christmas lights being switched on at 18:30 by our special guest, Paul Blake at St Peter’s Church. There will be a few surprises to keep you on your toes. James from Wessex FM will be your compere for the evening.
President of Dorchester Chamber for Business, Steve Bulley, is very much looking forward to Chamber’s annual event. He said: “When times are not as easy as they might be, we all need something to lift our spirits. The lights will be shining above the streets, Christmas music will fill the air, and laughter, the best medicine of all, will be in plentiful supply.”
Also it’s the third year for the Corn Exchange craft fair which will take place from 4pm-8pm. Come and browse the eclectic mix of stalls and produce for your friends and family gifts. A chance to support local businesses and purchase something unique.
The Anonymous Travelling Market will be with us again on South Street providing festive food, drink and extraordinary gifts from 5pm. The market boasts an increasing array of specialist makers and producers from across the West Country.
Dorset’s Para Olympic champion Paul Blake, winner of Team GB’s 50thGold medal at Rio, will switch on Dorchester’s Christmas lights this year. Dorchester born Paul Blake won Gold in the men’s 400m T36 category at the Rio Olympics as well as a silver medal in the 800m. Dorchester BID chairman, John Fiori says: “It’s fantastic to have someone who has represented Team GB at the Paralympics, we are really glad he agreed to do it.”
Rock Choirlead by the Dorset leader Stacey Hobdaywill perform in Holy Trinity Church at 18:45. Singing and bopping to Christmas songs and their usualpop, rock and chart repertoire.Tapping to the beat is a must while they perform their vibrant and energetic concert.
Santa will be in the Wessex FM grotto bus from 6:45pm for children to request their Christmas gift wishes. The December chill will not bother the Snow Sisters and Snowman who will be close to the Wessex FM bus. Say hi and have your picture taken. They will be accompanied by the one and only swashbuckling Pirate Captain. He’s taken time out from pirate shenanigans to be with us for the evening harrrrr me hearties!
Town car parks are free from 4pm (street parking is payable). Please bear in mind the main town centre will be closed to vehicles from 4:45pm, diversions will be in place – see map.
This year’s event main sponsor is Kingston Maurward. Please come and celebrate our wonderful town and community.
With best wishes
The Dorchester Cracker Team
Event timings
16:00 Corn Exchange Craft Fair opens
16:00 Free car parking (road parking must be paid for)
16:45 Road closures
17:00 South Street stalls open
18:00 Dorchester Preforming Arts
18:30 Christmas lights switch on at St Peter’s church with stage entertainment after.
18:45 Santa’s free grotto bus outside Lloyds bank
18:45 Rock Choir concert, Holy Trinity Church
