October
What: Jewellery making workshop with Caroline Parrott
When: Saturday, October 19th 10am-4pm
More info: Caroline creates beautiful, colourful jewellery using hand printed and coloured aluminium.
This is an exciting opportunity join her and create your own unique jewellery, using anodised aluminium that you hand print and dye as part of the workshop. Students typically create 5 different pieces in a day including, earrings, bangles and pendants.
Suitable for beginners and those with experience of jewellery making. Please bring and apron and wear old clothes as dyes can stain permanently. Lunch is included in the price and tickets are £65 each. If you have any queries about the workshop, please call Abbie King on 01305 261849
What: Half Term Halloween – kids go free when dressed up!
When: Saturday, October 26th to November 2nd.
More info: Youngsters and the young at heart will be able to take part in a host of spooky activities from October 28 to November 1 from 10am to 4pm. On Saturday and Sunday, visitors can follow the free witch’s potion trail around the museum, and during the week slime making will take place in the cells (*£2 supplement per child.)
There will also be tasty autumnal treats in the café, gruesome touchy-feely guessing games to take part in and spooky storytelling throughout the week. Up to two children in Halloween fancy dress go free when accompanied by a full paying adult. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Drinks in the Clink: Spells in the Cells
When: Thursday, October 31st, 7pm
More info: A brilliant and unique night out for any school of wizardry fan….
The evening begins with a serving of Butterbeer, a truly tasty beverage straight from the books. From there, things get even boozier with just a swish and a flick. We invite you to try your hand at mixing potions, and yes, they are whipped up in a cauldron. Using a set of ingredients sourced from ancient magick textbooks, you’ll chop, grind, and mix up concoctions such as the Transfiguration Tonic, which you will then proceed to drink. Practical magic, indeed.
No witches or wizards under the age of 18. Dressing up strongly encouraged! Booking is essential and tickets are £30 each. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
November
What: ‘The Exiled Collector’, a talk by Anna Sebba .
When: Sunday, November 17th at 1pm. (Please note: this event has changed from 3 November due to unforeseen circumstances)
More info: William Bankes was a 19th century collector of ancient Egyptian artefacts and Spanish paintings intended for his ancestral home, Kingston Lacy. He was forced into exile in Italy to escape prosecution, yet continued to collect for a house he no long lived in nor owned. The house has been restored by the National Trust – can William himself be restored in this talk? For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Drinks in the Clink: Piratical Rum Night
When: Friday, November 29th at 7pm
More info: Discover your inner pirate at a rum-fuelled night at Shire Hall!
Your host is David, Grey Bear Bar Co.’s Master Mixologist. He will take you on a trip to the Caribbean, with the origins of rum and the triangular trade, look at naval connection, of course, piracy! Includes a drink on arrival followed by two cocktails and two rum samples, and a selection of nibbles.
As the evenings draw in, treat yourself to a spirit-ed night out that will warm you up from your head to your toes!
Tickets are £25 per person and booking is essential. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
December
What: Christmas Afternoon Tea
When: November 30th – December 22nd
More info: Treat yourself to a Christmas Afternoon in Shire Hall café, in the lead up to Christmas. Includes a glass of fizz, finger sandwiches, scones, an assortment of Christmas-inspired cakes and pastries, finished off by a personal dessert. Afternoon teas cost £12.50 per person and booking is essential, please visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Film Night: Arthur Christmas
When: Wednesday, December 4th at 4pm
More info: Come and join us for the first of our Family Christmas film nights!
We’ll provide popcorn and Hot Chocolate, so all you need to do is bring yourselves and all the onesies, blankets and pillows you need to get comfy. Doors open 4pm the film will start at 4.15pm. We should be finished in time for the younger ones to be put to bed – which we know is important to you parents! Tickets £4.00 per child and Mums and Dads watch for free! For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Dorchester Christmas Cracker Night
When: December 5th, 4pm onwards.
More info: See Dorchester transformed into a late-night Christmas shopping hub this Christmas Cracker. After perusing the outdoor stalls, pop into Shire Hall for a warming glass of mulled wine, and a listen to some traditional tunes by our Victorian Carol Singers. Don’t forget to visit to Father Christmas in his grotto and the peruse the best selection of Christmas gifts in Dorchester, in our gift shop! For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Film Night: The Grinch
When: Wednesday, December 11th at 4pm
More info: Watch out for The Grinch trying to steal Christmas at our family film night!!
We’ll provide popcorn and Hot Chocolate, so all you need to do is bring yourselves and all the onesies, blankets and pillows you need to get comfy. Doors open 4pm the film will start at 4.15pm.
We should be finished in time for the younger ones to be put to bed – which we know is important to you parents! Tickets £4.00 per child and Mums and Dads watch for free! For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Shire Hall Christmas Extravaganza!
When: December 14th, all day!
More info: Come along to Shire Hall and immerse yourself in a Christmas extravaganza, with seasonal goodies in the café, festive music from the Crossways Handbell Ringers, Christmas craft workshops and glistening Christmas slime-making as well as a visit to Father Christmas in his grotto and the best selection of Christmas gifts in Dorchester! Glittery Slime-Making will be on all day and costs £2 to cover materials, Father Christmas will be in his grotto all day and visits are £4 per child. The hand bell ringers will be performing at 3pm for free. For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
What: Film Night: A Muppet Christmas Carol
When: Wednesday, December 18th at 4pm
More info: Come and sing along to one of the best family Christmas films of all time – the Muppet Christmas Carol! We’ll provide popcorn and Hot Chocolate, so all you need to do is bring yourselves and all the onesies, blankets and pillows you need to get comfy. Doors open 4pm the film will start at 4.15pm.
We should be finished in time for the younger ones to be put to bed – which we know is important to you parents! Tickets £4.00 per child and Mums and Dads watch for free! For more information visit shirehalldorset.org or call 01305 261849.
