Our Annual Celebration of Dorset and the Dialect Poet William Barnes!
William Barnes was born in Bagber near Sturminster Newton on 22 February, 1801. A scholar, linguist, artist, priest and inventor, Barnes wrote over 800 poems in the Dorset dialect. Barnes also relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.
Alongside a delicious cream tea, The Ridgeway Singers and Band, led by Phil Humphries along with vice president of The William Barnes Society and folk musician Tim Laycock, will perform folksongs and dance tunes from across the county including One Night as I Lay on my Bed collected in 1906 by the Hammond brothers from Beaminster, Away Dark Thoughts from Winterborne Monkton, and The New Rigged Ship and The Young May Moon from the Hardy family manuscripts. This year’s programme also includes a musical setting of William Barnes’ poem Rustic Childhood. Recitals of some of Barnes’ much-loved poems will keep alive the rich dialect of Dorset in this wonderful celebration. Early booking is strongly advised.
Pop-Up Makers Market!
The Exchange is also delighted to host a pop-up producers and makers market. With stalls selling delicious food and drink, locally made products and crafts, there will be something for everyone to enjoy! Come along and try some famous local produce - perhaps you’ll discover something brand new made in Dorset!
The Pop Up Market and The Exchange Cafe will be open to the public from 11am-3pm.