Film & Theatre
Hollywood who..? The Festival of Culture will run its own brilliant mini film festival with an acclaimed selection of films being screened, along with open air theatre events and street performers. Festival events will be hosted at two fantastic venues in tandem with their already eclectic, exciting calendars - The Bridport Arts Centre, home of the Bridport Prize and the From Page to Screen festival, and The Electric Palace, one of the top comedy and music venues in the South West. And if your children want entertaining, visit the newly refurbished Lyric Theatre with a range of family-friendly events from the Stuff & Nonsense Company.
Fringe
To complement The Festival of Culture’s core programme, the streets of Bridport will be buzzing all day (and night!) with an extravaganza of weird and wonderful fringe events, activities and performances for all ages – from open air theatre, buskers and open mic to street poetry, puppet making, story-telling and comedy cafes.
Visual Arts
Often billed as ‘the new St Ives’, Bridport has long enjoyed a brilliant, thriving art scene. Take a fascinating glimpse into the creative lives of local artists with Bridport and West Dorset Open Studios or enjoy the many pop up exhibitions at a range of venues throughout town. There will also be photography exhibitions and workshops run by locally and internationally recognised photographers.
Sport
From Wimbledon to the World Cup, Bridport is proud of its national sporting heritage and the Festival of Culture will offer a range of fun-filled sporting activities for all ages, including a mini sports festival. Start training!
Food
With its thriving local food scene, farmers’ markets, celebrity chefs and a nationally recognised Food Festival, Bridport is truly a foodie’s paradise. At Festival of Culture, you will be treated to a dizzying array of delicious slow, organic and locally produced food with culinary workshops, fresh food markets and pop up cafes and enjoy al fresco dining in the Square. On top of all this, you can savour a meal at one of our many award-winning pubs and restaurants… all you’ll need is a very, very hearty appetite!
Carnival
A major highlight of the Festival, the Bridport Carnival and Torchlight Procession is always a crowd-pleaser. Taking place the middle weekend of the Festival, the Carnival will be followed by live outdoor music events and an outstanding amount of merriment!
Music
A veritable feast for music lovers! Celebrate Bridport’s vibrant and innovative music scene with indoor and outdoor gigs from both local and national bands spanning folk, world music, jazz, blues, alternative, reggae and much more. There will be DJ sets and dancing in the streets, jazz cafes, buskers galore, youth music events and continuous revelry on offer at the town’s ten live music pubs. Something for everyone!
Heritage
Traditionally a rope and net-making town, Bridport’s unique industrial heritage is reflected in its architecture, with a medieval charter and Georgian town centre. There will be myriad opportunities to explore the rich history and cultural heritage of Bridport at the Festival – the Art and Artisan’s Quarter, street and vintage markets, special exhibitions at the refurbished Salt House and demonstrations of rural crafts and traditional skills, including morris dancing and cider-making. And let’s not forget Bridport’s natural heritage! The town is surrounded by stunning countryside and is a stone’s throw from the spectacular Jurassic Coast. Too special not to share!
