The 8th annual Dorchester Cider Festival returns to Borough Gardens on Saturday 19th August 2023 at 14:00.

A family friendly event and celebration of the regions finest cider producers, great food and live music throughout the day. Please purchase your 2023 festival cup first from The Round Table Orange Gazebo – this will be the only cup available for use in the cider village. This includes 2 stages of live music and helps to cover the growing costs of running the charity festival, ensuring it is a safe and enjoyable event for all. All profits from this event are distributed to local good causes by the Dorchester Round Table. Please respect the park (Borough Gardens has Green Flag status) and use the extra bins that are provided especially for the day. Click on the categories below to jump to the corresponding section. Cider Village Food Vendors Line-up FAQs

Cider village

Meet and be served by our guest cider makers and sample over 80 of their award winning tipples. We’ll also be serving soft drinks, beers and wines for non-cider drinkers who want to join in the fun. Dorset Star – Family-owned business using cider apples in their own orchard near Dorchester. A range of craft ciders to satisfy every palette. West Milton Cider Co – Sample the award-winning cider from Bridport-based West Milton Cider. Dickies Dribble – Artisan cider made with love and laughter in the New Forest. Weymouth Cider Company – A wide range of traditional ciders, as well as the not so traditional. With a range from the weak to the strong, from sweet through to dry, there really is something to suit everyone. Dorset Nectar – Producers of award-winning artisan organic ciders, apple juices and vinegars using the finest Dorset grown produce. Noddy’s Cider – A truly authentic Weymouth cider maker sure to give you service with a smile. Cider to make you go ‘Ooh Arrrr’. Bridge Farm Cider – Producing award winning cider for more than twenty years. The cider is made using traditional rack and cloth methods and hydraulic press. Twisted Cider – Farmhouse range with an added twist to give you the beautiful blends that resemble flavours true to their names. Cranborne Chase Cider – Based on the Family Farm at Minchington in the heart of the Cranborne Chase. Sandford Orchards – craft cider from the heart of rural Devon. Mill House Cider – from the Owermoigne Cider Museum. Dark Side Cider - Solihull based craft cider. Please note: A ‘Think 25’ policy will be enforced by everyone serving alcohol at all times.

Food stalls

Mad Mitch Ice Cream BarbecueStar Posh Pigs Coffee to go go go Bridge Farm Crisps Oggy Oggy Pasties Wild Meats

Live Music

The Bandstand

Carley Varley - stage time: 2:00-2:45pm Carley Varley is bringing her full band to the Dorchester Cider Festival bandstand for the first time. The band will be performing a mix of Carley's original music along with alternative rock covers. That Britpop Band - stage time: 3:30-4:15pm Formed in 2020, That Britpop Band is a tribute to 90s Britpop – one of the most cherished movements in British music. From the genre’s chart-topping acts like Oasis, Blur and Pulp to the lesser known bands such as Supergrass, Shed Seven, and The Seahorses, That Britpop Band have it ‘covered’! The Jimmy Hillbillies -stage time: 5:00-6:00pm The Jimmy Hillbillies provide Dorset’s happiest hoedown music, old-time folk and cowpunk. Expect a high-energy, rousing performance and be transported to a happy, care-free place where its good to sing, dance, stomp and ... conga. Stillyano - stage time: 6:30-8:00pm Stillyano is the ultimate tribute to classic stadium rock. With a reputation of delivering a high energy live performance with an edge that always guarantees to give the audiences an amazing show. We look forward to welcoming Stillyano for their first appearance at Dorchester Cider Festival. Imprints - stage time: 8:30-10:00pm Imprints are a Gypsy-Pirate-Folk Explosion from Bristol – guaranteed to bring foot-stomping fun to the Bandstand – we can't wait!

Acoustic Stage

Elijah Wolf - stage time: 2:50-3:20pm Carley Varley Acoustic - stage time: 4:20-4:50pm Fleur & Toby - stage time: 6:00-6:30pm Kipper - stage time: 8:00-8:30pm

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an entry fee to Dorchester Cider Festival?  There is no admission fee to enter the park and enjoy the live music and festival atmosphere. However, a festival cup will be a required purchase for all drinks at the event (including Cider Village, Round Table cider bar and general drinks bar). Get your cup first! You must purchase a cup at the orange Round Table Gazebo before you purchase a drink at the event. We want to avoid people spending time queuing for a drink, only to be told you need a cup before you can buy it. Please drink responsibly. Is there a limit on attendance? There is no limit on attendance, however in the unlikely event of the public park being overcrowded the festival organisers reserve the right to cancel the event at short notice. What will happen if the weather forecast predicts heavy rain/high winds on the day? The event committee will be monitoring the weather forecast very closely on the lead up to the event. If it is considered necessary to publish a statement regarding a cancellation/postponement of the event, this will be posted prior to the event on Dorchester Round Table Facebook page. Are non-cider drinks available? Yes, a general bar located behind the Round Table orange gazebo will be serving lager/ale/wines/spirits/soft drinks. Is there a lost property/information point? Visit the Round Table orange gazebo located at the front of the cider village to ask our friendly team any queries you have or to hand in lost property. Please remember the festival is a charity event, run entirely by volunteers. Are dogs allowed? As per normal Borough Gardens rules, dogs are allowed but must be kept on leads. What are the profits for the event used for?

Will extra bins be provided? Yes, large industrial bin bags will be situated around the park. Please do not drop any litter and respect the park. The gardens are awarded with Green Flag status and need to be left in the same condition as before the event. Thank you for your co-operation.

Please behave responsibly, pick up ALL litter and respect the park. All details subject to change.