Annual Events
A series of special events take place during the year in the Cerne Valley. Music, Culture, Humanity, Gardens and Christmas provide the main themes. So if you want a focus to your Dorset visit, why not book to coincide with one of our special events.
50th Cerne Abbas Open Gardens – 20th & 21st June 2026
This year the National Trust’s Giant appeal will benefit from the open gardens profits. See all Open Gardens details on their own website: www.cerneabbasopengardens.org.uk
Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre 2026
Why not start the festive season with a visit to Cerne Abbas Christmas Street Fayre? Long Street is transformed into a picturesque seasonal scene with a wonderful array of stalls selling locally produced foods, Christmas gifts and crafts and hot food and drink. This year’s Christmas Street Fayre will be on Saturday 5th December – reserve the date in your diary and join us for the start of the Cerne Abbas festive celebrations!
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Minterne Gardens 2026
Minterne Gardens are open (usual hours from 10am to 6pm).
As seen on BBC Gardeners’ World and voted One of the Ten Prettiest Gardens in England by The Times, there are wonderful walks in 27 acres of woodland garden through towering rhododendrons in full bloom collected since the 1840s. A very popular day out for all the family and your dogs.
Season Tickets Available: Family £47 & Single £37
Free parking opposite the church. Open daily from 10am – 6pm 1st February to 8th November . Dogs welcome.
Visit minterne.co.uk for more info.
5Minterne Gardens: Snowdrops 2025
MINTERNE GARDENS OPEN DAILY FOR SNOWDROPS IN SEASON from 1st February 2024, 10am to 6pm daily
With spring around the corner, Minterne Gardens reopens from 1st February 2024 for the Snowdrops.
While the snowdrops last, we are offering 2-for-1 entrance (i.e. £10 for 2 adults) and hope you will enjoy a walk through the garden.
Book online (go to BOOKINGS on the Minterne website) or come anytime to suit you.
Garden open from 10am to 6pm daily.
The Café on the Terrace will be open from mid-March.
For more information and to book in advance, please visit minterne.co.uk
Cerne Abbas Music Festival 9th -11th July 2025
In 1990, Richard Hosford, leader of the Gaudier Ensemble, and resident of Dorset had a vision of a Music Festival different from the standard commercial model. He chose St Mary’s Church in Cerne Abbas because of the Church’s excellent acoustics in an attractive setting, but also because of the village and its community. The internationally acclaimed musicians of the Ensemble come together to perform the music they want to play, always at the highest standards.
The festival continue to be based in its home of St. Mary’s Church but now extends to a range of other local venues.
For details and how to book, please visit: Festival for 2026
Cerne Giant Festival 2026
The Cerne Giant Festival started in 2017 and comprises three weeks of walks, talks, workshops and performing arts connecting you to the landscape and cultural roots of Dorset. This year’s festival starts on 14th April. Tickets are usually on sale at Cerne Abbas village store in the weeks before the festival.
We also have a website https://cernegiantfestival.org
Cerne Abbas Village Fete 2026
The annual fete takes place in the Vicarage garden and meadow on the first Saturday in July. It is run by volunteers from St Mary’s Church and the Friends of Cerne Abbas First School (FOCAS). Lots of stalls plus Sideshows, Classic cars, Dog Show and Beer tent .
Details are published on this website and in the Parish Newsletter for each year.
Cerne Abbas Society for Horticulture (CASH) – Annual Show 2026
This annual event takes place during August. Flowers, fruit and vegetables classes are available for display and judging. Also cakes and home produce. Strong competition is evident in the men- only cooking class which always produces interesting results and strong arguments!
Details are published on this website and in the Parish Newsletter for each year.