Bank Holiday Fun for All: The Anonymous Festival Returns to Borough Gardens
If you're looking for the perfect way to spend August bank holiday Monday, the Anonymous Festival is back in Borough Gardens, Dorchester, on Monday 31 August, 11am–5pm — and it's free, including activities, performances, bouncy castle and bungee trampoline. Now in its 16th year, this much-loved community event has become one of the highlights of the Dorchester calendar — and this year promises to be the best yet.
And Borough Gardens itself is one of Dorchester's true gems: a beautifully maintained Victorian park right in the heart of town, with sweeping lawns, mature trees, a bandstand, and the kind of atmosphere that makes a warm summer day even more special. On bank holiday Monday, we predict it will be buzzing!
The sheer variety of activities on offer is remarkable. Try your staying power on an inflatable surfboard. Get your face painted with glitter. Have your photo taken in a vintage horsebox. Attempt circus skills. Jump on a bouncy castle. And this year brings something new: a Games Court in the tennis courts, where you can while away the afternoon playing crazy golf, skittles, cornhole and more!
For the more adventurous, there's a masterclass in how to create a special effects wound, which will either thrill or horrify you, depending on your constitution.
Live music all day
Two stages will feature some of the area's most talented young performers throughout the day, plus the much-loved Vinyl Van spinning records in the chill-out corner. And if you'd rather let the entertainment come to you, a couple of walkabout acts will be roaming the park too.
Food and drink
There's a fantastic range of affordable food on offer: burgers, sausages and chips, Nepalese dumplings, freshly cooked Thai dishes, authentic falafels, and pizza from Basilico. For something sweet, there's popcorn, candy floss, ice cream, and bubble tea. The park kiosk will also be open for light snacks and drinks throughout the day.
Bring a blanket or a deckchair, settle in, and make a full afternoon of it.
Borough Gardens in the summer
If the Anonymous Festival leaves you wanting more time in Borough Gardens, it's a wonderful venue throughout the summer. The Durnovaria Silver Band will be performing free at the bandstand on Sunday 23 August from 2pm. And Tony Lowe brings his easy-listening golden years classics to the bandstand on Sunday 6 September and Sunday 14 September, 2–4pm. All free, and all welcoming. Anonymous Festival 2026 is made possible thanks to the generous support of local councils, community organisations, and businesses across Dorchester.
For more on this event, including the full music line-up, find them on Facebook or Instagram by searching Anonymous Festival Dorchester.
See you in the park!