Celebrate Creativity and Community at the Harmony Festival

Get ready for a celebration like no other! The new Harmony Festival on June 11-14 promises an unforgettable blend of nature, art, and music, with something for everyone to enjoy and a meaningful cause at its heart.

A Festival Born from Passion

The Harmony Festival grew from last year’s successful Summer Fair and Auction at The Duchess of Cornwall Inn, which raised nearly £3,000 for The Lantern Trust. Inspired to do even more for the community, event organiser David Kingman envisioned a festival that beautifully intertwines the social joys of nature, art, and music. With the support of local resident Shirley Jezzard and St Mary’s Church, this year’s festival will support Weldmar Hospice, a cause close to the hearts of many in Poundbury.

What to Look Forward To

The Festival features an exceptional program of activities and performances. On Saturday, June 14th, Sky Arts Landscape Artist of the Year 2025, Ben McGregor, will be painting live, offering a rare glimpse into his creative process. Music enthusiasts will be enchanted by Matt Walters, also known as Reductiomusic, who will perform a stunning mix of classic and contemporary music on the church’s organ as part of his British cathedral concert tour. Two choirs will perform too, and we will also be treated to fabulous floral designs.

Adding to the magic, the festival will welcome a selection of baby elephant sculptures from Weldmar’s “Stampede by the Sea” event. These charming creations will be on display for the first three days of the festival , offering a sneak peek before their appearance at The Corn Exchange for auction. Friday and Saturday will welcome the Artisan Market with a selection of local handcrafted items for sale.

You will be offered a souvenir brochure, available for a small donation to Weldmar Hospice. For those keen to enjoy Matt Walters’ concert, West Dorset Singers and the Dorchester Rock Choir, tickets can be purchased via links on the website at www.artattheduchess.com.

A Community Affair

The Harmony Festival showcases Poundbury's talent for bringing local residents together, offering their time and talents as stewards to create a warm and inviting atmosphere for visitors. David, who has lived in Poundbury for seven years, said, 'I'm looking forward to seeing St Mary's beautiful building come alive in a riot of colour, artistic creativity, and community spirit!'

If you’re an artist or business owner and interested in contributing, there’s still time to get involved. Donations for the festival raffle are warmly welcomed, and artists can visit the website for details on painting a still life of tulips (contact : david@artattheduchess.com)

Supporting a Worthy Cause

By attending the Harmony Festival, you’ll be supporting Weldmar Hospice, a charity that provides compassionate care and services for those in need. With the Weldmar office located right here in Poundbury, this is a meaningful opportunity to give back to the community while enjoying four days of inspiration and fun.

More Than an Event

The Harmony Festival isn’t just about music, art, and nature; it’s about connection. From a unique Ukrainian sculptural installation by Robert Marshall MRSS highlighting the ongoing conflict, to the opportunity to engage with local creatives, the festival seeks to raise awareness and foster a sense of togetherness. So mark your calendars and join us at the Harmony Festival for vibrant, inspirational, and harmonious experiences!

Date: June 11-14

Venue: St Mary’s Church, 12 Edwards Road, Dorchester, DT1 2HJ

Entry: Free (souvenir brochures available for a small donation)

Website: www.artattheduchess.com