5th May 2010

DORCHESTER: The world comes to town

by Anita Harries

THE sights, sounds - even smells of Africa come to Dorset for six days of great events this May as the “World Comes to Town” for Dorchester Festival.

Pulsating rhythms, spectacular dancers and hundreds of children in African-inspired costumes come together for a free weekend of music, dance and celebration over the end of May bank holiday Monday 31st.

Performances from African music legend Kanda Bongo Man and stand-up comedy talent Gina Yashere head a stunning line up of international artists appearing in the festival’s evening venues.

And to top it off - a North African “souk” will transform the streets with a diverse range of African textiles, leather and other products and a range of exotic food and drink.

“It’s going to be an amazing festival with something for everybody,” said artistic director Sharon Hayden. “There will be dozens of free daytime events throughout the town on bank holiday Saturday, Sunday and Monday and evening events spread across the week.”

Highlights include Spacehoppers - a new show for three to seven-year-olds by acclaimed children’s theatre company Tell Tale Hearts,

Tea and Talk with novelist Salley Vickers, and Dorchester Arts’ third visual art open exhibition in the centre’s newly refurbished rear hall.

The festival offers a rare chance to see newly developed cutting edge small scale theatre - The Tragic and Disturbing Tale of Little Lupin and small scale horror show - The Little Box of Horrors.

Programmes are available from the Tourist Information Centre, Dorchester Arts and many other places in the town and downloadable from the Festival website www.dorchesterfestival.co.uk

PICTURE: PULSATING PROGRAMME - Dorchester Festival Artistic Director Sharon Hayden (left) with administrator Irene Archibald, membership manager Mike Furze, Board member Rod Drew, Marketing Officer Bruno Sajno and young helpers Issy and Archie

DORCHESTER: The world comes to town

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