What’s on in Swanage in September 2021?

With so many events having been postponed due to Covid, there’s lots happening in September 2021 in Swanage.

An autumn bumper crop of festivals, exhibitions, and performances are planned to go ahead this month.

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Here’s the main events:

Richard Digence
Richard Digance

Richard Digance at The Mowlem – Friday 3rd September 2021, 7.30 pm

Comedian and singer Richard Digance performs his one-man show. First scheduled for spring 2020, the show has been postponed on several occasions but now, not unsurprisingly, has lots of new material.

More information online

Henry Searle
Henry Searle

Music by the Sea – Sunday 5th September 2021, 12 noon to 5 pm

An afternoon of live music by local bands in memory of Henry Searle at Prince Albert Gardens in Swanage. Proceeds from the event are going to three local causes, Cancare, Save our Ambulance Car and #Willdoes.

Wristbands (£10 for adults, children free) available from Corbens Estate Agents in Swanage or online

Educating Rita poster

Educating Rita at The Mowlem – Tuesday 7th to Saturday 11th September 2021

The much loved Willy Russel comedy performed by Swanage Rep Company and starring TV’s Coronation Street actress, Kimberly Hart Simpson.

To book online

Swanage Folk Festival parade 2019

Swanage Folk Festival – Friday 10th to Sunday 12th September 2021

A weekend of concerts, traditional dance displays, dance and music workshops, children’s activities, music sessions and ceilidh in Swanage. This year performers include Jon Boden, Sam Kelly and the Lost Boys, Churchfitters and Ninebarrow.

More information online

Purbeck Art weeks sign
Purbeck Art weeks

Purbeck Arts Weeks – Saturday 11th to Sunday 26th September 2021

Art exhibition at Rollington Barn near Corfe Castle plus artist studios open to the public in Swanage and across Purbeck.

Charlotte Heath, Chair, Purbeck Art Weeks Festival said:

“The best place to start your visit is at Rollington Barn, near Corfe Castle. Here you can see at least one piece of work from all our exhibiting artists, and pick up a handy Open Studio map.

“It’s a good place to get updated on what’s happening over the fortnight, and plan your art trail and evening’s events – whilst enjoying delicious refreshments in the café and lunchtime performances by local musicians.”

More information online

Dorset Arts Weeks exhibition at Durlston

Brushes with Colour art exhibition at Durlston – Monday 13th to Monday 27th September 2021

Artists Heather MacGregor, Dick Hewitson and Heather Gibbons exhibit their work at the Fine Foundation Gallery at Durlston Country Park in Swanage. Daily 10.30 am to 5 pm.

More information online

Private Lives Poster

Private Lives at The Mowlem – Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th September 2021

Noel Coward’s comedy of manners performed by Swanage Rep Company.

To book online

Threads at the Grand poster

Threads at the Grand – Wednesday 15th to Sunday 19th September 2021

The Purbeck branch of West Country Embroiderers annual exhibition of embroidery, textile and mixed media at the newly refurbished Grand Hotel in Swanage. Daily 9.30 am to 4 pm.

More information online

Swanage Bandstand
Lawrie Sandford

Celebrating Freedom concert at Swanage Bandstand – Saturday 18th September 2021, 3 pm to 8 pm

A concert at the Swanage Bandstand in support of the Trevor Chadwick Memorial Trust, featuring the Swanage Town Band, Feverstreet, The Salamanda Swing Band, Karen ‘G’ and Phoenix Rock and Roll.

Planet Purbeck festival poster

Planet Purbeck Festival – Monday 20th to Sunday 26th September 2021

Reflecting Planet Purbeck’s twin mission to tackle the climate emergency while protecting and enhancing the peninsula’s natural beauty and wildlife, more than 70 groups or businesses are set to stage at least 230 events in Swanage and across Purbeck.

Joint organiser Rob Waitt said:

“We have been amazed at the variety of events that have been offered to us, including many unusual ones that have come as a pleasant surprise.

“Some, such as litter picks and nature trails, will be familiar to everyone. But who will have heard of things like an exhibition about the benefits of dandelions that is being staged by the Tom’s Field campsite outside Swanage? Or evening hikes to spot bats?

“It’s great and I’ll be going to many of them personally because they sound so intriguing.”

More information online

Hugh Budden and Andy Stone at the Blues Festival March 2020

Swanage Blues Festival – Thursday 30th September to Sunday 3rd October 2021

A long weekend of Blues music with 40 top class acts and 60 gigs, open mic and jam sessions, across 15 Swanage venues.

Organiser Steve Darrington said:

“It’s been a long and hard road for many of us since our last festival in March 2020. I do hope to bring you joy with this offering!”

More information online

Coming soon to a screen near you…

Purbeck Film Festival – Friday 22nd October to Sunday 31st October 2021

The UK’s longest running rural film festival with 65 films from all over the world, across 22 venues in Purbeck including The Mowlem in Swanage.

More information online

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