William Barnes Society Events

Dorset Meetings are held throughout the year, with talks, poetry readings, recitals and other entertainments including excursions to places with special Barnes connections. Annual events include a spring Service of Remembrance at Winterborne Came Church, a June, Summer Lunch and a wreath laying at St. Peter's Church, Dorchester, in October.

• Non-members are welcome to our events as advertised (£4 for entry), William Barnes Society members FREE. For more information on joining click here.
• External events advertised outside of the organisation may be ticketed.

On 19/02/2026
Starts 12:30
From the Stacks: Highlights from the William Barnes Archive

Ruth Burton, Archivist, will present a fascinating selection of highlights From the Stacks, drawing on her work with the William Barnes archive.

From 22/02/2026 until 22/02/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | Barnes Night: A Celebration of the Life and Work of William Barnes

Tim Laycock and members of the William Barnes Society produced a special online programme in association with KeeP 106 radio, celebrating the life of William Barnes and featuring poetry and music in the Dorset dialect.

On 22/02/2026
15:00 till 17:00
Tea with William Barnes

Dialect poet William Barnes relished the country dances, folksongs and carols of Dorset, and often wrote about community celebrations, where music was a key part of the proceedings.

On 22/02/2026
14:00 till 17:00
Hardy and Dorset Dialect

Thomas Hardy masterfully captured Dorset dialect in his novels and poetry, revealing character, emotion, and a fading rural culture. This fun, friendly event celebrates his “Wessex” world and the legacy of his mentor, William Barnes, on Barnes’ 225th Birthday.

From 20/03/2026 until 20/03/2027
Starts 09:00
ONLINE | A Dorset Spring through the Poetry of William Barnes

This FREE online event features a carefully curated selection of poetry and music performed by members of the William Barnes Society. Presented digitally for audiences to enjoy at home, the programme celebrates the rich literary and musical heritage inspired by William Barnes, bringing his words and