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 (£3 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 23/02/2019
Starts 19:00
A Barnes Supper

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 19/03/2019
19:30 till 20:30
William Barnes Folklore and Folk Songs with Jerry Bird

Come an listen to writer and musician, Jerry Bird talk on the folklore of William Barnes and perform traditional Dorset folk songs.

On 28/04/2019
10:30 till 12:00
Annual Service of Remembrance of William Barnes

Morning service, with dialect reading and wreath laying at William Barnes and and his daughter Laura grave

On 21/09/2019
14:30 till 16:00
Celebrating William Barnes with Tim Laycock and Friends

Music and Poetry reading in the garden of Thomas Hardy's Max Gate

On 06/10/2019
10:30 till 12:00
Morning Service of Remembrance at St Peters, Dorchester

Morning church service to commemorate William Barnes death.

On 15/10/2019
19:00 till 21:00
2018 Annual General Meeting of the William Barnes Society

2018 Annual General Meeting

On 10/12/2019
19:00 till 21:00
Keepen Up O' Chris'mas

Festive celebrations in words and music with Tim Laycock and friends.