Shire Hall Historic Courthouse Museum, High West St, Dorchester DT1 1UY

Christmas in the Courtroom

Join the New Hardy Players for a feast of traditional seasonal entertainment in the evocative surroundings of Dorchester’s iconic Shire Hall. Directed by Tim Laycock, Local and well-known Christmas carols, midwinter poetry from Thomas Hardy and William Barnes, dramatic scenes from the Mayor of Casterbridge and Under the Greenwood Tree, plus a Christmas Mummers play.

• Admission £15.00 including seasonal refreshments
• Tel 01305 261849 or www.shirehalldorset.org
• Supporting Dorchester Poverty Action

More events

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

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

On 26/04/2026
11:00 till 12:30
Annual Service of Thanksgiving of William Barnes

On 04/05/2026
Starts 00:00
Cerne Abbas Festival - William Barnes' Poetry Readings

On 31/05/2026
13:00 till 15:00
Wreath Laying at the William Barnes Statue

On 30/08/2026
10:00 till 17:00
William Barnes at Stock Gaylard Oak Fair 2026

On 11/09/2026
15:00 till 17:00
Celebrating William Barnes, Poet and Priest at Whitcombe Church

On 07/11/2026
14:30 till 15:30
Inspired by Barnes