Don't Be a Loser, get with the Ooser

Ooser Fest is a three-day gathering of music, film, lore, and performance in Dorset. Landing on May Day / Beltane weekend, it offers locals and visitors a chance to step away from modern digital noise and reconnect with living folk culture.

Rooted in Dorchester, a Roman town constructed inside an ancient henge and flanked by Iron Age hill forts, the weekend takes its identity from the Dorset Ooser – the horned wooden mask immortalised on the cover of Reader’s Digest’s Folklore, Myths and Legends of Britain, now resting in the Dorset Museum.

Contemporary artists, writers, and musicians gather to perform alongside regional customs, local history, and traditional dance. Dorchester pubs serve as Ooser Boozers – central spots to grab a drink, meet with friends old and new, and catch a performance, alongside events at local cinemas, museums, and other unexpected town venues.

Get involved

Venues & Spaces

Pubs, shops, museums, libraries, cinemas, and community spaces can host festival events directly. We are seeking spaces of all sizes for live music, theatrical performances, art exhibitions, and creative workshops across town.

Acts, Events & Activities

Singers, musicians, dancers, authors, filmmakers, drama groups, workshop leaders, and craftspeople
are invited to perform or host sessions.
Join the programme to showcase your work in unique spaces across town.

Venue Partners

Situated on High East Street, Tom Browns is a
local favorite featuring an extensive selection of local ales, ciders, craft beer, and a
riverside beer garden.
We are thrilled to team up with them to create a vibrant hub for the festival weekend.

Dorchester Arts has championed local culture for over 40 years. Based at the iconic Dorchester Corn Exchange, their venue features performance spaces alongside the Corn Exchange Cafe and Bar. We are excited to partner with them to bring performance hubs to life across the weekend.

Situated in Trinity Street, The Convivial Rabbit is a micro-pub celebrating local real ales, ciders,
and a welcoming community atmosphere.
We are thrilled to team up with them to host festival sessions across the weekend.

Situated on High East Street, The King’s Arms is an iconic landmark offering boutique accommodation, food, and drink. We are excited to partner with
them to host a programme of events – including author talks with Teasel & Skylark – across the weekend.

more comming soon...

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