Friday night offers a relaxed start to the weekend, with no formal programming scheduled. The pub will be open as normal, offering a great spot for festival attendees to grab a drink, catch up, and settle in for the days ahead.

To mark the occasion, The Big Dig Brewhouse is brewing a couple of barrels of dedicated Ooser cask ale for the festival, supplying a barrel each to The Convivial Rabbit and Tom Browns

Dorset Mutineers

7.30pm-9.30pm
Free Entry

Described as ‘Dorset’s Favourite Buoy Band’, the group share a love of maritime music, delivering harmonised renditions of classic sea shanties and songs of the sea. Known for bringing humour and energy to their performances, the crew balance lively fun with tight vocal arrangements. Their signature phrase – ‘bring you smiles, laughter and sometimes tears, because we are The Dorset Mutineers’ – comes from the title track of their recent album release.

Performing across Dorset, the group have built a loyal following of shanty enthusiasts.

The Big Dorset
Folk Quiz

2.00pm-3.00pm
Free Entry

Test your regional knowledge with a fast-paced, three-round quiz dedicated to Dorset folk history, music, and traditions. Space inside the pub is limited, so entry is restricted to eight teams of up to four people. To secure a table, teams must register at the pub bar prior to the day of the event.

The winning team will take home a bottle of sparkling wine from the Furleigh Estate.