What's on at the Allendale?​
Discover a variety of live shows, dances, films, markets, fairs and more on this page.
See Live Shows only. See Regular Activities for weekly and monthly activities.
Minster Market @ the Allendale
Fridays 8am - 2pm
Minster Market offers stalls throughout two Halls, plus outdoor areas. You're likely to find fruit and veg, plants and flowers, local meat, eggs, cheese, olives, cakes, pies, wholefoods, antiques, Indian textiles, vintage and retro items, jewellery, homewares and so much more!
Wimborne Railway Society
Golden Jubilee Model Railway Exhibition
Saturday 22nd March, 10am - 5pm & Sunday 23rd March, 10am - 4pm
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Two important Golden Jubilees are being celebrated in Wimborne this year; the Allendale Community Centre and Wimborne Railway Society. In March, WRS will be celebrating 1975-2025 with a Golden Jubilee Model Railway Exhibition in the Allendale. It is significant that this is held in the former grounds of Allendale House, the home of Charles Castleman who was responsible for bringing the railway to Wimborne in the 1840s.
Admission: Adults £8.00, Family £10.00, Accompanied U15s free. Cash or card.
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Ladies Pop-up Shop & Fun Fashion Show
in aid of Green Island Holiday Trust
Thursday 27th March, 7pm
Shop your favourite High Street brands at up to 70% off!
From Green Island Holiday Trust's website: We are a Dorset based charity, founded in 1991, to provide supported holidays for local adults living with disabilities. Every summer we create a touch of holiday magic by bringing together small groups of holidaymakers with teams of dedicated volunteers, each for a week of friendship and fun. Our holidays are based in beautiful award winning accessible accommodation nestled in the Dorset countryside. Weekly activities include seaside and boat trips, nature watching, garden visits, music and much more. ​
Wimborne Gardening Club Spring Show
Saturday 29th March, 12pm - 4pm
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In addition to the usual classes for daffodils, tulips and other Spring flowers there will be a section for Cookery, and this includes a recipe for making Easter biscuits, a Floral Art Section and Photography. An addition for the Show are two classes in the Handicraft Section and there is also a section for Juniors to enter. Please see the Club's website for the full Schedule: www.wimbornegardeningclub.co.uk
Entries to the various classes are being encouraged from everyone, whether you are a novice gardener or a seasoned pro. Entries close at 8pm on Wednesday 26th March and completed forms should be returned to the collection box in the Allendale Centre foyer, which will be in position for a fortnight prior to the Show.
DanceAway Social Dance Evening
Saturday 29th March, 7.30pm (doors open 7.15pm)
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A mix of Ballroom and Latin American dancing, with a little Popular Sequence.
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Entry £8.00 per person (please pay at the door).
FILM EXPO SOUTH Short Film Script Competition
Awards Night
Friday 4th April, from 6.30pm
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An unforgettable evening celebrating creativity and storytelling at the Short Film Script Competition Awards Night! Watch as we honour the brilliant minds behind the most captivating short film scripts.
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Don’t miss your chance to be part of this unique opportunity and be in with a chance to join the production teams to make the winning scripts in Wimborne, filming between 25th and 28th April 2025. Book today and be part of the magic!
Allendale Spring Craft Fair
Saturday 5th April, 10am - 4pm
The Allendale Spring Craft Fair returns for 2025. A unique collection of handcrafted items with a Spring sensibility, it's a great day out with a huge range of items and bargains to be found! Entry free to customers.
Stallholders: Book a 6ft. table (or equivalent space if you have your own stand) for just £25. Choose from Minster Hall, Quarter Jack Hall and Canford Room. Book while available! Stallholder information
Jinder presents A Songwriter's Circle​
Saturday 5th April, doors 5.30pm, show 6.30pm
Join Jinder and his guests, Dorset’s Rich Atkinson and Nick Capaldi. See them perform their original songs and reveal the stories behind them. Jinder blends country, folk and soft rock with 70s vibes; Rich’s Narrative Americana style is infused with jazz and gritty vocals. Nick’s music is genre-bending and imaginative. Not to be missed!
High Contrast Cinema presents
The Lady From Shanghai (PG)
Saturday 5th April, 8pm
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High Contrast Cinema ends its Femme Fatale season with Orson Welles' fourth film as a Hollywood director, The Lady From Shanghai (1947). Welles plays a sailor who becomes entangled in a web of murder and deceit after a rich couple employs him to work on their yacht. Although the director bemoaned studio interference (a common complaint with everything that followed his debut, Citizen Kane), it remains one the highlights of his filmography, featuring a bleach-blonde Rita Hayworth as the dangerously seductive femme fatale and an iconic hall-of-mirrors sequence that has been imitated repeatedly across the decades.
Wimborne Psychic Night with spiritual medium Dan Clarke
Friday 11th April, 7pm
International spiritual medium Dan Clarke presents an evening of readings from spirit, delivered in the compassionate and humorous way that only he can. Join us and prepare to be amazed at the accuracy of his messages and his natural ability to channel your loved ones.
A night of psychic and spiritual entertainment that will not be forgotten.
Over 16s only please.
The Polly Morris Band Theatre Show celebrating Allendale Community Centre's 50th Anniversary
Saturday 12th April, from 6pm
The Polly Morris Band will be returning to Allendale's Minster Theatre to celebrate 50 years of this fabulous Community Centre. The Concert with Meal ticket entitles you to a delicious two-course meal (meat or vegan option) prepared by Chef Peter Barnes of Café @ The Allendale, plus table entertainment before the main theatre show. Concert Only tickets, without meal, are also available.
Each Polly Morris show is unique, so prepare to be thoroughly entertained with funny songs, beautiful poignant ballads and parodies and perhaps something unexpected.
Shimmie Theatre presents
Alice in Wonderland
Sunday 13th April, 2pm
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Don’t be late for this very important date as Shimmie Theatre are back at the Minster Theatre at Allendale Community Centre with their production of Alice in Wonderland.
Shimmie Theatre is a privately run day service for adults with Learning disabilities with the main aim to build confidence through performing arts and teamwork.
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Dirty/DC PWR SURGE TOUR
Friday 18th April, doors open 7pm, show from 8pm
Dirty/DC return to the Allendale on Good Friday, 18 April, as part of their PWR SURGE TOUR!
Did you see them when they here just after Christmas? Then you know how good they are. But if April's your first time, you're in for a proper treat. This band always fills the venue so buy your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment: £17.50 advance, £19 on the door (if any tickets left). Doors open 7pm, band on from 8pm, no support act.
Hangover Hill presents
Smells Like Nirvana UK + support BandX
Saturday 19th April, doors 7pm, starts 7.30pm
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Smells Like Nirvana UK is a high-energy homage to the iconic grunge band that revolutionised the music scene in the 90s. From the raw power of “Smells Like Teen Spirit” to the haunting melodies of “Come As You Are”, this tribute band captures the essence and spirit of Nirvana like no other. With blistering guitar riffs, thunderous drums, and vocals that echo the angst and passion of Kurt Cobain, Smells Like Nirvana UK transports audiences back to the heyday of alternative rock. Whether you’re a die-hard Nirvana fan or just love great live music, prepare to be swept away by the authentic sound and electrifying performance of Smells Like Nirvana UK.
Grandma's Attic Antiques & Collectors Fairs
Monday 21st April, 10am - 4pm
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Quality antiques & collectibles
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Plenty of parking in adjacent public car parks
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Cafe @ the Allendale open all day
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Admission just £2
DanceAway Social Dance Evening
Saturday 26th April, 7.30pm (doors open 7.15pm)
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A mix of Ballroom and Latin American dancing, with a little Popular Sequence.
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Entry £8.00 per person (please pay at the door).
Little Pickles Market
Sunday 27th April, 10am-12pm
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Baby and Children's nearly new sales.
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More info at Little Pickles Markets.
Dorset Team Spring Fair
Saturday 3rd May, 10am - 4pm
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Celebrate local makers at the Dorset Team Spring Fair! Organised by Dorset Team, the local Etsy community, the event features over 60 talented makers offering handmade jewellery, homewares, art, and more. Discover unique treasures, support local creativity, and enjoy a spring-filled day out with friends and family. Shop small and make a difference!
Dorset Team Spring Fair on facebook​
For more information, please email dorsetteam@outlook.com
High Contrast Cinema presents
Some Like It Hot (12)
Friday 16th May, 8pm
High Contrast Cinema conclude their first season of 2025 with the timeless classic comedy, Some Like It Hot (1959). Directed by the incomparable Billy Wilder, the film stars Tony Curtis and Jack Lemmon as two musicians who disguise themselves as women in an attempt to elude the mob after witnessing a massacre in Prohibition-era Chicago. Also starring Marilyn Monroe in one of her signature roles as the deliciously named Sugar Kane, Some Like it Hot was voted Greatest Comedy of All Time in a poll conducted by the BBC of over 250 film critics from 52 countries. Some Like It Hot is rated 12 for very mild sex references and violence.
Grandma's Attic Antiques & Collectors Fairs
Monday 26th May, 10am - 4pm
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Quality antiques & collectibles
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Plenty of parking in adjacent public car parks
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Cafe @ the Allendale open all day
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Admission just £2
Strictly Murder
Sunday 1st June, 2pm
Following the successful resolution to the 'Egyptian Enigma' case, DI Foote once again needs your assistance in solving a tortuous case. Acting as the Inspector's deputies, you will be able to inspect the clues that have been collected and, using these as a starting point, you will then be able to question the various suspects in the case. Who is looking particularly shifty? Who isn’t telling you the entire truth? Are the suspects avoiding the questions like a politician? Utilising all the evidence you have gathered you can then present your verdict (Murderer or Murderers, Method and Motive) to DI Foote prior to the grand reveal!
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Dorset Drama Academy Annual Film Screening &
Improv Night
Sunday 1st June, 6pm
From DDA: Join us for our annual showcasing of the hard work and creativity displayed by our film students. We will be screening a selection of short films written & created by our Junior, Intermediate, Senior & Advanced filmmaking students in 2024, as well as some very special 10th Anniversary content from 2025! Our film screening is followed by a fun comedy evening brought to you by our Senior Improv Troupe.
Wimborne Minster Folk Festival
Friday 6th - Sunday 8th June
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Back for 2025! Headline Concert tickets and Weekend Passes now available at wmff.co.uk/tickets
​Discover more about the Festival at wmff.co.uk
Little Pickles Market
Sunday 22nd June, 10am-12pm
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Baby and Children's nearly new sales.
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More info at Little Pickles Markets.
Legends of Motown
Friday 26th September, 8pm
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Legends of Motown is a high energy show jam packed with all of Motown's biggest hits, with stunning vocals and amazing live band, celebrating the music of the iconic and timeless Motown era. Undoubtedly the golden era of music, the show pays tribute to the legendary artists that appeared on the Motown label at that time.
Get ready to be wowed with a song list that will have you up and out of your seats, dancing in the aisles. Make it a night to remember with music authentic to the Motown label from artists such as Marvin Gaye, Stevie Wonder, The Supremes, Smokey Robinson, The Four Tops, Martha Reeves, The Temptations, Jimmy Ruffin and many more!
Quo Connection
Saturday 4th October, 7.30pm
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The authentic and approved sound of classic 70s QUO! Formed by ex-Status Quo drummer John Coghlan, the band has existed for twenty-five years in various forms. Mick Hughes, Rick Chase, Pete Mace and Russ Chadd have reformed John Coghlan’s Quo under the new name of QUO CONNECTION. Playing many of Status Quo’s hits plus some incredible album tracks, Quo Connection are eager to bring their high-octane show to you! The band provided an outstanding quality performance at the Allendale in 2024, with excellent reviews, and are returning with their new 2025 tour.
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Raising funds for Allendale Community Centre.
Dorset Team Autumn Fair
Saturday 1st - Sunday 2nd November, 10am - 4pm
Join Dorset Team, the local Etsy community, for a wonderful day celebrating creativity at the Autumn Fair! With over 60 talented makers, discover handmade jewellery, homewares, art, and seasonal gifts. Support local businesses, find unique treasures, and celebrate the changing season. A perfect day out for family and friends. Shop small, shop local!
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Dorset Team Autumn Fair on facebook
For more information, please email dorsetteam@outlook.com
Allendale Christmas Craft Fair 2025
Saturday 22nd November, 10am - 4pm
A popular annual fixture, Allendale Christmas Craft Fair returns in 2025. With halls full of hand picked, handcrafted items especially for Christmas, it's the ideal opportunity to pick up quality Christmas gifts you may not find anywhere else. Free entry for customers ​- a date to remember!
Stallholders: Book a 6ft. table (or equivalent space if you have your own stand) for just £25. Spaces available in Minster Hall, Quarter Jack Hall and Canford Room. Book while they're available! Stallholder information
Dorset Team Christmas Fair
Saturday 6th - Sunday 7th December, 10am - 4pm
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Get into the festive spirit with the Dorset Team Christmas Fair! Explore over 60 stalls each day filled with handcrafted gifts, unique decorations, and festive treats from talented local makers. Find perfect presents, soak up the festive atmosphere and support artists and makers this Christmas.
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​Dorset Team Christmas Fair on facebook
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For more information, please email dorsetteam@outlook.com