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 (£4 for entry), William Barnes Society members FREE. For more information on joining click here.
• External events advertised outside of the organisation may be ticketed.

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

Tim Laycock and members of the William Barnes Society produced a special online programme in association with KeeP 106 radio, celebrating the life of William Barnes and featuring poetry and music in the Dorset dialect.

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

This FREE online event features a carefully curated selection of poetry and music performed by members of the William Barnes Society. Presented digitally for audiences to enjoy at home, the programme celebrates the rich literary and musical heritage inspired by William Barnes, bringing his words and

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

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

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

Join us for a captivating celebration of Dorset’s literary heritage at the Cerne Abbas Festival – William Barnes' Poetry Readings.

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

Meeting at the Thomas Hardy Statue, Top O' Town: Hardy Readings followed by a wreath-laying ceremony thence to St. Peter's Church, where a wreath will be placed on Barnes' statue.

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

Please do come along and join us on Sunday 30th August 2026 at St Barnabas Church.

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

In celebration of the history of this remarkable church and the work of William Barnes

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

Join us for “Inspired by Barnes”, an engaging afternoon of poetry and reflection celebrating the enduring legacy of William Barnes.

On 08/12/2026
14:30 till 15:30
Keepen Up O' Chris'mas

Festive celebrations in words and music.