Dorsetfest was founded in 2014 after a particularly wet 2013, evolving from a Village Fete raising funds to maintain three churches in Hilton, Cheselbourne and Melcombe Horsey with a history dating back nearly 1,000 years. Following the washout the team decided to try a music festival and the Dorset Midsummer Music Festival was born

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In June 2014 the gates opened for the first time at Cheselbourne Manor, run by volunteers with bands performing on an open top trailer covered by a taped-on gazebo, surrounded by all the fete-based activities like skittles, and supported by a couple of food stalls.

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Following the success, a bigger venue was needed and in June 2015 the festival moved to Warren Farm which boasts a natural amphitheatre and a stunning location in an area of outstanding natural beauty, with plenty of space for the music, entertainment and camping. It’s such a stunning site that the festival’s not moved since. 

 

Until 2017, the festival was still known as the Dorset Midsummer Music Festival, but in 2018 it was decided to simplify the name to Dorsetfest. Now almost everything is branded with the new name, but you can still find remnants of the old name if you look. 

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In 2020 Covid struck the UK and DorsetFest had to be cancelled for the first and only time to date, returning in June 2021 with a host of rules and mask mandates that the volunteers had to enforce, before pretty much returning to normal in 2022. Despite the restrictions, it was a roaring success and a great way to celebrate after the lockdowns! 

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As time passed the admin involved in running a festival continued to grow. The team took this in their stride delivering a clear health and safety plan, alongside professional security advice to ensure we are compliant with the latest rules and that we keep our festivalgoers safe. This culminated in formalising the structure by converting to a Community Interest Company (CIC) that was incorporated in June 2024.

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Since 2014, a lot has changed, but through it all Dorsetfest is proud to have been part of creating many happy memories and raising over £130,000 that has gone back to the maintenance of the three churches and supporting nominated charities, including Weldmar Hospicecare and Julia’s House, as well as introducing local grants to the community in 2025.

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Despite all the changes, ​the ethos has stayed the same:

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• We are unapologetically family friendly and pet friendly, with a wide range of family activities, many of which are included in the price of the ticket. 

• DorsetFest is still run entirely by local volunteers. Throughout the year we plan the event and then roll up our sleeves to build the site, staff the weekend and then take it all back down again.

• We also continue to donate all of the proceeds to our local communities and a rotating charity. 

 

We may have grown, but our roots remain the same.