Organisers of a music festival in the heart of the Vale pulled out all the stops to get the show on the road after being allowed to open at the last-minute.

After weeks of uncertainty due to covid, DorsetFest was given clearance by Dorset Council to go ahead just ten days before the event and organisers – who had already completed a huge volume of risk assessments and safety procedures – were ecstatic.

The event was then threatened by poor weather, but forecasts improved as the date approached and in fact the weather was perfect – a balmy 18 degrees with sun and little wind.

The camping field near Ansty started to fill up with from 2pm on Friday with families and groups of friends keen to enjoy a relaxed weekend of music and fun.

Friday night was opened by local band Reddle, fronted by Ralph Bishop who has played at DorsetFestsincehewas11. The Dorset Fest Barbecue did a roaring trade with its renowned Blue Vinny burgers whilst the Revel Inn quenched thirsts with ales from Cerne Abbas, Rosie’s cider and Pimm’s.

The evening ended with a foot-tapping hip-hop/rap set from Devon band NUMB and an enormous harvest moon rising in the south east bathed the festival site in a rosy glow as revellers returned to the campsite.

The fine weather held on Saturday and the stage was opened by some talented performers from St Mary’s Puddletown followed by music until11pm. Highlights included the Decadettes, Ansty vet ‘Piano Pete’ Siviter playing boogie woogie, D’Ska Assassins and local bands The Few and Badger Boys with the evening being rounded off by the amazing Mission Impossible and their inimitable set of honky tonk soul.

During the afternoon children were alternately fascinated by Nick of BugFest with his horrifying tales of bug and spider derring do and Jamie Jigsaw’s lively shows of stilt walking, fire eating and balloon modelling.

There was food ranging from Thai, seafood, pizza and vegan to halloumi fries. Final figures have not yet been released but it is hoped that DorsetFest 2021 raised around £20,000 for local churches, Weldmar and Julia’s House Hospice.

Next year’s festival is due to be held on June 17/18.

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