News Archive

March 16, 2026

PAW Festival 2026 Concert & Event Tickets Now Live!

We’re delighted to share that tickets are now live for this year’s Concerts and Other Events programme. Our 2026 programme promises a rich and inspiring mix of concerts, talks, workshops and creative experiences, and we hope you’ll join us for what will be another memorable celebration of art and culture across Purbeck. You can explore the full programme below and book tickets here.

23 May, 6pm – Opening Night Concert: I Fagiolini Anniversary Concert – ‘We’re not Dead Yet’

 

An unforgettable opening evening on 23 May, where I Fagiolini return to PAW to bring their signature blend of creativity and imagination to the stage. They will be performing an anniversary programme for their 40th year: ‘We’re not dead yet’. Expect exquisite vocal artistry from one of Britain’s most creative ensembles, an atmosphere-rich programming that sits beautifully with the visual and artistic spirit of Purbeck.

 

24 May, 6pm – Concert 2: Parnassus Ensemble with artist Jérémie Queyras – 3in1: A Triadic Reflection

We’re delighted to be hosting this unique collaboration between Parnassus – an early music ensemble of leading musicians from across Europe, including members from Ayres Extemporae who gave us such a wonderful concert at Church Knowle for last year’s festival – and the visual artist Jérémie Queyras who is building a global reputation for his work, in particular his live paintings to music performance.

26 May, 7pm – Talk: Dr Gill Clarke, Guest Curator Russell-Cotes Art Gallery & Museum, Bournemouth – Creative Relationships: Artists in Purbeck 1900-1950

Curator and art historian Gill Clarke will talk about leading artists who were resident or visiting Purbeck between 1900-1950, giving us a fascinating insight into the area’s rich artistic heritage.

27 May, 10.30-11.30am – Children’s Workshop (aged 4 – 8 yrs): Nick Jubber – Adventures with Flying Beasties

 

In this interactive event, author Nicholas Jubber will guide the children through tales of flying beasties – and together we’ll create our own new ones. This should be a great opportunity for kids to express their wild imaginations and learn a little about how to channel them into storytelling.

Friday 29 May, 7pm – Concert 3: Grace Newcombe with Liane Sadler & Colin Heller – CHALK: Songs for the South West

In collaboration with Sandy Hill Arts, this concert presents CHALK: a programme of songs relating to the South West, combining traditional material with medieval instrumental textures and new arrangements, performed in a special Purbeck setting. 

Saturday 30 May, 11am-1pm – workshop: Grace Newcombe with Liane Sadler & Colin Heller – Medieval Vocal Workshop 

Following Friday’s fusion of folk and medieval sound worlds, and ahead of her recital of medieval song, Grace Newcombe invites singers to step inside the soundscape themselves. This immersive workshop explores the luminous textures of 15th-century polyphony alongside 13th-century Middle English song. Open to confident singers and the curious alike, it’s a rare chance to experience medieval repertoire with one of today’s leading specialists.

 

Saturday 30 May, 2pm – Concert 4: Lizzie Ball & Miloš Milivojević – A Musical Portrait of Coco Chanel & Igor Stravinsky

Coco Chanel and Igor Stravinsky’s relationship and creative lives were shaped by early 20th-century Paris’s vibrant artistic scene. Lizzie presents a concert exploring this intersection of music and fashion. With internationally acclaimed accordionist Miloš Milivojević – returning to Purbeck following his captivating appearance at the Purbeck International Chamber Music Festival – she will perform pieces including arrangements by the composer himself of Stravinsky’s The Firebird and Suite Italienne, while highlighting the influence of Chanel, Stravinsky, and their contemporaries.

Saturday 30 May, 6pm – Concert 5: Fieri Consort – Freeing the Muse

We’re delighted to welcome Fieri back for an evening of exquisite music – and especially excited that our own Music Director, Hannah Ely, will be performing as part of the ensemble. Exploring Renaissance ideas of female beauty as shaped by women themselves, this programme brings together music by female composers Casulana, Aleotti and Caccini, with works by Luzzaschi, de Wert and de Rore, forged in close dialogue with exceptional female singers, whose virtuosity transformed the sound of late 16th-century Italy.

 

Saturday 30 May, 8:30pm – Concert 6: Toby Carr, solo lute – Softest Thunder (Album launch)

We’re delighted to welcome back Gramophone Award winner and PAW favourite Toby Carr for a special evening that also marks the launch of his new album, Softest Thunder. This intimate and atmospheric concert brings together music spanning centuries, united by a shared sense of soft-edged, delicate yet resonant beauty. Lutenist-composers John Dowland and Robert Johnson represent the zenith of the English Renaissance, interwoven with transcriptions of Erik Satie’s dreamlike dances and Blue, a new commission by Laura Snowden written especially for this project.

Sunday 31 May, 3pm – Concert 7: Grace Newcombe & Elizabeth Sommers – Alysoun: Songs from the people of thirteenth-century Britain

A wonderful concert to end our Festival Weekend, Grace Newcombe (voice and harp) will be joined by Elizabeth Sommers (fiddles) for this medieval programme in this beautiful medieval church.

In high-medieval Britain, one of the more pleasant means of saving souls was through the favourite music and poetry of the People. Popular songs from different walks of life were imitated, translated, or repurposed to fit a new religious narrative or to conceal a secular one, wilfully blurring the borders between earthly and devotional love. Leaf through their surviving collections and hear songs about nature, death, the courting of Mary, and Christ the Lover-Knight.

Friday 5 June, 6pm – Concert 8: Jeremy Avis, Sam Stadlen, Rebecca Askew, Suntou Susso, Simo Lagnawi and Timothy Dickinson with the Purbeck Arts Choir and students from Stoborough and Swanage Primary Schools – The Whispering Dome 

The Whispering Dome is an award-winning concert-adventure that follows a single nightingale on her epic migration from the UK to The Gambia. Blending early and contemporary music with immersive multimedia projections, the performance imagines the human music rising from the lands she flies over – from medieval Europe to North Africa and West Africa. Five exceptional performers draw on European early music, Moroccan Gnawa Sufi traditions and West African Griot song, weaving ancient love songs, pilgrims’ tales, bird songs and new choral works into a rich, border-crossing sound world. We’re delighted to have received Dorset Council funding to support this event.

Saturday 6 June, 6.00pm – Concert 9: Guy Cutting, Sophia Prodanova, Olwen Foulkes & Nathaniel Mander – Waft her, angels, through the skies: Handel arias with Guy Cutting

Internationally renowned tenor Guy Cutting presents a journey through the dramatic and emotional world of Handel, with highlights from operas and oratorios including Acis and Galatea, Jeptha, Alexander’s Feast, Joshua and Theodora. Joined by a trio of outstanding specialists on period instrumentalists – Olwen Foulkes, Sophia Prodanova and Nathaniel Mander – this intimate programme explores the full expressive range of Handel’s music.

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December 15, 2025

Opportunities to get involved in PAW 2026

Applications will open on 1 January 2026 for artists wishing to take part in Purbeck Art Weeks Festival 2026, with our festival returning from 23 May to 7 June 2026.

Celebrating the breadth and diversity of creativity across Purbeck, Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) once again brings together open studios, exhibitions, concerts and other events in distinctive venues throughout Purbeck. You’ll get the chance to discover work by local artists, while seeing artists in action at their studios too.

Alongside our open studio trail, PAW 2026 will present a rich programme of exhibitions and musical performances across Purbeck. This includes the return of our much-loved Rollington Barn collective exhibition, a vibrant showcase bringing together artists working across all disciplines and mediums.

PAW is also delighted to confirm the return of the National Trust and Purbeck Art Weeks partnership exhibition at Castle View, following the success of our exhibition this year. Set against the iconic backdrop of Corfe Castle, the exhibition will feature a curated mix of emerging and established artists and offers a unique opportunity to present work in such a unique spot.

Applications are open to artists working in all disciplines, whether returning to the festival or taking part for the first time.

How to get involved in PAW 2026

There are many ways to take part in Purbeck Art Weeks 2026, whether you are an artist or would like to support the festival behind the scenes.

Opportunities for artists in 2026

• Rollington Barn Collective Exhibition – an opportunity to apply to exhibit at one of PAW’s most popular and recognisable venues
• National Trust with PAW Exhibition – offering Purbeck-based artists the chance to exhibit work at Corfe Castle Visitor Centre
• PAW Artist Bursary – supporting artists at key stages in developing their creative practice
• Installation at the Byre at Rollington Barn – do you have a great idea for a collaborative and interactive installation?

Applications to exhibit at PAW open on 1 January and close on 31 January 2026. Find out more info here.

“Purbeck Art Weeks Festival is genuinely my favourite two weeks of the year. The Purbecks comes alive with creativity – I love seeing artists sharing new work so generously and creating an atmosphere that’s infectious in the best possible way. As an emerging artist myself, it’s really special to be part of such a supportive community, bringing together artists of the highest level alongside talented hobbyists and those of us in the early stages of our careers. With my creative inspiration rooted in wildlife encounters I’ve experienced in the Purbecks, it feels especially meaningful to share my work within this landscape. It’s a wonderful celebration of creativity, where every unique artistic process is valued and enjoyed.”

Award-winning British sculptor Andrew Thomas SWAc shared his reflections on taking part in Purbeck Art Weeks over the years:

“Purbeck seems to have a creative energy that runs right through it — a kind of vein that artists, including sculptors like myself, have tapped into for generations. Being part of PAW connects me to that shared pool of inspiration, and to a wider community of artists who are equally shaped by this special place.

While I exhibit my work across many parts of the country, it’s here in Purbeck that my creativity truly feels rooted. There’s something incredibly special about showing work in the landscape that inspires you — and even more so when you’re doing it alongside artists you admire, and within a community that genuinely values what you do.”

Volunteer with Purbeck Art Weeks

Purbeck Art Weeks is supported by a dedicated team of volunteers, and volunteering is a rewarding way to be part of the festival and help creativity thrive across Purbeck.

Volunteers play a vital role during the festival, supporting exhibitions and events, welcoming visitors, stewarding, distributing leaflets, and assisting the PAW team behind the scenes. No previous experience is required – just enthusiasm, reliability and an interest in PAW’s work.

Email us at info@purbeckartweeks.co.uk to get involved.

 

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October 29, 2025

PAW 2026: A Spectacular Opening Night with I Fagiolini

We are thrilled to announce that next year’s Purbeck Art Weeks Festival (23 May – 7 June 2026) will open in spectacular style with a performance by the internationally acclaimed vocal ensemble I Fagiolini.

About I Fagiolini

“The group are musical shapeshifters, following Hollingworth’s giddy, eclectic imagination wherever it leads” (The Spectator). 

Founded in Oxford in 1986 by artistic director Robert Hollingworth, I Fagiolini have earned an international reputation for blending early-music mastery with bold, modern presentation. Their work spans from Renaissance and Baroque repertoire (such as Monteverdi) through to contemporary and multimedia projects.

The ensemble has been recognised with prestigious awards, including the Ensemble Award of the Royal Philharmonic Society in 2006 and they won the Gramophone Awards for the Early Music category for their recording of the Mass in 40 Parts by Alessandro Striggio (2011). They are best known for presenting music in inventive settings – immersive theatre, art-music crossover and deeply atmospheric concerts.

Photo Credit: Keith Saunders

What to expect on opening night

Join us for an unforgettable opening evening on 23 May, where I Fagiolini returns to PAW to bring their signature blend of creativity and imagination to the stage. They will be performing an anniversary programme for their 40th year: ‘We’re not dead yet’. Expect exquisite vocal artistry from one of Britain’s most creative ensembles, an atmosphere-rich programming that sits beautifully with the visual and artistic spirit of Purbeck.

You can listen to their music here and also via Youtube. Here’s a look behind the scenes at I Fagionlini’s incredible sounds:

Event Details

More details will be released very soon. Sign up to our newsletter to be the first to know about our 2026 programme and ticket releases. Be sure to follow us on social media @purbeckartweeks for live updates.

Photo Credit: Matthew Brodie

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May 14, 2025

New Exhibition Celebrates Emerging and Established Artists at National Trust Castle View Welcome Centre

Monday 2nd June – Sunday 8th June 2025 | 10am–4.30pm daily
Castle View Welcome Centre, Corfe Castle, Wareham, Dorset BH20 5DR

Purbeck Art Weeks (PAW) is delighted to share a brand new collaborative exhibition with the National Trust, taking place at the Castle View Welcome Centre during the second week of the Festival.

This specially curated exhibition brings together the work of nine talented artists – including painters, photographers, sculptors and mixed media artists – offering visitors a dynamic snapshot of the creative energy flourishing in Purbeck.

This exhibition is part of a growing and valued partnership with the National Trust, with an aim to champion and showcase emerging local talent alongside more established voices.

“We’re thrilled to be partnering with the National Trust for this special exhibition at Castle View. Its stunning backdrop is a perfect setting to showcase the wealth of talent in our local arts community. This exhibition is a great example of what PAW is all about – bringing together artists at different stages of their journeys and inviting the public to explore, connect, and be inspired. We’re very grateful to the National Trust for making this collaboration possible”
– Laurel Hart, Director of Strategic Communications at PAW

“We are excited to be collaborating with PAW to host this exhibition showcasing some of the amazing artists in Purbeck. Castle View Welcome Centre is an easily accessible location for the community and visitors to discover the wide range of art that PAW champions through its work. We hope this first of many collaborative projects between PAW and the National Trust here in Purbeck.”
– Ellen Smith, Senior Programming and Partnerships Officer, Corfe Castle, National Trust

Artists exhibiting:

• Andrew Thomas SWAc
• Annie Campbell
• Eleanor Spalding
• Jon Phillips
• Kim Wessely
• Kitty Hartnell
• Laura Butt
• Mae Grimaldi
• Sara Moseley

Award winning British Sculptor Andrew Thomas SWAc shared his reflections on participating in PAW:

“Purbeck seems to have a creative energy that runs right through it — a kind of vein that artists, including sculptors like myself, have tapped into for generations. Being part of PAW connects me to that shared pool of inspiration, and to a wider community of artists who are equally shaped by this special place. While I exhibit my work across many parts of the country, it’s here in Purbeck that my creativity truly feels rooted. There’s something incredibly special about showing work in the landscape that inspires you — and even more so when you’re doing it alongside artists you admire, and within a community that genuinely values what you do.

Exhibiting at Castle View as part of the inaugural ‘Spirit of PAW’ feels like a celebration of all of that. It’s a chance to meet collectors and supporters face to face, share the stories behind my sculpture, and be part of a collective expression of what makes this area — and this festival — so very special and creatively alive.”

Photographer Mae Grimaldi who is new to PAW expressed her thoughts on PAW:

“I am very new to the photography world and PAW. I only got involved this year for the first time thanks to a dear friend of mine, Bev Hill, who I was lucky to meet at Studland while working for the National Trust. This will be my first time exhibiting my work and although I am a bit scared, I am also very excited and thankful for the opportunity. Through this exhibition I want to show people my appreciation for the colors, intricate anatomies and behaviours of insects. Insects have a whole world of their own, and when you look closely at it you realise just how much we miss out on by simply not looking twice. To paraphrase Sir David Attenborough, we cannot protect what we do not understand”.

“Purbeck Art weeks is such a vibrant celebration of local creativity and is what motivated me to start landscape drawing after moving to the area 8 years ago. I’m particularly excited by the opportunity to exhibit at Castle View as well as my open studio this year as I’m hopeful this venue will offer a unique opportunity to engage with the local community, share the stories and processes behind my artwork, and connect directly with visitors. It’s also a wonderful way to meet fellow artists, exchange ideas, and be inspired by the diverse talent in the region”.

 

Visitors can expect to find a wide variety of work on display – and perhaps even discover the perfect piece to take home. 

Useful Information:

• Exhibition dates: 2–8 June 2025
• Opening times: 10am to 4.30pm daily
• Venue: Castle View Welcome Centre, Corfe Castle, Wareham BH20 5DR
• Parking: National Trust car park on A351 opposite the castle mound (free for NT members)
• Public transport: Purbeck Breezer no.40 (Poole to Swanage), no.30 (Swanage to Weymouth via Corfe Castle)

Don’t miss this chance to explore local art in an iconic location. Post-PAW Festival there will be a series of PAW artists who will be working in the grounds of  Corfe Castle between June 11 – July 16 every Wednesday 10-4. This is a new visiting artist scheme between PAW and the National Trust.  More details can be found at www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/dorset/corfe-castle.

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April 25, 2025

One month to go until PAW Festival begins!

With just one month to go, excitement is building for this year’s Purbeck Art Weeks Festival – and we’re thrilled to announce that the official PAW 2025 brochures are hot off the press! Copies are now available in outlets and arts hubs across Purbeck and wider Dorset.

We’re also proud to be partnering once again with our Festival sponsor, The Lulworth Estate, who shared this message of support:

“The Lulworth Estate are proud to sponsor PAW 2025, a celebration of creativity, culture and local talent. We hope that everyone engages, explores and is inspired!”

PAW Chair, Charlotte Heath, expressed her gratitude, saying,

“Their continued sponsorship enables us to foster creativity and cultural exchange throughout Purbeck. This support is instrumental in growing our Purbeck Young Artists (PYA) project, providing free workshops in schools and inspiring the next generation of artists. We can’t wait to showcase their incredible artwork at Rollington Barn during this year’s Festival and create unforgettable moments that celebrate the energy and diversity of our community.”

This year, we’re delighted to welcome visitors to 34 Open Studios dotted across Purbeck, where you can meet artists, see their work in action, and even make a few discoveries of your own. You’ll also find a fantastic range of artists exhibiting at Rollington Barn, our Festival hub, and a brilliant collaction of artists at our brand-new venue at the Castle View National Trust Welcome Centre in Corfe Castle.

Don’t miss our daily Pop-Up Artist Sessions at Rollington Barn, where a different artist will be featured each day from 11am–3.30pm.

As ever, our events programme is packed and more exciting than ever! Highlights include:

• Inspiring concerts
• An open mic poetry evening
• Talks
• Hands-on workshops
• A magical mini festival with unforgettable concerts
• And a special production of Purcell’s The Fairy Queen at Careys Secret Garden – a collaboration between professional musicians and young performers, bringing this enchanting tale to life. Funded by Dorset Council and the Dorset Community Foundation.

There’s something for everyone at this year’s Festival. Browse the full programme and book your tickets today here.

You can get your brochure at these spots outside of Purbeck:

Dansel Gallery	Abbotsbury
SK Picture Framing	Blandford
TIC	Blandford
Artcetra	Boscombe
Russell Cotes Gallery	Bournemouth
TIC	Bournemouth
TIC	Bridport
Compton Acres	Canford Cliffs
Regent Centre	Christchurch
Gallery on the Square	Dorchester
TIC	Shaftesbury
Sou’ Sou’ West Gallery	Symondsbury
The Lighthouse	Poole
TIC	Poole
Sladers Yard	West Bay
The Allendale Centre	Wimborne
Walford Mill	Wimborne

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