Dorchester Literary Festival 2025 to support Weldmar Hospicecare

The Dorchester Literary Festival launched its 2025 programme in style last night, with a special event at the Duchess of Cornwall Inn in Poundbury, and Weldmar Hospicecare is honoured to have been invited as the festival’s chosen charity to support for the third year.

Look out for Weldmar collections and information about our services at all of the events at the festival, which includes appearances from adventurer Ray Mears, Rev Richard Coles, Sir Tony Robinson, Broadchurch creator Chris Chibnall, Gyles Brandreth, Jeremy Vine, and long term Weldmar supporter, Martin Clunes. Weldmar’s former Chairman, Geoffery Guy, is also on the bill, with a session about quantum biology.

Sponsors, friends, and festival volunteers came together to celebrate the festival’s return, and to look ahead to what promises to be an exciting bumper programme of over 40 literary events taking place from the 18th to the 25th of October.

A memorable evening

“The Dorchester Literary Festival is delighted to support Weldmar Hospicecare, an extremely important local charity.”, said festival organiser, Janet Gleeson. “We know from friends’ experience that the quality and compassion of the care Weldmar provides is greatly appreciated by all it touches.”

Weldmar Fundraising Lead, Fiona Handsford, gave a short speech about the charity’s work, and the difference community support makes. There was a collective gasp in the room when she revealed that Weldmar needs to raise over £27,000 every single day to continue providing specialist end of life care for adults across Dorset, as well as supporting families and loved ones.

Several attendees were touched by what she shared, and spoke to Fiona afterwards sharing personal experiences of Weldmar’s care.

“We are absolutely delighted to have been chosen by the Dorchester Literary Festival organisers as the charity they’d like to support”, said Fiona. “It’s such a fantastic celebration of books, stories and ideas, and we are so grateful to be able to share Weldmar’s story with the community in this way.”

Guests also heard from Dorchester’s Lady Mayoress Mel Lane, Hall and Woodhouse Chairman, Anthony Woodhouse who both talked about the importance of supporting events like the Dorchester Literary Festival, and the positive impact the event has on the local area.

“Give it a spin, and see if you win!”

The evening also featured a popular book tombola, run by the Weldmar Dorchester Bookshop team – Manager Rob, Deputy Manager, Carolyn, and volunteer, Peter, this raised a fantastic £482, and any books left over at the end of the evening were kindly donated by the festival to the shop.

Looking ahead to a bumper festival

The Dorchester Literary Festival has firmly established itself as one of the highlights of Dorset’s cultural calendar, and this year promises to be the biggest yet.

To explore the full programme and book tickets, visit the Dorchester Literary Festival website, or pick up a printed programme from locations around Dorchester, including the Weldmar Bookshop.