Weldmar’s Summer Fete is back for 2026!

Mark your calendars and get ready to give your sunhat another outing, the Weldmar Hospicecare Summer Fete is returning in 2026! Held in the beautiful grounds of our Dorchester hospice in Herringston Road on Saturday 12th September 2026, 11am-4pm – we truly can’t wait to welcome you all for another brilliant day of fun!

Whether you’re coming for the fantastic live entertainment, classic fete games, traditional stalls, or delicious treats – there really is something for everyone. Every penny raised on the day goes directly toward helping us provide free, specialist end of life care to Dorset-based adults with a life limiting illness, and support for their loved ones.

We will be joined by Martin Clunes

We’re thrilled to announce that actor and long-time friend of Weldmar, Martin Clunes, will once again be joining us for the day! Come along and say hello, have a selfie, and watch as he tries once more to win at the ever-popular (and hilarious) human fruit machine

Alongside Martin, we have a jam-packed schedule of entertainment guaranteed to keep the whole family smiling. From Magic Jay and Professor JR’s Punch & Judy Show, to close-up magicians wowing the crowds and a selection of popular characters roaming around from the fabulous C-Star cosplay – magical moments abound.

Our friends from The Ranch will be bringing a selection of wonderful animals to meet, and the day will be soundtracked by a selection of talented musical acts!

And of course, no Summer Fete would be complete without yummy food. The Weldmar Catering Team and volunteers will be serving up hot food, and cold drinks, and there will be various sweet treats on offer as well.

Unmissable prizes with the Mystery Box Draw

This year sees the return of our popular Mystery Prize Draw, and we have some fantastic prizes on offer including a VIP Wembley experience with the use of a private box to watch an England or Lionesses football match courtesy of Sport Sister Experiences, a Cornwall holiday for up to 8 people from Waterside Holiday Group, an overnight stay at one of Hall & Woodhouse’s destination pubs, a 12 foot trampoline donated by ABP Electrical & Security, and much more!

Keep your eyes peeled in the coming weeks, as we’ll be launching ticket sales prior to the fete, although they will also be available to purchase on the day.

Thank you to our sponsors, Avenue Interiors

An event of this scale simply wouldn’t be possible without the incredible support of our local community. We are absolutely delighted to have Avenue Interiors on board as our main event sponsor this year.

Fiona Heaton, Corporate Partnerships Fundraising Manager at Weldmar, said

“The Summer Fete is a real calendar highlight for us. It’s wonderful to have Avenue Interiors on board as sponsors, and you should keep your eyes peeled for the team out and about handing out flyers with Primrose the vintage car! It’s so lovely on Fete day looking around and seeing so many smiling faces and people of all ages enjoying themselves!”

“We have supported Weldmar for the past two years, raising much needed funds, supporting events and raising awareness,” Said Gary Lancaster, owner of Avenue Interiors.  “When Fiona approached me about sponsoring the Fete the answer was always going to be yes! Weldmar holds a very special place in our hearts here at Avenue Interiors.”

Join us and make a difference!

Every smile, every game played, and every slice of cake enjoyed helps fund specialist end of life care and support for local families when they need it most.

Bring your family, bring your friends, and come and make some wonderful summer memories with us! We can’t wait to see you there!

To keep up to date with all of the latest information about the fete, from the Shuttle Bus timetable to the hot food menu and entertainment and attractions, follow our Facebook event!