Inside Out Festival
Every two years, tens of thousands of people are mesmerised by performing artists from across the world in Dorset’s stunning natural landscape. Since 2007, Dorset’s prestigious Activate Performing Arts have been producing Inside Out Dorset, a key moment in the county’s cultural calendar.
Inside Out Dorset is a celebration of the arts against the backdrop of Dorset's stunning natural landscapes. This biennial extravaganza, curated by Activate Performing Arts, featured over 80 artists, spanned 10 days, involved 59 volunteers, and drew in a staggering 33,000 visits across five locations in Dorset.
This festival brings together artists from around the world to present an eclectic mix of free performances and installations. From the grand opera-singing dolls gracefully navigating Weymouth town center to an intimate musical trail inspired by Ted Hughes's Ovid in the enchanting forest of Moors Valley, the festival promises, and consistently delivers, the extraordinary.
A Global Tapestry of Artists
The 2023 festival showcased a diverse lineup of talented international artists hailing from India, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, France, as well as the UK and Dorset-based companies. The performances ranged from Chirp & Drift, a sensory experience in nature, to Rajasthan Heritage Brass Band, filling the air with vibrant melodies that echoed through the picturesque landscapes.
Community Response
Inside Out Dorset not only leaves an indelible mark on the landscape but also in the hearts of the community.
“Excellent event for the community and visitors to the village. Thank you Inside Out Dorset for all your hard work, all events come with challenges, support and collaboration with the community makes for an amazing event for everyone and Bere Regis is lucky to host such events.”
“What a great event, how fab for a smaller community to be a venue!”
Find Out More
Credits:
Arts Council England, Dorset Council, Dorset AONB, National Lottery Heritage Fund, BCP Council, We Are Weymouth (Weymouth BID), Forestry England, Wimborne BID, Poole BID, Lighthouse, Poole, The Embassy of Germany in London, Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, Italian Cultural Institute in London, Walk The Plank, Colehill Parish Council, Weymouth Town Council, Talbot Village Trust, Performing Arts Fund NL, Dorset Food and Drink, Arts University Bournemouth, Composers' Fund PRS Foundation in partnership with Jerwood Arts.
