What’s On at The Sherborne
Upcoming events.
The Sherborne’s calendar brings together art, food, conversation, and community. You might arrive to find an exhibition opening, a tasting supper, or musicians playing in the gardens. Every visit offers something new to discover.
Our What’s On listings are updated regularly, featuring exhibitions, talks, performances, and workshops. Many events are free or ticketed at accessible prices — part of our commitment to making culture open to all. If you’re able, please consider making a donation to support our work; your voluntary contribution, however big or small, helps keep our doors open and our programmes running.
Quentin Blake's, Our Friend's in the Country
Our Friends in the Country brings Blake’s figures into rural settings, endowing them with playful narratives and gentle companionship. While specific visuals may vary, the consistent use of watercolour and pen conjures delicate yet vivacious scenes – where every brushstroke is alive with possibility, seemingly embodying characters who have wandered in from a dream.
This series resonates with Blake’s long-standing fascination with placing unlikely companions in momentous yet tender encounters: from airborne conversations to whimsical birdwatching. These country friends echo his recurring themes of freedom, friendship, and quietly subversive wonder.
Find opening hours and visitor information on our Plan your visit page.
Quentin Blake’s, A Christmas Carol
This festive season, step into a uniquely atmospheric celebration of Dickens and Blake at The Sherborne. Presented in the very building where Charles Dickens delivered a legendary public reading of A Christmas Carol in 1854, this intimate candlelit display brings together Sir Quentin Blake’s original illustrations for the classic tale.
Visitors will explore Scrooge, the Cratchits, and the four ghosts through Blake’s playful, expressive drawings, guided through the galleries by battery-powered candles for a wonderfully immersive experience.
The exhibition offers a rare chance to see Dickens’ beloved ghost story interpreted by one of Britain’s most cherished artists—while standing in the historic space where the author once captivated his audience.
Running alongside Quentin Blake: Our Friends in the Country, this show forms the first chapter of a year-long trilogy celebrating Blake’s remarkable imagination.
Find opening hours and visitor information on our Plan your visit page.
The Sherborne Singers: Christmas Carols in the Pavilion
Join us for a magical mid-morning of festive music as the Sherborne Singers perform much-loved Christmas carols in the Pavilion throughout December.
🎄 Festive Menu — from 3rd December
Our festive menu arrives on 3rd December, filled with seasonal flavours and indulgent winter warmers — the perfect way to celebrate the season.
SOLD OUT - Typist Artist Pirate King(12)
Typist Artist Pirate King is a wildly original and deeply touching road movie inspired by the life and art of Audrey Amiss—an eccentric, overlooked British artist whose extraordinary creativity was long overshadowed by her struggles with mental health.
The Sherborne Singers: Christmas Carols in the Pavilion
Join us for a magical mid-morning of festive music as the Sherborne Singers perform much-loved Christmas carols in the Pavilion throughout December.
The Sherborne Singers: Christmas Carols in the Pavilion
Join us for a magical mid-morning of festive music as the Sherborne Singers perform much-loved Christmas carols in the Pavilion throughout December.
Scrooge Live! Opening Night Party
Step into a Christmas wonderland for an unforgettable evening with Scrooge Live! Experience Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol like never before as the 1951 classic, starring the legendary Alastair Sim, is brought to life with a reimagined live score by the FB Pocket Orchestra.
Scrooge Live! Matinée. A Festive Treat for the Whole Family
Bring the family together for a heartwarming holiday adventure! Step into Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and goodwill with the classic 1951 film Scrooge, enhanced by a live, newly orchestrated score from the FB Pocket Orchestra.
Scrooge Live! A Timeless Christmas Experience
Experience the classic 1951 Scrooge like never before—a sophisticated holiday event blending cinematic storytelling with live orchestral performance.
CLOSED - Christmas Day
We’ll be closed on Christmas Day as our team enjoy the festivities.
Wishing you all a magical Christmas.
✨ New Year’s Eve at Macready’s ✨
Kick off your evening in style! Join us in the Palm Bar from 6:00 pm for pre-dinner drinks and a little festive sparkle.
Pina (PG)
Step into the mesmerising world of Pina Bausch, the legendary German choreographer who transformed contemporary dance. Wim Wenders’ Pina is a visually stunning tribute, bringing the extraordinary performances of her Tanztheater Wuppertal ensemble to life on screen in immersive 3D.
Mrs. Warren’s Profession; National Theatre Live
This is your last opportunity to see National Theatre Live’s acclaimed recording of Mrs. Warren’s Profession, captured live in London’s West End.
Five-time Olivier Award winner Imelda Staunton (The Crown) appears alongside her real-life daughter Bessie Carter (Bridgerton) for the first time on stage together – a remarkable pairing at the heart of Bernard Shaw’s sharp and spirited classic.
Hamlet; National Theatre Live
Join us for the first screening of this bold and contemporary production of Hamlet from National Theatre Live. Olivier Award-winner Hiran Abeysekera (Life of Pi) takes on the title role in Shakespeare’s most enduring tragedy.
Frida (15)
Step into the vibrant world of Frida Kahlo, the iconic Mexican artist whose life and work continue to inspire generations. This Academy Award-winning film brings her story to life, from modest beginnings to a life-changing accident, and her rise to international fame as a pioneering, surrealist talent.
Christmas Lights Switch On
Join us for a truly magical evening as we welcome the festive season at The Sherborne with our annual Christmas Lights Switch-On.
Bring friends, family, and little ones for a warm and joyful community celebration filled with sparkle, music, and festive cheer.
EXHIBITION INSTALL WEEK
This week we’ll be installing Quentin Blake’s A Christmas Carol. We are delighted to be bringing you this wonderful and rarely seen selection of works.
During the installation there may be some disruption across the galleries — thank you for your patience while we prepare this special exhibition.
Our Friends in the Country display will be moving to our Ground Floor Galleries during this period.
We can’t wait to share this magical festive show with you soon.
🌿 Light Lunch Menu - launching this week!
We’re excited to launch our new Light Lunch Menu at the Pavilion Café & Bistro — a delicious celebration of classic croques with a modern twist. Join us next week to try them first.
Finding Vivian Maier(12)
Finding Vivian Maier is the extraordinary true story of a woman whose brilliance went unnoticed during her lifetime. Vivian Maier worked for decades as a nanny in New York and Chicago, quietly documenting the world through her Rolleiflex camera.