Community snowdrop festival with town-wide snowdrop walks (including accessible routes) and related activities around Shaftesbury's "snowdrop town" displays. Running from 14-22 February 2026.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Largely free; some activities may be paid

Community

Featured

Sat, Feb 21

18:00 – 20:00

Snowdrop Lantern Parade

The culminating event of the Shaftesbury Snowdrop Festival, featuring a parade of lanterns through the town.

Shaftesbury Book Festival

Literary festival in the market town of Shaftesbury with talks, author events and book-related activities. Running from 20-22 March 2026 across multiple venues in the town.

Various Venues, Shaftesbury

Mix of free and ticketed events

About Shaftesbury

Perched on a hilltop 215 metres above sea level, Shaftesbury is one of England's oldest and most picturesque towns. Founded by King Alfred the Great in 880 AD, the town is famous for Gold Hill — the iconic cobbled street featured in the beloved Hovis bread advertisement.

With stunning views over the Blackmore Vale, a thriving high street of independent shops and cafes, and a vibrant calendar of community events, Shaftesbury is a wonderful place to visit, live and work.

Learn more about Shaftesbury