Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend

The main activities for the Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend will start on Saturday with a mid-day walk followed by a lecture in Casterbridge Room at The King's Arms and another at Shire Hall Museum before the annual wreath-laying procession, then poetry and prose readings back at the King's Arms.

*Attendees are invited to join a Group Dinner afterwards at 6.15pm (bookable/payable separately)

On Sunday at 10 am there will be a Birthday Service at St Michael’s Church, Stinsford followed by wreath-laying and readings at Hardy's grave.  Afterwards, a picnic followed by a walk to Hardy' cottage with readings along the way.

*Stinsford Church will be hosting a special event (2 performances) but this is not a Thomas Hardy Society event so is not included in the birthday weekend ticket

Itinerary

Saturday 31st May 2025

1200 - Midday Walk with Mark Damon Chutter. ‘ Performativity and theatrical spaces in The Mayor of Casterbridge and Poetry ‘

Meet at the Town Pump, Cornhill, Dorchester at 11.50am.

1300 - The Birthday Lecture - "Neither Tory nor Radical: Hardy, Politics, and Culture", Phillip Mallett, Casterbridge Room, The King’s Arms

1515 - Lecture: Hardy & Justice, Mark Damon Chutter, Shire Hall Museum

1700 - Wreath Laying procession to Hardy’s Statue and ending at William Barnes statue, St Peter's Church

*Attendees are invited to join a Group Dinner afterwards at 6.15pm (bookable/payable separately)

*The Set Menu is for 3 or 4 courses for £40/£32 - View Menu on Booking Site

*Places are limited to 35

Sunday 1st June 2025

1000 - Birthday Service at St Michael’s Church, Stinsford

1100 - Wreath-laying at St Michael's Church followed by tea/biscuits

1130 - Walk around Stinsford and Kingston Maurward estate with readings en route

1330 - Picnic in Kingston Maurward gardens (bring your own or purchase from the cafe)

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1500 - A Beautiful Thread - (Not included in the birthday weekend ticket - Bookable/Payable separately)

1930 - A Beautiful Thread - (Not included in the birthday weekend ticket - Bookable/Payable separately)

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THS Thomas Hardy Birthday Weekend Tickets - £ 20.00

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