FANS of Dorset’s rich cultural heritage are invited to celebrate the 225th birthday of the county’s beloved dialect poet William Barnes.

The annual Tea with William Barnes event, organised by Artsreach in collaboration with The Ridgeway Singers & Band, will take place at the Sturminster Newton Exchange on Sunday, February 22 at 3pm – the exact date Barnes was born in 1801.

Born in Bagber and educated in Sturminster Newton, Barnes was a scholar, linguist, artist, priest and inventor.

He wrote more than 800 poems in the Dorset dialect and had a deep love of country dances, folk songs and carols, often weaving them into his work.

The 2026 celebration promises a lively afternoon of music, song and poetry.

The Ridgeway Singers & Band, led by Phil Humphries alongside folk musician and vice president of The William Barnes Society Tim Laycock, will perform traditional Dorset tunes including One Night as I Lay on my Bed, Away Dark Thoughts, The New Rigged Ship, and The Young May Moon.

Attendees will also enjoy a musical setting of Barnes’ poem Rustic Childhood and recitals of his much-loved dialect poems.

A cream tea will accompany the performances, and early booking is recommended.

Tickets are available from The Exchange on 01258 475137 or online at www.artsreach.co.uk

In addition, Artsreach and The Exchange will host a pop-up producers and makers market from 11am to 3pm, giving visitors the chance to sample Dorset produce and discover handcrafted goods.

This annual celebration, now in its ninth year, keeps alive the unique language and culture of Dorset, offering a warm and festive tribute to one of the county’s most cherished literary figures.