Festival Info

St Wite's Festival

We are delighted to be hosting the first St Wite's Festival in 2025 at St Candida and the Holy Cross church and in the village of Whitchurch Canonicorum, DT6 6RQ. ALL are WELCOME to celebrate Dorset Day in the village that is the home of the the Holy Shrine for the St Wite, Dorset patron saint.

What's Happening?

St Wite's Festival starts on the evening of 31st MAY with an authentic recreation of the ancient 'Sarum Rite Vespers' sung in Latin to Gregorian chants. A dual language programme will be available. The Service starts at 6.30pm and finishes with refreshments. It's free to attend but please book in so we know you are coming. Thank you. Incense will be used during the service.

The Festival continues from 12 noon on 1st June, which is St Wite's Day and Dorset Day. 

There are activities happening throughout the Village with the main festival in the Church and Five Bells pub. For more info see the posters below. There is lots to do for all the family so come and join the fun. 

To book tickets for the talks, and Celebration Concert, all held in the church. Please click on the links below for more information and to book your ticket. 

St Wite's Way - pilgrimage today with Revd Ginny Luckett 1.30 - 2.30pm Free. Donations welcome. Please book in.

Healing Herbs 3pm with Eleanor Gallia £12 per person tickets very limited

The fabulous Celebration Concert 5.30 pm £12 per person

If you have any questions ask@stwitesway.org 

Parking

There is ample parking in the village, please follow the car parking signs and the guidance of the parking marshals. Thanks very much.

Catering and Facilities

There are public toilets at the church and in the pub

There is a free Tractor and Trailer transport service will operate in a loop to take people to and from the church, pub and pre-school garden. 

There will be barbecue and other food and drinks at the pub. There are cream teas and ice cream at the church. Please bring cash as well as cards to pay. Thank you. 

There will free refreshments, cash donations welcome after the Vespers Service and the Celebration Concert.

Is there anything for the kids? 

Yes! There are children's activities, games, craft and story telling in the pre school garden at Court House. There is a family treasure hunt around the village. Maps of the Festival will be available online and at the St Candida Info stand. 

This event is sponsored by The British Pilgrimage Trust and supported by The Friends of St Candida.