Festival of Palestinian Culture
Join us for an amazing day out at The Festival of Palestinian Culture, showcasing the heritage, music, literature, art, crafts and cuisine of Palestine.
We will have live music, storytelling, Tatreez workshops, kids’ activities, arts & crafts stalls, books and lots of delicious fresh food including a Palestinian twist on pizzas! Details for specific events (music, art, and Tatreez workshops) are below.
Headline acts include Saied Silbak (internationally renowned composer and oud player), Bint Mbareh (sound researcher and experimental performer) and Tasniem Zyada (poet and spoken word artist) as well as performances by local Palestinian musicians and spoken word artists.
Entry is free for all. Bring a rug or seats to enjoy the day!
FESTIVAL DETAILS:
- What: Festival of Palestinian Culture
- When: Saturday, 30 August 2025, [11am-4pm]
- Where: Borough Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset,DT1 1RG
- Website: https://dorsetpsc.blogspot.com/p/festival-of-palestinian-culture.html
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A Night of Conscious Rap, Rhymes & Rhythms
Come join us for an evening filled with words that speak to the mind, rhythms that move the body, and rhymes that stir the soul.
As part of the Festival of Palestinian Culture taking place in Dorchester, this one-off gig will showcase some of the UK’s finest up-and-coming talent in the rap scene.
‘Conscious rap’ — a sub-genre of hip hop focused on storytelling, social justice, and personal reflection — offers a powerful platform for exploring identity, displacement, and cultural resilience. Unlike mainstream rap, it often steers away from profanity, violence, misogyny and bravado, instead focusing on emotional honesty, personal responsibility, political awareness, and cultural identity.
Headlining artist Speit delivers sharp, dynamic performances with punchy delivery and politically conscious lyrics that have earned him a growing following in the UK underground scene.
Professor Z brings a unique cross-cultural dimension to the night with his multilingual approach that seamlessly blends Arabic and English.
Completing this exceptional lineup is Yung Yusuf, whose music explores themes of belonging, identity and transparency.
EVENT DETAILS:
- What: A Night of Conscious Rap, Rhymes & Rhythms
- When: Saturday, 30 August 2025, [8pm Start]
- Where: The Vinyl Van, Dorchester, DorsetDT1 1GW
- Who: u15s welcome with an accompanying adult
- Tickets: £12 + booking fee – available at https://tinyurl.com/dorchrap
- Drinks: bar available
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Art Exhibition by Malak Mattar
The work of internationally renowned Gazan artist Malak Mattar will be showcased in Dorchester from Monday 25 – Saturday 30 August 2025.
The exhibition is hosted by Loving by Nature and presents an opportunity for local audiences to experience the powerful art of one of Palestine’s most compelling contemporary artists.
There will also be a book reading of Malak’s book ‘Sitti’s Bird: A Gaza Story’ at the Borough Gardens on Saturday 30 August by her mother, as part of the festival of Palestinian culture.
EVENT DETAILS:
- What: Art Exhibition by Malak Mattar
- When: 25-30 August 2025, [10a-4pm daily]
- Where: Unit 10 Antelope Walk, Dorchester DT1 1BE
- Who: u15s welcome with an accompanying adult
- Tickets: Free entry (donations welcome)
- Accessibility: Please note the exhibition requires going up/down stairs
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Tatreez Workshops by Asherah Jewellery
Discover the art of beadwork with a cultural twist. In this hands-on workshop, you’ll learn to create a unique beaded necklace using the square stitch technique, featuring a pattern inspired by Palestinian Tatreez embroidery. You’ll master how to read a pattern diagram and bring intricate, symbolic designs to life with glass beads. By the end of the session, you’ll leave with a handcrafted necklace (complete with a stainless steel chain), blending traditional motifs with modern jewellery-making techniques.
What’s Included:
✔ All materials provided (needles, threads, premium glass beads, and chain)
✔ Step-by-step guidance—perfect for beginners and experienced crafters
✔ A creative, welcoming atmosphere to explore your artistry
No experience necessary—just bring your curiosity and excitement. Spaces are limited to only 20, secure your spot early.
EVENT DETAILS:
- What: Tatreez Workshops
- When: 30 August 2025, [11-1pm and 2-4pm]
- Where: At the Asherah tent, Borough Gardens, Dorchester, Dorset,DT1 1RG
- Who: over 13s only
- Tickets: https://tinyurl.com/tatreez25