Dorchester is to host a 'Streets Alive!' event celebrating International Car-Free Day on September 22.

A festival with stalls, music, activities and demonstrations will be held in Acland Road car park from 12noon to 5pm, with local schoolchildren invited to take part alongside the general public.

Throughout the afternoon there will be music, demonstrations, talks, food, stalls and a range of fun activities including street art, bike disco and bike polo, cycle training and repairs, street football, and more.

Streets Alive will be based around the theme of active transport, encouraging the public to find fun and engaging alternatives to driving.

Many of Dorchester's primary and middle schools are supporting this event. Some children will be walking, cycling, or scooting to the event from school, which will give a powerful visual message that our streets are for everyone.

At the event, there will be a range of activities and demonstrations for them to enjoy including some inter-school games. Their experience and learning will be used by the schools as part of their curriculum delivery.

Julie-Ann Booker, from Dorchester Transport Action Group, said: "The event will take a space in the centre of town usually occupied by cars and reclaim it for the townsfolk for one day, turning it temporarily into a joyous space for a series of fun and educational activities.

"The central idea is to gently encourage a behavioural change from using cars to active transport which will bring a range of benefits including, reduced levels of air and noise pollution and a reduction in our carbon footprint.

"The event will be open to everyone: old and young, mobile, and not so mobile, to experience the centre of Dorchester in a new way."

Local cycling groups are also being encouraged to participate in a mass cycle on the day of the event. The route will finish at the Acland Street car park where there will be a circuit of the car park. This cycle ride will be another act of temporarily "reclaiming our streets".

Dorchester Streets Alive aims to be inclusive of everyone: young people, older people, sporty people, those who are less mobile, and those who use walking aids or wheelchairs.

How can you get involved in Dorchester Streets Alive?

• Book a stall - food & drink, crafts, education, etc.
• Come and speak about climate issues
• Perform on the stage
• Sponsor a prize/giveaway
• Organise a fun activity
• Promote your active travel business
• Promote your local club/activities
• Help with fundraising for this event
• Come along on your bike, skateboard, scooter, or mobility scooter
• Join the community and help with the organisation
• Help promote the festival

Giles Watts, secretary of Dorchester Transport Action Group, commented: "This event will be positive for Dorchester and bring people into the centre of town which will be good for the community and businesses alike."

To get involved, contact Dorchester Streets Alive on [email protected] or call Giles Watts at 07840 061 712. 

You can also like/follow the event at www.facebook.com/DorchesterStreetsAlive