A music festival championing local musicians and helping them as they come out of lockdown is being held near Dorchester later this month.

Raising Spirit Festival is the idea of local musician Ben Waters, who wanted to support other local musicians who had been so badly impacted by the coronavirus pandemic. He wanted to make it the equivalent of shopping locally.

He said: "2020 saw the hardest year ever for many people, particularly the people of Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester. The normally thriving areas filled with pubs and restaurants was suddenly like a ghost town.

"It was pretty tough on everyone and a lot of local businesses struggled to survive. The Government did help out pubs, clubs and restaurants, which was great, but sadly a lot of local musicians who depend on these venues never really got much help.

"In 2020, we took a decision to do a festival to celebrate local musicians as the area is famed for having such a vibrant live music scene with world-class performers right here on our doorstep - it's long overdue that we should be championing this remarkable pocket of talent here in the South West and also at a time when they need help."

Ben says Raising Spirit Festival, which takes place from June 18 to 20, is "so much more than a festival".

"It's a celebration," he added, "it's a much-needed focal point for bands that need something to look forward to, rehearse, keep their spirits up and also a much-needed revenue stream. It's going to bring thousands of pounds to each band, which will hopefully help ease some of the losses made in 2020."

The festival will be held at Came Estate, in the beautiful walled garden.

Ben said: "The lovely owners of the house have helped so much to make this happen and have gone out of their way to make sure we have a wonderful event.

"The festival wouldn't be possible without the kind sponsorship of Grinning Dog Records, who are about to open up a state-of-the-art recording studio right here in Dorchester.

"Another amazing Dorset firm, Sontronics, has sponsored us with microphones to use at the event, The Dorset Brewing Company has made a special effort to keep us supplied with the best local real ales.

"Dorset firms are rallying around to help us as they love the live music scene and want to do everything they can to help."

The festival could still do with some more help and sponsorship. If you would like to sponsor the event, email [email protected]

Ben added: "We are thrilled to have the following headline acts - Friday, Jack Daniels and Howling At The Moon, Saturday, The Nic Capaldi Band, and closing the festival on Sunday we have the brilliant Robbie McIntosh Band.

"Robbie of course famed for being the guitarist in the Pretenders and Paul McCartney's band, [singer-songwriter] Chris Rea said: 'There is Eric Clapton, Kimmy Hendrix and Robbie McIntosh' which was quite an accolade and we are thrilled to have him close to the festival."

There is a full programme of events of live Dorset bands each day with more than 60 musicians taking part,

Festival tickets are limited as it is taking place just before all restrictions are hoped to be lifted on June 21. They are available for £150 for the weekend, which includes camping, beer, wine and cider, transport to and from Weymouth and Dorchester and great music. There are some day tickets available at £50 each.

Tickets and more information can be found at raisingspiritfestival.com

"Dorset Council has been so helpful in guiding us to make this event happen in difficult times.

"We are adhering to all the current rules to keep you all safe and sound whilst enjoying the concerts - please come along and support your local artists.

"Having spoken to all the acts, they are immensely looking forward to performing, they all keep saying the same thing, 'there is nothing better than playing for a home crowd, Dorset audiences are the best' - maybe that's why the Dorset music scene is so good."

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