Cursus Cider & Music Festival

Cursus Cider & Music Festival 2026

Cursus Cider & Music Festival returns to Myncen Farm near Blandford Forum from 22–24 May 2026, bringing together a welcoming weekend of live music, locally produced cider, camping and family-friendly entertainment in the heart of the Dorset countryside.

Organised by the team behind Fuelled By Cider festivals, Cursus has become one of the South West's favourite independent festivals thanks to its relaxed atmosphere, limited capacity and carefully curated programme of original live music. With just a few hundred tickets available each year, the festival offers an intimate experience where festival-goers can enjoy outstanding performances without the crowds found at larger events.

Set among orchards, meadows and open farmland, Cursus combines great music with locally crafted cider, quality food, camping and a genuine sense of community. Whether you're discovering new bands, relaxing around the communal campfire or sampling Dorset cider straight from the source, Cursus delivers a memorable bank holiday weekend that's all about good music, good company and great countryside.

Why Visit Cursus Cider & Music Festival?

Cursus is designed for people who enjoy festivals with a genuine community atmosphere. Instead of huge crowds and long walks between stages, visitors can relax in a compact, friendly setting where everything is within easy reach.

The festival focuses on original live music, quality local food and an outstanding selection of ciders and ales, creating an experience that celebrates the best of Dorset's rural culture. Families, couples and groups of friends all enjoy the welcoming atmosphere, making Cursus one of the South West's most enjoyable independent music festivals.

Live Music at Cursus

Music is at the heart of the Cursus experience. Throughout the weekend, festival-goers can enjoy an exciting programme featuring folk, punk, bluegrass, roots, rock, ska, acoustic music and singer-songwriters performing across multiple stages.

The carefully selected line-up combines well-known names from the independent festival circuit with emerging artists, creating opportunities to discover new music while enjoying performances from established favourites. Late-night DJs and themed entertainment keep the atmosphere going long after the main stage performances have finished.

Local Cider and Dorset Food

As the name suggests, cider plays an important role in the festival experience. Visitors can sample a fantastic selection of locally produced ciders alongside craft ales and other drinks, celebrating the region's rich cider-making heritage.

Food vendors serve a variety of freshly prepared meals throughout the weekend, including wood-fired pizzas, street food, vegetarian and vegan options, as well as locally sourced produce. Together, the food and drink offering helps create the relaxed atmosphere that has become one of the festival's defining features.

Explore Dorset During Your Visit

A trip to Cursus offers the perfect opportunity to discover some of Dorset's most beautiful countryside. The nearby market town of Blandford Forum provides independent shops, cafés and traditional pubs, while the Jurassic Coast, Cranborne Chase National Landscape and picturesque Dorset villages are all within easy reach.

Many visitors choose to extend their stay, turning a festival weekend into a relaxing countryside break filled with walking, local food and some of England's finest rural scenery.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Cursus Cider & Music Festival held?

The festival takes place at Myncen Farm near Blandford Forum in Dorset, surrounded by orchards, meadows and open countryside.

Is Cursus a camping festival?

Yes. Camping is included for most weekend ticket holders, with the campsite located close to the festival arena for easy access throughout the weekend.

Is Cursus suitable for families?

Absolutely. The festival welcomes families and includes children's activities, open spaces, creative play areas and a relaxed atmosphere suitable for all ages.

What music can I expect?

Visitors can enjoy folk, roots, bluegrass, rock, ska, punk, acoustic music, DJs and original live bands performing throughout the weekend.

What makes Cursus different?

Cursus offers a genuine grassroots festival experience with limited capacity, locally produced cider, original live music, family-friendly camping and a strong community atmosphere that sets it apart from larger commercial festivals.

Camping and Family-Friendly Atmosphere

Camping is a central part of Cursus, allowing visitors to spend the entire weekend immersed in the festival's welcoming community. The campsite is located close to the arena, making it easy to move between performances, food stalls and your tent without long walks.

Families are warmly welcomed, with children's activities, creative play areas and plenty of open space for younger visitors to enjoy. Well-behaved dogs are also welcome, helping to create the relaxed and inclusive atmosphere that keeps many visitors returning year after year.

By Road

Blandford Forum is easily reached by road via the A354, a main link between Salisbury and Poole. If coming from the south or west, follow the A35/A354 signs to Blandford and then local signs for Minchington. From the north or east, use the A354 via Salisbury. Once in town, follow directions toward Minchington (Myncen Farm). Onsite parking is available with a permit (usually for a small fee), but spaces fill up on busy weekends, so car-pooling is recommended. Note that country lanes near Myncen Farm are narrow and can be slow going, so allow extra travel time.

By Public Transport

Blandford Forum has no train station. The nearest rail connections are Poole (about 14 miles) and Bournemouth (20 miles), both served by frequent trains to London and the south coast. Salisbury (24 miles) and Gillingham (17 miles) are also within reach. From any of these stations, take a taxi or a local bus to Blandford. In Blandford town centre, buses stop at the Market Place (for example, the X8 from Poole or the CR8 from Weymouth). A short taxi ride from Blandford will then bring you to Minchington and the festival site.

By Air

The nearest airport is Bournemouth Airport (BOH), roughly 15 miles east of Blandford Forum (about a 30–40 minute drive). Southampton Airport is around 36 miles away and Bristol Airport about 43 miles. London Heathrow and Gatwick lie farther east, but trains or coaches to Dorset run from there.

Local Facilities and Stays

Once in Blandford, petrol, shops and restaurants are readily available. Blandford’s Georgian centre has several inns, guest houses and B&Bs – booking ahead is wise on a busy weekend. For a countryside sleepover, Rustic Stays on the farm offers glamping in traditional shepherds huts on the premises, blending comfort with rural charm.