A MAGICAL afternoon of music, food and entertainment can be enjoyed in a bid to raise money for Dorchester Arts.

An Afternoon of Apples, on Sunday, October 6, from 3pm to 5.30pm at Ashton Barn, Martinstown, will celebrate everything to do with one of Dorset’s best-loved harvests – the apple.

People will be able to enjoy a mini festival of traditional music, poetry and prose, Dorset baking and sweet treats – and an apple-themed afternoon tea! There will be quizzes, games, a baking competition with fantastic prizes, and music from harpist Sarah Deere-Jones and local group ‘Jam Please!’ plus cake, pies, cider and sauces.

Dorchester Arts development manager Jacky Thorne said: “This will be a magical afternoon of music, food and entertainment. Ashton Barn is such a lovely venue and we are delighted to be celebrating Dorset in this way."

For those who are feeling competitive, Dorchester Arts is holding a free baking competition as part of the event. All entries will be judged by award-winning chef Jamie Jones of Yalbury Cottage and some fantastic prizes will be on offer, including signed aprons from several celebrity judges. See Dorchester Arts’ website for more information.

*An Afternoon of Apples, Ashton Barn, Martinstown, Sunday, October 6, 3.30pm to 5.30pm. Tickets are £15 to include afternoon tea and are available from the Dorchester Arts box office on 01305 266926, in person at the Corn Exchange (weekdays 10am - 4pm) or via www.dorchesterarts.org.uk.