A DORCHESTER wine bar is hosting a celebration of all things Thomas Hardy tonight.

Durnovaria in South Street is putting on a Far From the Madding Crowd themed event from 8pm.

The event will include Hardy readings from Dorchester town crier Alistair Chisholm and Chris Gallarus, who appeared alongside Carey Mulligan as an extra in the recently released Far From the Madding Crowd film.

The night will also feature some authentic, Hardy inspired music from Jerry Bird.

With the Far From the Madding Crowd film shot in Dorset screened at cinemas across the country, interest in Hardy and his works is at an all time high.

Durnovaria owner Jim Ross said the cultural evening will provide plenty of opportunity for discussion.

He said: "There will be discussion about Thomas Hardy and Far From the Madding Crowd, about the differences between the book and the film and the old film and the new film."

Mr Ross said that Durnovaria always try to do something 'a little bit different' on Wednesday nights and the fourth Wednesday of every month is always a time when they celebrate local food, produce or culture.

He said: "We are all about local stuff - produce, culture and history and we have an abundance of it so this event is part of celebrating that."

All are welcome to come along and enjoy the event on the night.

The last local food and culture night saw Durnovaria launch Conkers Gin, while there is always something on offer on Wednesday nights at the venue.

On the first Wednesday of the month it hosts wine tasting events, with the next one offering a wines from Argentina.

The second Wednesday of each month is a singles night and the third is a vinyl night where people can bring along their records to swap, sell and play.

As well as its focus on local produce, Durnovaria has also been expanding its range of spirits and has been rated as the sixth best cocktail bar in Dorset.

For more information about the Far From the Madding Crowd night and other events coming up at the venue visit durnovariabar.co.uk