New Year’s Eve is right around the corner, and with everyone getting those last-minute plans sorted it can be hard to find the right party for you.

Whether you’re looking for a massive gathering or a quiet get together, Dorset is putting on a show to kick start 2024.

Dorchester:

  • The county town has a tradition of gathering at the Town Pump on South Street to ring in the new year at 11.55pm. This year will be like no other as Cllr Alistair Chisholm, the Mayor of Dorchester, will give his last cry as town crier. Cllr Chisholm has been the town crier of Dorchester for 27 years and won 11 national championships in that time so locals are looking to make it a fond farewell in a historical moment.
  • Over the other side of town in Brewery Square, Luciano’s restaurant and bar will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party featuring music from Billy Hutchinson. From 9pm to midnight, cocktails will be buy one get one free. Dinner reservations are advised but the bar will be open. For more information call Luciano’s on 01305 302303.
  • If you’re out and about earlier in the day around Brewery Square, the Vivo Lounge on Weymouth Avenue is hosting a family New Year’s Eve party between 3pm to 5pm. The event is perfect for little ones and includes children’s games, a fancy dress competition and an early countdown celebration complete with apple juice and sodas water. To find out more search the Vivo Lounge on Facebook.
  • In Poundbury, the Poet Laureate in Pummery Square is holding an 1980s themed disco from 8pm, with burgers served from 10pm. Entry to the pub is free. 

Weymouth:

The seaside town of Weymouth really gets into the spirit of seeing in the new year as nearly everyone goes all out in fancy dress.

  • Traditionally, crowds gather at the Jubilee Clock on the seafront to see in the new year, and whilst people still do, other venues offer an array of events and live music on the night.
  • Weymouth’s popular Quayside festival is back again this year. Hosted at Rendezvous, this year the theme is a masquerade party. A selection of live music includes DJ Bonnie, The Haze, Sugar Rush, Iron Hide, The Undecided and Balance of Power. Starting at 5.30pm, the event runs until late. The event has been moved inside over concerns for safety due to the levels of wind and rain expected, which will reduce capacity, however early bird tickets are still available £5 and can be purchased online. 
  • Finns pub on Westham Road will be hosting a New Year’s Eve party featuring live music from classic rock cover band Raizing Steam. Entry is free.
  • The Closet bar and night club on St Edmund Street are also hosting a New Year’s party. Starting from 8pm you can dance the night away through to 6am in the morning with two DJs on offer in the club and bar. Entry is free before 10pm.
  • The Three Chimneys on the Esplanade are celebrating the new year with a karaoke, disco and games. The fun starts at 5pm when food is available, with a free glass of prosecco promised at midnight. Tickets are £5 and must be pre-booked from 01305 773435.  
  • The Nook Cocktail Club on the Esplanade are hosting a party featuring Dorset based band The Leggomen, Matt Taylor and The Undecided.
  • Kika Beach are hosting what they call the best fancy dress party, at their Denbossa Raverow event. Four DJ’s will play across three bars, with confetti canons, fireworks and more planned for the big night.
  • The John Gregory on Radipole Lane in Southill are hosting a disco starting at 8.30pm. Fancy dress at the pub is optional.
  • The Famous Old Spa on Dorchester Road are holding a disco from 8pm.
  • The Royal Oak on Dorchester Road are bringing an alternative sound to your new year plans as they are hosting Alex Akal and The Wolves. The set, from 9pm to 11pm will see the band bring their own ‘Tribal Dance Fusion’ to Dorset with tie dye festival vibes. Entry is free and themed attire is encouraged.
  • Hardys Hophouse on St Thomas Street are hosting a party on New Year’s, headlined by local band The Dolmen along with Wildcats ’56 and Miss K. Starting at 7pm, the party will include prizes for the best fancy dress with the reward for first place winning £300. Tickets are £15 and can be bought at the Hophouse or the Boot in. A buffet will be included.
  • The Gloucester will host two live bands, the Circus of Thieves and Dusk Til Dawn for their party.

Portland:

  • The Corner House Inn in Easton on Portland is open from 12pm and will offer a cold buffet as well as an open mic night. Fancy dress is optional.   
  • The Cove House Inn will be open from 12pm and will be hosting music and a light buffet from 7.30pm. The inn will be open until 1am.

Charlton Down:

  • The village of Charlton Down near Dorchester is hosting its own party at their village hall on New Year’s Eve. Three DJ’s will be playing 1960s and 1970s Northern Soul, Soul and Motown music on original vinyl. The event starts at 7.30pm and goes on through to 1am. Entry to the party is £8, which is payable on the door. To add your name to the guest list call 07530658687 or 07493264690.