THE King and Queen visited Blandford Forum on Thursday 16th July, to see the newly restored Corn Exchange and meet representatives of various cultural and charity groups, including Dorset Opera Festival and Poole’s Lighthouse arts centre.
The Lighthouse team, led by chief executive Elspeth McBain and creative engagement manager Martha Earley, were among representatives of Dorset charities invited by the Lord Lieutenant of Dorset, Michael Dooley, to exhibit their community work.
Also representing Poole’s arts centre was Josh Ward, a young beneficiary of its Get Creative programme, which provides more than 25,000 engagements with the local community every year.
Elspeth McBain said: “It was a privilege to meet with the King and Queen, With Lighthouse nearing its 50th birthday in 2028, we greatly appreciated being recognised for our contribution to Dorset and we were honoured to participate alongside some of our county’s most deserving charities.”
The Queen was handed a special collection of poetry written by members of the Lighthouse Young Writers group inspired by the theme of harmony and its importance in all aspects of our lives.
The King renewed an acquaintance with Dorset Opera which began 52 years ago when he attended the fledgling organisation’s first performance while he was serving with the Royal Navy at Yeovilton.
At this 2026 visit, the King and Queen heard one of the now Dorset Opera Festival’s most talented young tenors, Jay Broadhurst, who is singing the leading role of Nemorino in L’Elisir d’Amore at this year’s festival (performances on 21st, 23rd, matinee, 24th and 25th July) in the Coade Hall at Bryanston.
DOF artistic director Roderick Kennedy said: “It is especially meaningful for us that His Majesty has a connection with our earliest days, having attended our inaugural performance. Everyone involved with the Festival – from our young artists and internationally acclaimed soloists to our orchestra, volunteers and supporters – is immensely proud.”
The 2026 Dorset Opera Festival also includes three performances of Saint-Saëns’ Samson et Dalila (on 22nd, 23rd and 25th July, matinee).
During their visit, King Charles and Queen Camilla viewed the recently renovated Grade I-Listed Corn Exchange and the newly restored George II Royal Coat of Arms in the Town Hall, before unveiling a plaque to mark the visit and going outside to meet members of the local community. They also visited the historic Hall & Woodhouse brewery in Blandford and unveiled a plaque which celebrates the still independent brewery’s 250th anniversary next year.
Pictured: The King and Queen with Hall & Woodhouse chairman Anthony Woodhouse, unveiling a plaque to celebrate the brewery’s coming 250th anniversary in 2027.
Lighthouse chief executive Elspeth McBain is pictured meeting the Queen; photograph © Liz Lean.