Charity, Ferndown | Posted on October 7th, 2026 | return to news

Dolly Parton’s musical legacy to help Dorset families with cancer

The music of the late, great Dolly Parton stars in a one-off event supporting Dorset families with cancer.

The show, Dorset’s Got Heart, takes place at The Barrington Arts & Community Centre, Ferndown on Saturday 24 October at 7.30pm. It features the songs of Dolly, Stevie Nicks and Tina Turner in support of The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF).

Among a host of talented performers will be Bournemouth and Boscombe Light Opera Company (BBLOC), fresh from their production of 9 to 5: The Musical at Bournemouth Pavilion.

“We are thrilled to be performing highlights from our production of 9 to 5: The Musical for Dorset’s Got Heart,” said Becky Bagnall, BBLOC’s vice chair. “This is an immensely joyful story with an irresistible score by the country music legend Dolly Parton, who sadly passed away in August after fighting her own battle with cancer.

“Dolly was a fervent advocate of anyone facing difficulty or hardship and therefore it will be incredibly fitting for us to perform for the benefit of local people who are struggling financially because of a cancer diagnosis.”

The Dorset Cancer Care Foundation (DCCF) supports cancer patients by providing non-repayable grants for costs such as household bills and transport to and from hospital.

The charity’s Events Manager Claire Shpachynska said Dorset’s Got Heart promises to be a great show for all the family: “Alongside BBLOC, the fantastic Kelly Lorraine will be performing the iconic hits of Stevie Nicks and Tina Turner. While Aerial Arts Dorset will bring breathtaking aerial performances to the stage, along with other live entertainment.

Tickets cost £25 each and the doors open at 7pm. A bar and refreshments will be available, along with a prize raffle.

Tickets are available by emailing events@dccf.co.uk or via the Dorset Cancer Care Foundation website.