As always, there will be something to tempt all ages and tastes, covering large and small-scale theatre, music, dance, puppetry, comedy and literature. Artsreach events are subsidised by the Arts Council, as well as Dorset County Council and four District Councils, to offer audiences affordable access to the arts, without compromising on the high quality of theatrical productions once only available in large cities, and without needing to travel nearly as far.

Buffalo Gals, revelling in the high lonesome sound of the Appalachian Mountains. Their show is an irresistible feast of fiddle and banjo-led bluegrass, roots and Cajun music, accompanied by soaring harmonies and dazzling displays of percussive step dancing. Buffalo Gals were a huge hit when they toured Somerset’s rural circuit last year. Don’t miss them at Burton Bradstock on Friday 12 September (01308 897214) and Briantspuddle on Saturday 13 September (01929 471497).

Jaleo, fabulous flamenco artistes from Seville, who will perform ‘Flamenco Spectacular!’ at The Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Wednesday 17 September (01258 475137). Jaleo unleashes the raw energy and sensuous rhythms inherent within flamenco, showcasing some of flamenco’s finest award-winning artists. Don't miss them!

‘Upclose’ from Dance South West, which has been specially crafted for rural touring. To immerse the senses completely in contemporary dance – the biggest growing artform of recent years – the audience is positioned around all four sides of the stage to experience three dance pieces by top choreographers in engaging, close proximity.

Redcape Theatre, who have just completed a stint in Edinburgh where they received rave reviews. ‘The Idiot Colony’ was intensively researched, and tells the story of three women in a 1940s mental asylum. Using nostalgic comedy and highly visual, physical theatre, Redcape challenges and entertains with this poignant and highly moving production.

Hi Jinx Theatre will present their new production ‘The Other Woman’, set in WW1 on a remote Welsh farm, with complications arising when a stranger seeking refuge drops in. Always innovative in their approach to theatrical performance, make sure you don’t miss Hi Jinx in November at Gillingham, Halstock and Shillingstone.

‘Beanfeast’ and ‘Taste’. Beanfeast brings together three distinguished performers with local connections to serve up a delicious cocktail of sensuous delights, anorexic nightmares, exotic locations and a veritable banquet of stimulating ideas, expressed through words and song, and always featuring food! Sammy Hurden and Cheryl Campbell are joined by either Harriet Walter or Tilly Tremayne, and feasts follow performances at Melbury Osmond, Sturminster Marshall and Powerstock. ‘Taste’ is a Theatre Chipping Norton production, responding to sixty years of change in the English countryside and exploring the role of food at the centre of life’s rituals. Throughout the play a caterer will be preparing food, and audiences are invited to join the cast to sample and share food that has been created in each scene.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra makes a welcome return to the Artsreach circuit, with two ensembles demonstrating outstanding local talent – BSO Winds are set to perform a colourful, classical programme at Sixpenny Handley on Thursday 18 Sept (01725 552591), while BSO Brass perform a Baroque programme at Halstock Church on Saturday 20 Sept (01935 891568).

String quartet Methera and folk trio Kerr, Fagan, Harbron. As part of their high-profile national tour, these international musicians present some of the strongest elements of the contemporary folk scene. Methera position themselves at four corners of the room, creating a rich immersive and uplifting music experience. The Kerr, Fagan, Harbron Trio combine elements from English, Australian, Irish and American traditions on a wide variety of instruments to create their unique live sound. Don’t miss these prestigious performers at Stour Provost on Friday 10 October (01747 838114) and Portesham on Sunday 12 October (01305 871780).

Seckou Keita makes a very welcome return to Artsreach in late November, this time focusing on a more traditional programme, emphasising the sophistication of the beautifully melodic kora sound. Umdumo WeSizwe hail from Zimbabwe and comprise ten young men, using only the musical energy of bass and tenor voices to sing uplifting celebratory songs in the traditional ‘Imbube’ style, made famous by Ladysmith Black Mambazo. Catch Umdumo late November, and don’t miss the opportunity to take part in a singing workshop with them at Evershot (30 Nov – 01305 269512). One of Europe’s finest Latin American bands, Quimantu, will perform a specially crafted seasonal show ‘Viva la Navidad’, celebrating Christmas across British and Latin American traditions.

Michael Partington plays two very special concerts at Ashmore and West Knighton, late November. This Seattle-based classical guitarist is one of the most engaging of the new generation of concert players. Receiving praise from critics and audiences wherever he plays, this is one international performer not to be missed.

Cumbrian folk band Striding Edge will perform in the run up to Christmas at three Artsreach venues. A concert will start the show, to be followed by a Ceilidh in the second half with solo spots from the performers. An infectiously fun evening is promised!

Chris Garrick Quartet, Piaffinitee and the New Rope String Band also return to perform this season and will be sure to pack out the halls with the following they have in Dorset – early booking is highly recommended!

Smaller theatre shows this autumn are wide-ranging – the brilliant Pip Utton undergoes drastic transformations for his one-man shows ‘Adolf’ and ‘Chaplin’, which were hugely successful at Edingburgh, offering challenging contemporary theatre. Richard Derrington also performs a one-man show, reviving his (updated) persona ‘Ezekiel Taylor’ which Artsreach audiences will remember. Theatre Proteus performs a one-woman show ‘A Woman’s Wartime’, a moving story of humour and heartbreak as Maude takes us through her wartime diary. Thespis bring their story of ex-ENSA entertainers to life at five village halls on the circuit. Tim Laycock’s new show ‘Ha! Ha! Hardy’ will feature readings and songs of Thomas Hardy’s humorous side, which Tim will perform through spoken word, folksong and music. Ministry of Entertainment perform two very different shows this season – the very popular ‘Mrs Gerrish’s Guesthouse’ returns with two dates, and the new show ‘Vamp til Ready’ puts actress Kate McNab’s vocal talents in the limelight as she performs an evening of sultry cabaret songs from the legends Marlene, Mae, Marilyn and Eartha. Forest Forge also perform in two shows this season – a musical family show, ‘Stamping, Shouting and Singing Home’, is set in the southern American states in the 1950s, to a live soundtrack of gospel and spiritual music; and their pantomime this Christmas is ‘’. Fun for all the family!

Children and adults alike will love the puppet shows lined up for the season. Angel Heart Theatre bring their beautiful puppeteered take on Hans Andersen’s classic ‘The Nightingale’ back for anyone who missed it in February – or for those who saw it and have been longing to see it again! The other half term treat will come from Hand to Mouth Theatre (Martin Bridle) with their original and whimsical reinterpretation of George and the Dragon, using storytelling, glove puppets and a hurdy-gurdy. In December Puppetcraft return to the Artsreach circuit after a couple of years off with their brand new show ‘The Tin Forest’ – a delightful show suitable for all over the age of 3, using no words but a soundscape of live music and sound effects. The magical Theatre Alibi will perform this year’s family show ‘Teapot’, with live cello music and terrific puppets, returning to the lovely setting of Wootton Fitzpaine’s hall.

In addition to the performance programme, Artsreach are also touring a visual arts exhibition of twelve artists working in unique ways with paper, entitled Pulp Fiction, throughout October and November. To find out more and to join the mailing list, please visit www.artsreach.co.uk.