Media Release

Sherborne punches above its weight as tourism businesses scoop double Gold & Silver at Dorset Tourism Awards 2017

The market town of Sherborne, Dorset proved it's streets ahead when it comes to winning tourism awards as it celebrates after receiving confirmation of its tourism "wow" factor. The Dorset Tourism Awards saw three Sherborne tourism businesses in and around the town receive two Golds and Silver at a ceremony held on 16 November at The Lighthouse, Poole. The Awards follow hot on the heels of Sherborne's success in another national ceremony when it scooped a Silver Gilt Award in the RHS Britain in Bloom competition.

The organisers of the Sherborne Abbey Festival, headed up by John and Jacqui Baker, were absolutely thrilled to win Gold for Tourism Event of the Year. John commented, "Sherborne Abbey Festival has won Gold in the 2017 Dorset Tourism Awards, jointly awarded Best Event/Festival of the Year. This is a huge achievement and we held our own against very tough competition. Judges deemed our Festival to be ‘Just beautiful' and we couldn't agree with them more."

Against some stiff competition, country house hotel The Grange at Oborne walked away with the Gold award for Best Small Hotel for the second time in three years, having won Silver in 2016 and Gold in 2015. Also freshly branded Seasons Restaurant at the elegant, Georgian Eastbury Hotel in the heart of Sherborne received Silver in the Best Restaurant category.

Janet Schofield, Chair of Sherborne Tourism Forum, said, "We are delighted so many of Sherborne's tourism businesses have been recognised by these Awards, particularly given the strong competition from the whole of Dorset; they really demonstrate how this town punches above its weight."

Janet continued, "It is fantastic that we can offer such a broad tourism experience that includes award winning events, restaurants and accommodation. We were also extremely pleased to see the dedication and hard work of the Sherborne in Bloom team rewarded by a RHS top award a few weeks ago. These accolades confirm that people visiting Sherborne will always have something to enjoy and experience."

Sherborne is not only being recognised as a destination for good food and drink, but also attracts visitors with its historic buildings, including two castles and a mix of different events throughout the year. The Sherborne Abbey Festival held at the beginning of May is a volunteer-led event that grows in popularity every year and will be held in 2018 between 4 - 8 May.

Picture Captions: Top: John and Jacqui Baker receive Gold Award at Dorset Tourism Awards ceremony

The Grange at Oborne won Gold for Best Small Hotel;

Contact Sherborne Tourist Information Centre for details and info about the area:sherborne.tic@westdorset-weymouth.gov.ukor visitwww.sherbornedorset.co.uk. More press information and hi res images: Jane Adkins, A Head for PR Ltd, T/: 01935 813114; M/: 07960698089 or E/:jane@aheadforpr.co.uk

October 2017 (Sherborne14)