an evening of connection, conversation, and community

This year’s Town Meeting and Community Expo is taking place on Tuesday 29th April at the Town Hall. If you haven’t been to a Town Meeting before, it is a relaxed and friendly evening to come together as a town, reflect on the past year’s projects, and look ahead at upcoming plans.

The evening begins with the Community Expo, a gathering of local groups, organisations, and volunteers who do brilliant work across Shaftesbury. Whether you are already involved in local groups, or simply curious to know more, this is a great opportunity to meet the people behind the scenes, find out what community groups operate in the town, and discover a new way to take part. You will also get the chance to network with local councillors.

Following the Community Expo, we will move into the Annual Town Meeting, which includes a welcome from the Mayor and an overview of the past year – what has been achieved, what has been learned, and where we are heading next. You will also hear from some of the Advisory Committees of the Council and local organisations.

What is an Annual Town Meeting?

The Annual Town Meeting is not a council meeting. It is a public meeting for all registered electors in the town. It is chaired by the Mayor and provides a chance for the Town Council to share what it has done over the past year.

It is also an opportunity for residents to raise topics, ask questions, and talk about issues that matter to the wider community. The meeting creates space for open, inclusive conversation. Everyone is welcome.

Save the date

Shaftesbury is a place that tries out new ideas, values its independence, and puts community first. But none of it works without people. This evening is a chance to connect and see how we can shape a positive, inclusive, and thriving town together. Whether you are new to Shaftesbury or have lived here all your life, we would love to see you there. Feel free to bring a friend or neighbour along too.