Big Jurassic Birthday Bash!

Date: Saturday 22nd August

Location: The Etches Collection Museum

Join us for a special Destination Kimmeridge event as we celebrate 10 incredible years of The Etches Collection Fossil Museum. This milestone is about much more than fossils, it's a celebration of Kimmeridge Village, Kimmeridge Bay, and the amazing community that makes this corner of Dorset so unique. From world-famous fossils and coastal conservation to local food, family activities, and hands-on experiences, this special event brings together everything that makes Kimmeridge unforgettable.

Pre-booking: Get your tickets now: The Big Jurassic Birthday Bash! – The Etches Collection Shop

Tickets will be available on the day, pre-bookings get 20% off scones with clavells resturant and a dedictated easy entry cue!

What to Expect at The Etches Collection Museum

  • Face painting

  • Design-a-Saur Art Competition

  • A marketplace filled with palaeontology-related traders and artists

  • Single-use access to The Etches Collection Museum included with your event ticket

  • Meet our exhibitors and learn more about the Jurassic Coast and careers in palaeontology

  • Guided village history tours

    • 11am, 2pm, 4pm

  • Raffle and tombola

Meet the Traders

Explore our marketplace and meet a range of talented artists, authors, and makers.

  • Lee Brown – Paleoart

  • Phoebe Ginger – Paleoart

  • Charlotte & Hannah – Sea glass art and crochet creatures

  • Matthew Myerscough – Chat to the author of "In Search of Sea Dragons" and grab a signed book

  • Simon Hall – Chat to the author of "Beastly times on the Jurassic Line" and grab a signed book

  • Elly Harvey – Handmade palaeontology-inspired jewellery

  • Devon Fox – Palaeontology and sea-themed homeware

  • Karen Fawcett – Paleoart

  • Manda Holden - On My Travels Art

Meet the Exhibitors

Our exhibitors will be taking over the village throughout the day.

  • Lyme Regis Museum

  • Charmouth Heritage Coast Centre

  • Smiling Seas

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust

  • University of Portsmouth

Meet the Speakers

  • 11am - 12pm: Sally and Neville Hollingworth BEM - “Unearthing The Mammoth Graveyard”

  • 2pm - 2.45pm: Nick Nugent - “The Jurassic Coast in 30 minutes”

  • 3.45pm - 4 30pm: Phil James - “Charles Darwin Geologist and The Etches Collection ‘Missing Link’”

What to Expect at Kimmeridge Bay

Discover the natural wonders of Kimmeridge Bay with activities for all ages.

  • Visit the Wild Seas Centre and learn about the incredible marine life found in Kimmeridge waters

  • Join a beach clean organised by Smiling Seas

  • Explore an art exhibition

  • Meet Bay Rangers and Fossil Experts to learn about both ancient and modern marine life.

Food & Refreshments

A range of food and drink options will be available throughout the event.

  • Clavell's Restaurant

  • Boat on the Bay

  • Purbeck Ice Cream

  • Event BBQ

  • Festival-themed snacks and drinks

Event Support

A huge thank you to the organisations and businesses supporting our Birthday Celebration. Your generosity helps make this community event possible.

  • Coca-Cola

  • Clavell's Restaurant

  • Dorset Wildlife Trust

  • Silk crystal studio

Interested in Becoming a Sponsor?

We're always keen to hear from organisations and businesses interested in supporting this event.

Please contact Emily Ford at emily.ford@theetchescollection.org for more information.

Get Tickets Here!