Chesney Hawkes, the singer behind 90s chart-topper The One and Only, may be based in Surrey – but his connection to Dorset runs deep, shaped not just by visits and performances, but by friendships.
In particular, the singer was a regular visitor to Cerne Abbas, where he spent time with his close friend Vic Irvine – a well-known and much-liked figure in the village.
Chesney first shot to fame in 1991 when The One and Only reached number one in the UK charts for five weeks, making him one of the most recognisable pop stars of the decade.
Despite that success, Dorset became something of a home-from-home.
In November 2000, he dropped into Budmouth Technology College in Weymouth, surprising students with a music lesson. Performing with his band Manna, he played his hits and chatted to the young audience about life in the music industry.
More than a decade later, in April 2011, Chesney was spotted celebrating alongside locals at a street party in Cerne Abbas marking the wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton.
He attended with Vic Irvine and family, embracing the low-key, community spirit of the event.
At the time, he said: “The atmosphere here is lovely, it’s a proper local celebration and we can just let the kids run wild and have fun.
“I’ve got three kids here and my brother’s here with three kids — it’s just lovely not to worry about them with the streets closed. It’s an old-fashioned street party.”
The following year, in May 2012, Chesney headlined the Bayside Festival in Weymouth during the Olympic celebrations, performing a Back to School 90s Party set.
Ahead of the show, he spoke warmly about the county. He said: “I come to Dorset at least once a month. Recently I filmed the cover of my new album along the Jurassic Coast.
“Weymouth is a great family place and my children love it here… I love Weymouth – it has that amazing promenade and everything you’d want for a day out on the beach.”
His connection to Cerne Abbas also extended to local business ventures.
In 2014, Chesney was pictured enjoying a drink brewed by his friend Vic Irvine, whose passion for beer had led him into the brewing trade. Vic had worked with both the Piddle Brewery and the Hidden Brewery in Salisbury before launching his own venture with Jodie from the Giant Inn in Cerne Abbas.
Their beers — including ales and a blonde — were served at the pub and even showcased at the West Dorset CAMRA Oktoberfest event at Weymouth Pavilion.
Chesney was among those keen to try the results, continuing to champion his friend’s work.
Sadly, Vic Irvine passed away in January 2025, leaving behind many friends in the community and beyond.
His friendship with Chesney Hawkes was just one example of the connections he made, and he is fondly remembered in Cerne Abbas and across Dorset.