Top 13 festivals for July...

1. Bourne Free, Bournemouth, July 13-15

Not your typical festival, but still popular, with a weekend of live music, entertainment and of course the colourful town parade.

2. The Swanage Jazz Festival, July 13-15

A key event for jazz lovers featuring more than 60 acts of modern, traditional and contemporary jazz from around the world.

3. Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival, Weymouth, July 14-15

This award-winning festival is a chance to gain a better understanding of the superb seafood available from Dorset's shores.

4. Sandfest, Sandbanks, July 15

Beach festival, now in its second year, with big names including Hollywood (Luther) star and intentionally renowned DJ, Idris Elba, plus some of the world's best DJs and live acts.

5. Larmer Tree Festival, Cranbourne Chase, July 19-22

One of the UK's longest standing festivals. This year headliners include First Aid Kit and Jake Bugg. New for this year is the Larmer Spa, so guests can pamper while they party.

6. Wilkswood Reggae Festival, Langton Matravers, July 20-22

This family-run, family-friendly event has quadrupled in size since its launch in 2016. This third edition promises to be the best yet featuring iconic reggae legend Lee 'Scratch' Perry and local heroes Dubheart.

7. Wimborne History Festival, July 21-22

To commemorate the centenary of the end of the First World War and mark 100 years since woman gained the vote. This year’s festival will be held in the town centre and is free of charge.

8. Sorted in Dorset, Hamworthy Park, July 21-22

New family festival organised by the firm behind the popular Party in the Park Poole. Expect local food producers such as Dorset Ginger, Conker Gin and Piddle Brewery plus live music and a host of children's entertainment. A second event of the same name is set for Shelley Park at Boscombe Manor in August.

9. Taste of the South Festival, Chapel Gate, Christchurch, July 21-22

A celebration all things local from across the entire South of England. There will be entertainment, live music, tastings and award-winning chef demonstrations.

10. Camp Bestival, Lulworth Castle, July 26-29,

Family-friendly music and performance festival with headliners Simple Minds, Rick Astley, Clean Bandit, Orbital, Basement Jaxx, Sara Cox, Shed Seven, Tokio Myers and Declan McKenna. Family entertainment includes Mr Tumble.

11. Poole Harbour Festival, Harbourside Park, July 27-29.

With 30 live acts on three stages, a world of street food, free children’s entertainment, local crafts and a rare full band show by 1970s icons Mungo Jerry, whose singer Ray Dorset lives in Westbourne.

12. Beer and Bluegrass Festival, Branksome Park, Poole, July 27-28

Now in its fourth year, attracting top quality Bluegrass, Americana and Roots acts from around the globe.

13. Great Dorset Chilli Festival, Wimborne St Giles, July 28-29

Expect stalls selling all things chilli, from pepper plants to cayenne condiments, seeds to ceramics plus cooking demonstrations, talks on growing chillies, artisan food producers, music, beer and ice cream.