14 things to do in Dorset this weekend

The glorious sunshine we've enjoyed this week may not be sticking around all weekend but with temperatures set to reach 20C on Saturday, you can leave your brolly at home.

1. Watch some amazing acrobatics

This weekend Poole Park and The Quay will host the annual Inside Out, Arts Festival. The festival focuses on combining art with rural Dorset scenery and from Friday until Sunday, Poole Park will be taken over by French Trapeze specialists, Cirk Vost who will stage their acrobatic show, BoO. The open air show sees acrobats tumble and twirl to music on a 15 metre high bamboo structure. Get down to Poole Park and Quay between 12-9.30pm all weekend, where entry is free! For more information visit, www.insideoutdorset.co.uk.

2. Cheer on all the good sports

Swanage is hosting the Purbeck marathon once again this Sunday. Although places may be filled to take part, there is still the chance to pop down and support all of this year’s runners as they travel through the beautiful landscape. The Marathon begins and ends in Swanage, whilst moving through Durlston Country Park and along the Jurassic Coast path through Worth Matravers, Kingston and Corfe Castle. The race starts at 9.30am on the Downs, above Swanage pier, and finishes along Shore Road and onto Sandpit Field where there will be stalls.

3. Go back to the fifties

The eagerly anticipated opening of Christchurch’s Druitt Hall is taking place this Saturday. The newly refurbished community hall has its grand re-opening this weekend which will be celebrated with a fifties-themed vintage style community tea party. There will be music, entertainment and activities, with the Bluestockings group performing at noon just before the Mayor of Christchurch officially opens the hall. With loads of cake at vintage prices, a bake-off competition to get involved in, and a selection of classic cars on show, this is something for all the family.The tea party runs from 11.30am to 4pm, Saturday 13th at the Druitt Hall, High Street Christchurch.

4. Visit a stately home

Kingston Lacey is holding a Heritage Open day this Saturday between 10am and 6pm. To celebrate Dorset Architectural Heritage Week, entry to the beautiful house and gardens will be free all day. Take a walk through the house to view the paintings or stroll through the gardens to soak up the scenery. For further information, visit http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/kingston-lacy

5. See local art in different venues throughout Boscombe

Let Boscombe surprise you this weekend as it hosts its second Fringe Festival. The arts based festival continues this weekend across four venues in Boscombe; Vita Nova, The Cellar Bar at Chaplins, The Shelley Theatre and The Factory Studios. There is an array of artistic mediums to see including theatre, music and film all exhibited by community groups and professionals. Each piece is also highly relevant to current social themes. So for more information on how to experience something different this weekend, visit the website www.boscombefringe.wordpress.com.

6. See some exceptional knitting

The Happy Patchers exhibition continues until Sunday this weekend. The knitting club are showing their range of patchworks and quilting at the Model Town in Wimborne. The works shown this year include the In the Garden and Project Linus- pieces which were made for children at Southampton hospital. The exhibition is open every day until Sunday from 9 until 5pm. Parking is available opposite the Model Town. Entry prices into the Model Town are £6 for adults, £5.50 for senior citizens and £5 for children. Contact Wendy for concessionary prices- Wendy611@hotmail.com.

7. Take the family to see a movie

Pavilion Dance South West is kicking off the first of its monthly family cinema screenings this weekend with Iron Man. With two showings at 11.30 and 3pm and tickets being only £4 each or three for £9, there is no better way to spend a lazy Sunday with the family. ‘Revolting Robots’ is also the free pre-movie event, where children can make their own robot and learn to dance like one! For further information or to book tickets please call 01202 203630 or go to their website www.pdsw.org.uk

8. Get fire safety savvy

Gain lessons in fire safety this weekend as Dorset Fire and Rescue services host a community safety day in Wimborne. Go and meet the local fire crew and see how they work between 10am and 2pm at Waitrose, Willow Walk in Wimborne on Saturday. There will be a range of demonstrations including a chip pan fire, a road traffic collision and fire-fighting presentation, as well as the chance to look at the appliances for yourself. Most importantly, you can sign up for a free home health and safety check.

9. Take a walk in the priests house

As part of National Hertiage Week, the Priest House museum in Wimborne is opening its doors free to visitors. The house, museum and garden will be free to enter on Saturday between 10am and 4.30, with scheduled talks and tours ongoing throughout the day. There will be something for every age with Roman activities to entertain the family. Booking for tours is essential so call 01202 888992 for more information.

10. Bag a bargain and help raise money for charity

Lewis-Manning Hospice will be holding a half-price day sale at its store and secure unit near Castlepoint on Saturday. Between 10am and 2pm for one day the charity will sell all of its summer stock for half price at its block in Yeoman’s way, behind Castlepoint. On the day, there will be refreshments and a mystery box auction where a box of themed items can be bid for!

11. Get down to some folk music

Bournemouth Folk Club are kicking off their new season this Sunday evening at the Ocean View hotel. Seeing in the new term will be eight-piece band, Threepenny Bit. After their success at the Purbeck Folk Festival earlier this summer and with another album newly released, the high spirited band will perform a range of their best tracks. Combining a range of traditions, from English and Irish folk tunes, to contemporary Klezmer and European folk sounds, each upbeat song is sure to make it an enjoyable evening. Tickets are £7 each and can be purchased here: www.bournemouthfolkclub.com.

12. Watch teams pull a Boeing 737

The Dorset Plane Pull was postponed due to bad weather last month but the good news is the forecast looks far more promising for Saturday when it is due to take place. The event, which is held at Bournemouth Airport, will see more than 15 teams compete to see who can pull a Boeing 737 the furthest distance. There will also be bouncy castles for the kids, face painting and our Punch & Judy Show, plus a BBQ and music from duo Scarlett Swing. The fun all kicks off at 10am.

13. Attend a tattoo fest

Tattoo artists and ink fans alike will be congregating at the Pavilion this weekend for the Bournemouth Ink 'N' Art Tattoo Fest. The three-day expo, which runs today until Sunday, will be a chance to see some world class artists at work, find out about the history of tattooing courtesy of Jimmie Skuse's tattoo museum, plus there will be not one but two Elvis Presley tribute artists entertaining the crowds. More details, ticket prices and opening times on the Bournemouth Pavilion website 

14. Enjoy some cheese

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival takes place today and tomorrow with 60+ traditional food stalls, 60+ craft stalls, real ale and real cider tents. There will be live music, Punch and Judy, Morris dancing, children’s entertainment and, of course, plenty of cheese. Open 10am-5pm both days, £5, under 15s free.