We may have seen the back of the sunshine for the time being, but that doesn't mean you have to stay indoors looking at the rain all weekend. Here's our round-up of things to do across Dorset this weekend.

1. Go to a film premiere

Purbeck Film Festival starts on Friday night with the premiere of Emma Thompson's new film, showing at the same time as the national premiere in London. The Festival also features an exhibition of Roman Holiday memorabilia, the chance to get up close and personal with some of Aardman Animations best-loved creatures and films being shown in venues all over the Purbeck area. More information at purbeckfilm.com

2. Take in some of Britain's best landscape photographs

The Landscape Photographer of the Year exhibition opens at Moors Valley Country Park this weekend. See the winning and highly commended images from the 2013 Landscape Photographer of the Year competition on display in the visitor centre from 9am to 5pm every day until November 23. Free, but parking charges apply.

3. Meet the autumn birds of Brownsea

Brownsea Island’s lagoon is famous for spectacular flocks of wading birds in autumn.  Meet at the public hide by the cormorant sculpture (100m from the quay) for a Dorset Wildlife Trust event to learn more about these seasonal visitors.  Boats from Poole or Sandbanks at 10am.  No charge but boat fares and National Trust charges apply. For more information, please ring 01202 692033 or 01202 709445

4. Gillian Downes exhibition

Wimborne photographer Gilly Downes is exhibiting some of her sea-themed work at the Regent Centre in Christchurch. More details here

5. Comedy Night at Sturminster Newton

If you fancy a laugh this weekend, it's Comedy Night at the Exchange in Sturminster Newton on Saturday, in aid of the Hupenyu Hutsva Children’s Home in Zimbabwe and Yewstock School Hydrotherapy Pool. Opening act Iszi Lawrence has supported Sarah Millican, John Pendal is a former winner of the International Mr Leather competition - yes, really - Daniel FitzHenry has perfomed all over the country and closing act Paddy Lennox has been described by The Telegraph as "simply a scream." The show, for over-18s only, starts at 8pm. Tickets are £12. More details here.

6. Natural Science Society Open weekend

Bournemouth Natural Science Society opens its doors on Saturday and Sunday to reveal one of the regions most fascinating and unique collections as part of the closing weekend of the Arts by the Sea Festival. The BNSS Open Weekend gives access to all areas to see botanical specimens, geology, birds, butterflies and even an Egyptian mummy. Free, drop-in workshops will be run on both days led by artist Pauline Stanley. Suitable for ages 5 – 12, from 10am - 4pm. More details 

7. Take your kids to learn swimming from Olympic stars.

Sunday is the Zoggs Oceans of Fun Day at the Dolphin Centre and Rossmore Leisure Centre. Register in advance to get free entry to this all day event, where children can learn the basics of fast swimming, synchronised swimming, mini water polo and lifeguarding with Olympic swimmers Adam Whitehead, Adam Scholefield and Louise Woolley. More details here.

8. Immerse yourself in the spoken word at the Bournemouth Emerging Art Fringe 

The final event of the Arts by the Sea festival is the 2nd heat of the Word Makers Poetry/Spoken Word Slam on Sunday. It also features an Open Mic event and guest poets Shaun Gary Palmer - the Purbeck Folk Festival Slam champion - and Jasmin Sophie. If you couldn't get tickets for British Sea Power at Brownsea Island, why not try something different and check this out instead? More details

9. Learn about the Great Heath Project

Ever wanted to know more about Canford Heath and why it's so important? This Sunday, as part of the Great Heath project,  Borough of Poole's Nature Conservation Officer, Jez Martin is leading a guided walk around the nature reserve. Meet at Gravel Hill lay-by, south of Poole Crematorium, at 2pm.



Please note: we try to highlight as many free events as possible but over the winter months some may carry a fee so please read carefully! If you have any community events to add to future lists, go to events.bournemouthecho.co.uk and follow the instructions.