The summer holidays are just around the corner and there's a host of events going on to keep all the family entertained over the next week.

Here's a selection of just some of them, if you've got an event going on you want us to tell everyone about, then email the details to digital@bournemouthecho.co.uk

One of the biggest events in Purbeck’s summer calendar kicks off on Saturday. Swanage Carnival week runs until August 1 and thousands are expected to attend the procession on Sunday at 3pm. Firework displays will light up the skies on July 25 and 29th and August 1st. There will also be music, stalls and children’s rides on at Stanpit field, plus music throughout the week on the main stage in Prince Albert Gardens. Plus the Aerostars Acrobatic Air Display team are set to dazzle the crowd. Read a guide to Swanage Carnival here

Popular biennial event the Milton Abbas 18th Century Street Fair returns on Saturday. The streets will be heaving with stallholders selling their wares, with more than 150 stalls booked. A variety of products will be up for grabs, ranging from handcrafted bird and insect boxes, beautifully crafted wooden clocks and jewellery. Between 11am and 5pm, there are more than entertainment from more than 30 acts, plus Punch and Judy, a Magic Man, maypole dancing and a children's fair – something to suit everybody of all ages throughout the day.

The eighth annual Muscliff Family Fun Day takes place on Sunday between 11am and 9.30pm. The free event at Shillingstone Drive can attract up to 6,000 people at any one time and features live music, stalls, demonstrations, a Punch and Judy Show, a raffle and refreshments. Jules the Jester will also be on hand to provide entertainment from balloon modelling to stilt walking.

Witness an ever-changing line up of Classic Cars on the Prom dating from 1915 to the early 1980s on West Overcliff Promenade behind the BIC. The next display takes place on Sunday between 4pm and 6.30pm.

The New Forest and Hampshire County Show returns next Tuesday at New Park in Brockenhurst. The Musical Ride of the Household Cavalry is the main ring of attraction this year’s three-day event, marking their first appearance to the show in over 20 years. Show jumping is set to be the focus and there will also be livestock competitions from cattle and sheep, a poultry section, rabbits, cage birds and bees. There will be more than 600 trade stands, shopping pavilions, flower shows and cooking demonstrations from the county’s top chefs including some stars on TV. The show runs from 8.30am to 6.30pm.

The Damerham Fair and Horticultural Show returns for its 90th year at Damerham Sportsfield, Fordingbridge, on Saturday. Between 11.30am to 5pm, there will be stalls, a scarecrow competition, bouncy castle, face painting, zorbs, ferret racing and animal attractions. The main arena is packed with events including Viking displays, duck herding, maypole dancing, children’s sports, wheelbarrow racing. There’s even a fun dog show at 12.30pm plus new for this year there will be the first ever Damerham Derby. Refreshments include a barbecue, teas and cakes and a licensed bar and live music. Entry is £3.50 for adults with children under 16 free. 

Onstage at the Pier Approach returns for a third year with a host of acts set to perform for free between Friday, July 24 and Monday, August 10. It all kicks off with Soul Creek between 3pm and 5pm.

Dorset Wildlife Trust’s annual wildlife spectacular takes place on Saturday. Families can find out more about animals and creatures found in the county, attend guided walks from local experts and learn more about how to help protect Hengistbury Head for future generations, from 10am to 4pm. No booking required, just turn up, with events taking place on the fields near the Hiker Cafe and at the Visitor Centre. Call the Hengistbury Head Visitor Centre for more information on 01202 451618.

A family-friendly event to look in the moth traps at Durlston Country Park takes place this Saturday. Visitors should meet at the castle at 10.30am for the free entry event. Donations are welcome. For more information, go to Durlston.co.uk or call 01929 424443.

The Classic Car Show returns to the front lawn of Upton County Park this Sunday with a wide variety of different vehicles. There is free admission for visitors from 10am to 4pm to Classics in the Park and there will be trade stands along with music and entertainment. The event is raising funds for St John’s Ambulance and Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

A summer fete will take place at the Parish Church of St Mary Magdalene in New Milton on Saturday. The event, in the Rectory Garden, Church Lane, will begin at 2pm. There will be a Punch and Judy, magic show, bouncy castle, face painting, stalls, sideshows, and ice cream and refreshments on offer.

The Dolphin Shopping Centre’s first Taste Festival takes place this Saturday and Sunday. The event aims to allow shoppers two days to see and purchase some of the best food and drink from Dorset producers at a host of stalls, from 10am to 5pm on both days. Shoppers can also enjoy regular cooking demonstrations throughout the weekend as part of the event.

The inaugural Beer and Bluegrass Festival is taking place in the hall and gardens of St Aldhelm’s in Branksome on Friday, July 24, and Saturday 25. It will be a relaxed affair of British and American bluegrass bands (Lindsay Lou and the Flatbellys, Medicine Bend, Bowlegged Skeeters, and New Hawleans Jug Band, to name a few) combined with an offering of 35 real ales from brewers near and far.

A bike track open day is being held this Monday at Avon Tyrell Outdoor Activity Centre. It takes place from 10am to 3pm and is open to young people aged eight to 17 with separate tracks for beginners and intermediate to expert riders, which is free to attend. There are limited hire bikes available, so those wishing to participate are asked to bring along their own bike if they have one.
For more information, go to avontyrrell.org.uk or call 01425 672347.

The Anonymous Travelling Market will be on De Moulham Road in Swanage on Monday. The colourful market will feature a host of street and artisan food, arts and crafts and more, from 10am to 5pm.
For more information, go to theatm.co.uk.

A family fun day takes place at Ashley Heath on Saturday between 11am and 6pm. There will be a bouncy castle, pony rides, sort play, baloon modelling, circus skills, bungee trampolines and more than 50 stalls. Entry is free and so is parking. Takes place at Homeland Farm which is the same venue as Ashley Heath car boot sale.