10 things to do in Dorset this weekend

What about the weather? It's been a pretty miserable week but Saturday and Sunday aren't looking too bad for getting out and about. 

Saturday will see highs of 18C with the chance of light rain from 1pm onwwards, while Sunday will be cloudy with sunny spells forecast for the late afternoon. 

Here's our pick of 10 events happening across the county. If you have a community event you'd like to promote, then head on over to our events listing to upload the details for free! 

Step back in time at a vintage fair

Lovers of all things vintage should head to the Pavilion Theatre on Sunday when Lou Lou’s Vintage Fair rolls into town. The one-day event, which has been voted the Best Vintage Fair in the UK, will see 50 stalls selling clothing and accessories, homewares, furniture, jewellery and much more from the 1940s through to the 1990s. There will also be vintage hair and makeovers so you can be styled to look like your favourite vintage icon or you can simply sample the delights in the vintage tearoom. Entry is £2 with under 12s free. 11am-4pm.

Listen to some local music and raise money for Oxfam

Over 50 bands, solo artists and DJS will be playing across seven venues in Bournemouth town centre this weekend for a good cause. The annual Bournemouth Oxjam takeover is one of many events taking place up and down the country to raise money for Oxfam and to showcase the talents of local artists.

Music fans will be able to access the official venues – including Sixty Million Postcards, Chaplins and The Winchester - via a wristband throughout the day and night on Saturday and the price of the ticket also includes free bus travel all day on More Buses. Tickets are £6 plus booking fee and can be exchanged for a wristband at the venues. Full details and stage times at bournemouthoxjam.co.uk/bands.html

Get up close to nature

Ever seen a sika deer up close? Join the RSPB for an early morning walk at Arne on Saturday from 7.30am to 9.30am as they look out for the sika stags during rutting season. You’ll be listening out for their calls as they attempt to corral a group of hinds and fend off any competitors. £8 non members/ £4 RSPB members/ £2 Children. Book on 01929 553360.

Watch cider-making – the old fashioned way

Calling all cider drinkers! Burley plays host to its annual Apple Pressing Weekend where you can discover the art of cider making the old fashioned way plus there will be an opportunity to sample the finished product.

There will also be traditional country craft demonstrations including hurdle making and wood turning, a blacksmith and basket maker as well as steam engine and tractor displays, swing boats and coconut shy. There will also be entertainment courtesy of self-dubbed scrumpy and western band, The Skimmity Hitchers.

Bag yourself a bargain

Are you a bargain hunter? Kingston Lacy will be hosting its monthly car boot sale on Saturday. Traders are welcome from 8am but those more interested in looking for unwanted treasures are welcome from 9am. Entry for buyers is 50p and £5 for sellers per car.

Get steamed up in Swanage

A locomotive that played a key role in the 150th London Underground anniversary celebrations is set to take centre stage at the Swanage Railway Autumn Steam Gala this weekend. The three-day event, which gets underway from Friday, promises a superb line-up of historic engines plus special steam train services will run from Swanage to Harman’s Cross and Corfe Castle.

The Purbeck Mineral and Mining Museum, next to Norden station, will open free to the public, from 11am-4.30pm, on Saturday and Sunday. While at Swanage railway station the shop will be open and the buffet car serving hot and cold snacks all day.

Celebrate Dorset’s finest foods

Some of the finest produce Dorset has to offer will be on display at the Eat Dorset Food Fair. The two-day event takes place between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday at Parnham House in Beaminster and will be opened by Michael Caines MBE. There will be over 50 stalls showcasing the best food and drink from across the county including Chococo, Olives Et Al, Purbeck Ice Cream and Meat Free Martha, plus cookery demonstrations from the likes of Lesley Waters, Mark Hix, Mat Follas and James Golding, head chef at The Pig in Brockenhurst. Entry £6, children under 16 free.

Join in the XCH10K fun run

The first-ever XCH10K run comes to Christchurch on Sunday. The 10k race takes runners from Stanpit to Mudeford, along Avon Beach and through the Steamer Point Nature Reserve. Places have already been snapped up for the main 10k event but you can still enter to take part in a one-mile family fun run which takes place at 9am. Event registration is at Stanpit Recreation Ground at 7am and all entrants will receive a medal. Entry is £5. More details at xch10k.co.uk.

Visit a model railway exhibition 

Christchurch Model Railway Club hosts its annual model railway exhibition at Bournemouth School For Girls this weekend. Over 20 model railway layouts will be on show between 10am and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Entry is £4 and children go free when attending with a paying adult. There will also be trade support, refreshments and free parking. christchurchmrc.org.uk

Celebrate the humble apple at Kingston Maurward

Apples will be the stars of the show at Kingston Maurward’s open day on Saturday. The college will be hosting an autumn apple and garden day where expects from the Royal Horticultural Society will be on hand to identify unknown apples and offer advice. There will also be a large colourful apple display with harvest fruits and vegetables, floral displays, talks from plant experts, childrens’ competitions and tractor and trailer rides. There will also be an apple cake competition to find the best decorated cake and tastiest creation. More details at http://www.kmc.ac.uk/

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!