THERE’S a lot of local entertainment this weekend to brighten up those long dark evenings. See some superstars at Weymouth Pavilion, enjoy some Celtic celebration or give stargazing a whirl

THIS weekend sees a number of Burns Night celebrations in honour of Scotland’s most famous poet.

Among them are Burns Night celebrations at the New Inn at Church Knowle, Corfe Castle tonight and tomorrow.

A special menu is on offer including Scottish haggis with neaps and tatties and clootie dumpling.

Call 01929 480357 to book.

There are also Burns Nights being held at the Royal Dorset Yacht Club in Weymouth tomorrow, featuring a Scottish piper (Call 01305 786258) and the South Dorset Caledonian Society will be celebrating Burns Night tonight at the Crown Hotel in St Thomas Street, Weymouth, from 6.30pm featuring a meal and dancing with the O’Daleigh’s Ceilidh Band. Tickets cost £25. Call 01305 776155.

  • Alternative comedy pioneer Alexei Sayle is in Dorchester tonight giving a preview of the second volume of his hilarious and thought- provoking memoirs with readings from “Thatcher Stole My Trousers” as well as excerpts from his first volume “Stalin Ate My Homework” and some of his famous short stories.

Tickets are available from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992 and Dorchester Arts Centre on 01305 266926.

  • DEL Boy and Rodney will be entertaining diners at a Comedy Dinner Show at Weymouth Pavilion tonight.

Laughlines Comedy Entertainment will be bringing the characters from Only Fools and Horses alive, promising an evening of side-splitting entertainment and a three-course meal. Contact the Pavilion for tickets.

  • GAZE in wonderment at the stars at Durlston Country Park in Swanage tomorrow.

Join experts from the Wessex Astronomical Society for a short talk and the chance to use telescopes to view the night sky.

The stargazing is from 7pm to 9.30pm. Call 01929 424443 on the day to confirm because the event is weather dependent. It costs £3 and people should meet at the Learning Centre.

  • THE Three Degrees will be bringing star power to Weymouth Pavilion tomorrow.

The Philadelphia trio will be singing When Will I See You Again? along with many other of their greatest hits from 7.30pm. Call the Pavilion for tickets.

  • MIRACLE Theatre are performing Dr Livingstone, I Presume? at the Corn Exchange, Dorchester tomorrow and Sunday from 7.30pm.

They will be telling the story of one man’s obsession to discover the heart of Africa and transform an entire continent single-handedly – AND of a woman left behind. Call Dorchester Tourist Information Centre or Dorchester Arts Centre for tickets.

  • ARTSREACH is bringing Pip Utton, Casanova in Live to Broadwindsor Comrades Hall tonight from 7.30pm.

Pip plays Casanova and is joined on stage by a young contemporary French dancer, Marguerite Chaigne, who has few words to say but she portrays all six of his conquests. Call 01308 867644 for tickets.

  • PICK up unique treasures at the Purbeck Antiques and Collectors Fair at Furzebrook Hall in Wareham on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

There is ample free parking and there will be a selection of freshly cooked food and cakes.