Because today is Fish Friday

In fine teatime tradition, restaurants across Swanage are doing fish specials this evening (and for the rest of weekend.) Try moules mariniere at the Black Swan, smoke house fish at Love Cake or take your pick from the dozens of others listed here.

Because there's loads to keep your children entertained

Colour in this fish and win a prize.

Bournemouth Echo:

Join in the crabbing competition at 11am on Saturday - entry £1.50 or encourage budding anglers with the junior anglers competition at 10.30am on Saturday.

There will be beach games, a nurdle hunt, the chance to make fish bunting and the chance to find out about marine life with Allnatt from 10-12pm on Saturday.

Then on Sunday you can get dressed up for the fancy dress contest at 4.30pm.

Or simply wander Swanage trying to identify all the species of fish you'll find in the shop windows!

Because there's music galore

Catch the community Musical at 11am on Saturday at The Banjo Pier, 11:30 by Gee Whites and 11:45 at the Rowing Club, then from 6pm, local bands will be entertaining the crowds. On Sunday there will be sea shanties on the pier.

Because it's free to walk the pier this weekend

Bournemouth Echo: Swanage Pier

Free strolling on the pier to see the plaques and the view all weekend, although donations are welcome.

Because you're going to see some impressive culinary skills

Bournemouth Echo: Celebrity chef Ed Baines will be at the Swanage Fish Festival to offer advice on serving up the perfect fish dish

Ed Baines will be doing a demo at 12pm on Saturday, then later in the afternoon the team from the Pig will show off their foraging skills before chef James Golding turns their finds into something lovely. 

If you're heading over on Sunday, there will be a hog roast from 11.30am at Swanage Pier - perfect if you're (whisper it) not a big fan of fish...

Because that's not nearly all of it

A Pimms tent, ice cream, the RNLI, art, crafts and lots and lots of food! See all the stalls here - and we'll see you there!