Arts by the Sea Festival kicks off on Saturday. The opening ceremony will see a torchlit parade travel from the Triangle to Bournemouth seafront from 8pm. The Sea of Freaks Torchlit Procession by Walk The Plank will feature around 120 torchbearers as well as performers travel to see the Inferno, a stage-come-fireball spectacular near the beachfront. It is just one of the events arranged as part of the Arts by the Sea Festival programme. Tickets for the Inferno event are sold out but you'll be able to see the torchlit procession as it makes its way through the town. There are almost 100 events taking place between October 8 and October 15. 

Read more: Seven free things not to miss at Bournemouth Arts by the Sea Festival 2016

Hundreds of music fans are set to flock to the autumn Swanage Blues Festival - which boasts more than 60 shows by 40 bands at 15 different venues this year. The four-day event, which started on Thursday, will feature performances from  3 Buck Shirt, Anita Jardine, Backwater Roll Blues Band, Blue Touch, and the Fabulous Fezheads.

Read more: Hundreds of music fans set for four-day blues festival

Studland Apple Day takes place this Sunday. Join the National Trust in the orchard at South Beach for some free apple-themed activities for the whole family. It includes apple juice making, apple bobbing, bug hunting, and crafts. Takes place from 10.30am to 2.30pm. Parking at South Beach car park is pay and display, but free to National Trust members.

A six-mile circular walk for people going through bereavement takes place on Sunday. The free event has been organised by Tapper Funeral Service’s Outlook Bereavement Support and will be led by David Knox to start at Sturminster Newton Mill at 10am.  Walkers will go across the bridge over the River Stour and through open countryside to Fiddleford Mill, stopping at Pamphill tearooms before making the journey back.  Sensible footwear is essential and walkers are advised to bring refreshments. Places must be booked in advance by emailing Leannea@tapperfuneralservice.co.uk or calling Leanne Adimi on 01202 673164.

The Upton Winter Craft Fair takes place at Upton Community Centre on Saturday from 10am to 12pm. With handmade crafts and refreshments available. Entry is £1 and under 15s free. Full details online at tabletoptreasure.co.uk

An antique and decorative arts fair is taking place at The Furlong Shopping Centre in Ringwood on Saturday. There will be around 30 stalls in the Ringwood Gateway and The Furlong courtyard offering a host of gifts, furniture, vintage items, silverware and ceramics from 9.30am to 4.30pm.

Horrible Histories illustrator Martin Brown will be signing copies of his new book, Lesser Spotted Animals, at Westbourne Bookshop between 3pm and 4pm as part of National Bookshop Day. 

The RSPCA Big Walkies event takes place at Moors Valley on Sunday. There are two routes available; 3.6km and 4.8km. Walks start at 11.30am. Tickets are no longer available online but you can register on the day in the overflow car park.

Take part in a 'hedgehog day' at the Stour Valley. The event at the Kingfisher Barn off Granby Road takes place from 11am to 3pm on Sunday. Discover all about the prickly mammals, why they are in such decline and how you can help. It includes fresh soup and crusty bread.  For more details call 07775912899.

Dorset Roller Girls and Dorset Knobs Roller Derby are recruiting new skaters. A 14 week programme launches on Sunday at the Sir David English sports centre. It’s open to skaters aged 18 or over and you’ll learn skate skills needed to play or referee roller derby. Sessions take place every Sunday between 2pm and 3.30pm. Please arrive 30 minutes early to kit up so you are ready to skate at 2pm.