Bestival comes to Lulworth Castle for the first time ever this weekend. There will be music from The XX, A Tribe Called Quest, Pet Shop Boys Dizzee Rascal, Rag'n'bone Man and Laura Mvula. 

New Forest Marathon takes place on Sunday featuring a full 26-mile route, a half marathon and a 10k race. New Forest residents and those who have come from further afield are set to pound the streets and beauty-spots for the New Forest Marathon. For the younger entrants, there's also a Junior 1k and 200m race.

Sturminster Newton Cheese Festival at Sturminster Newton Recreation Ground on September 9 and 10 from 10am until 5pm features many different food producers, including lots of cheese makers and hand-made arts and crafts. For more information email enquiries@cheesefestival.co.uk

Poole Thai Festival is set to bring a taste of Thailand to to Baiter Park on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets £4 for adults, and children under 12 go free.

Royal Bournemouth Hospital will invite the public behind the scenes for its annual family open day. This year’s event takes place from 10am until 4pm on Saturday, September 9 and there will be hubs throughout the hospital offering a range of activities.

Read more: Fancy going behind the scenes at Royal Bournemouth Hospital?

A community open weekend takes place on Saturday, September 9-10 at the Priest’s House Museum. Visitors can enjoy a free opening of the house, museum and garden as part of Dorset Heritage week.

Swanage Folk Festival is celebrating its 25th anniversary this weekend. The exceptional line-up of music concerts features headline bands such as Nancy Kerr and the Sweet Visitor Band, Le Vent du Nord and Belshazzar's Feast. There will be a craft fair and children's entertainment on Sandpit Field. Tickets cost £10 for adults.

FitLiving UK is a new national fitness lifestyle show hitting the beaches of Bournemouth and the Bournemouth International Centre on Saturday, September 9 and Sunday, September 10. There are over 50 classes to try, plus speakers, shopping village, latest fitness brands and tech, plus healthy food and drinks. Visit fitlivinguk.com or bic.co.uk

This year’s Blandford Carnival will take place on Saturday in the town centre. The event will start at 7pm.

Civil War: Besieged & Betrayed returns to Corfe Castle on Saturday and Sunday. The re-enactment Starts from 11am with living history with a pike and musket drill at noon and a cannon fire taking place at 12.30pm. 

Queensmead Care Home in Christchurch is holding its summer fair on Saturday between 1pm and 4pm. The event at the Care South home in Bronte Avenue will include stalls, a raffle, tombola and barbecue, as well as a bouncy castle and face painting.