A HOST of events - big and small - are taking place across Dorset over the next few days. Here's our guide to what's on and where.

1. Christchurch Carnival returns this weekend. The popular event, which has been running for more than 100 years, will see live music, cuisine from around the world, games, rides, entertainment for children, a beer tent and creams teas on the Quay between 10am and 10pm on Saturday and 11pm to 4pm on Sunday. Saturday’s activities will culminate with a spectacular firework display at 9.30pm. The on Sunday, the star attraction will be the carnival parade which starts from Two Riversmeet at around 1pm before making its way through the town centre. This year’s parade has a ‘Musicals’ theme and there will be prizes for the best float and carnival star.

2. Purbeck Valley Folk Festival takes place from today until Sunday. This year’s festival will see headline performances from King Creosote on Friday, Richard Thompson Electric Trio on Saturday and Beth Orton on Sunday. Other acts on the bill include Trad. Attack!, Molotov Jukebox, Siobhan Miller and Elephant Sessions. The family friendly event is being held at Purbeck Valley Farm and also features a poetry slam, beard off, fancy dress plus annual talent contest, Purbeck Rising.

3. Rockley's Summer Spectacular continues in Poole tonight. There will be free music and entertainment from 7pm with a dazzling firework finale at 10pm. Then tomorrow (Friday), Bournemouth's Friday fireworks will get your weekend off to a bang at 10pm at the Pier.

4. Calling all yogis. There will be a free yoga session in Bournemouth's Central Gardens on Sunday between 10am and 11am. The class, hosted by instructor Nina Fox, is open to everyone, including children, and all abilities are welcome. Participants should take along a mat, if they have one, a towel and water.

5. Watch family favourite Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone under the stars in the grounds of Lulworth Castle tonight. Doors open at 7pm and the film starts at 8.30pm. There will be a bar serving alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks, plus food stands. Tickets cost £15 for adults and £10 for children. To book tickets, visit thelunacinema.com.

6. A charity day will be taking place at Chaplin's & the Cellar Bar in Boscombe on Saturday from 2pm until late. There will be open mic sessions, a BBQ and a raffle. The event is taking place to raise money for the Dorset Children's Foundation.

7. A summer fair is being held in the spectacular setting of Canford School house and grounds on Saturday and Sunday. There will be around 80 stalls selling crafts, gourmet and street food, plants, furniture and accessories.

The fair will be open from 10am until 5pm each day.