A SPECTACULAR series of outdoor events takes place around Dorset this week following the launch of the 2016 Daily Echo backed Inside Out Festival.

Theatre companies, circus performers and artists are creating extraordinary installations and performances for some of the county's extraordinary places, alongside a family-friendly programme of events.

This week the spotlight will be on Hengistbury Head with a series of original events taking place from Thursday September 22 to Sunday September 25.

Over the four days, visitors will be able to wander through the landscape of the nature reserve, including areas normally closed to the public.

Sound artist Jane Pitt will be working with people from Cherry Tree Nursery to create sonic maps as part of the Fl-utter-ances project.

Cherry Tree is a charity based on horticulture and aiming to restore well-being to people with mental illness.

Participants will join Jane at Hengistbury Head for a ‘sonic stroll’ – a quiet and thoughtful listening walk.

The walkers will then create sonic maps which will be displayed in an exhibition at the Visitor Centre at Hengistbury Head in October.

Outreach programme manager Inside Out Dorset, Wendy Petitdemange said: “Inside Out takes extraordinary events to some of Dorset’s amazing outdoor places, and it’s wonderful that we have the opportunity to engage all sorts of community groups in the event."

Fl-utter-ances is one of a series of community events as part of Inside Out Dorset – a biennial festival with theatre companies.

On Saturday (SEPT 24) Harbourside Park in Poole will host Up in the Air - an outdoor contemporary circus performance with acrobatics, high wires, a boat with its own mobile storm and an illuminating finale.

The Inside Out Dorset festival runs until Sunday September 25 and all events are free. For more information and to book, call 01305 260954 or visit insideoutdorset.co.uk.