NONE of us want to get stuck in a rut.

That's why a Dorchester festival which takes us out of our comfort zone and lets us try something new has proved so popular.

Now in its fourth year, Try This...Dorchester 2016 runs from July 2 to 10.

This unique local festival has gone from strength to strength, offering residents the opportunity to try something new or to learn more about a subject that interests them.

Think you'd struggle to keep up with a game of football? How about trying walking football?

Learn how to live the good life by trying poultry keeping, beekeeping and vegetable growing the sustainable way.

Have you ever fancied writing and posting your photography to an audience? There's a chance to learn how to make your own website.

Hettie Burn, chairman of Try This, says the range of activities on offer is diverse - from new sports to life-changing skills such as learning how to stay independent in your own home and mastering iPad basics.

She said: "I was involved with helping to get everything going with Try This in its first year.

"I think the reason it's been so popular is because it's a local thing for Dorchester and the surrounding villages.

"It gives people a chance to learn something new and meet other people in the local area."

For the first time this year the event is being held over two weekends and it is hoped it will attract a range of people, especially those who are younger.

Hettie added: "We can never predict what people will be interested in - a lot of the time we think they'll never be interested in certain things and they prove to be super popular.

"Dorchester is a very unique place and I think it's important to find ways for people to engage with things and each other.

"We want to try and conquer that isolated feeling people have."

Some of the old favourites from last year's Try This will be returning - bell ringing for beginners, Nordic walking, cryptic crosswords, tai chi for beginners and reading old handwriting. New classes already proving popular are stargazing and a foraging walk.

It is hoped that those taking part will develop confidence and new skills that will help them greatly in life - whether it's developing new hobbies, skills, interests and even careers.

The workshops will all bring about a sense of community in a bid to reduce social isolation.

Various venues across the county town will be hosting the sessions including Dorchester Sports Centre, Age UK, Community Farm Poundbury and the Dorset History Centre.

Last year's events received some positive feedback, with participants getting a real sense of achievement from Try This.

One said: “The Try This event is a brilliant idea - long may it continue.

"The enthusiasm and sense of achievement that was apparent at the session was palpable. Many thanks to all concerned.”

Another participant said: “I just think it is a brilliant idea and well put together with a highly efficient, and easy to use, website.

"There was such a wide range of activities that there has to have been something there for everybody.

“It's a wonderful festival. Having been a leader and a session participant I thought every aspect was very well organised and the festival is a credit to those who run it and a real asset to Dorchester.”

Funders for the 2016 festival include Dorchester Town Council, West Dorset District Council and Union Learn.

Julian English, also working on Try This, said: "For 2016 we have put together an even more varied programme with 35 different sessions that are guaranteed to have something that will appeal to the young and the not so young.

"There are some intriguing new sessions including: Walking Football, Hypnobirthing, Crowdfunding, Top 10 Apps for 2016 and last but not least Singing with a Rubbish Band!

"The project is very low cost and sustainable and has the potential to create a lasting legacy."

The sessions are led by local people who have volunteered their time, skills and knowledge.

All the sessions are free but booking is essential as only a finite number of places are available for each session.

Printed programmes are available at many locations around the town including Dorchester Tourist Information Centre, Dorchester Library and the Plaza cinema.

To book visit the website dorchestertrythis.org.uk or call 07880 823801 between 6pm and 8pm weekdays.