IN need of something to keep you entertained across the bank holiday weekend? If so you’re in luck with plenty of events taking place across Dorset over the last weekend of August.

The sun is finally set to come out and there’s plenty happening all over the county to keep you occupied with the Daily Echo compiling a list of just some of the events taking place.

Bournemouth Fireworks

Bournemouth Echo: The annual summer fireworks display at Bournemouth Pier has always been a much loved  Bournemouth attraction.  Echo photographer Richard Crease  captured this  stunning shot during the display back in the Summer of 1999..

Kick off your bank holiday weekend with a bang in the third week of the popular Bournemouth Pier firework displays. The fireworks start at 10pm on Friday night and offer a dazzling display all for free by the waters edge. The displays are always very popular with tourists and locals alike so expect a big crowd.

Christchurch Food Festival

Bournemouth Echo: Terrior Tapas and the Larderhouse have collaborated to produce Farm Dining, an outdoor dining experience on The Quomps ahead of the Christchurch Food Festival on August Bank Holiday weekend

Taking place across all three days of the Bank Holiday weekend Christchurch Food Festival is a celebration of all things food. On offer will be a pop up restaurant collaboration between Terroir Tapas and the Lard House on Friday evening. The free event will see a whole variety of street food and craft drink stalls for people to go along and try. This year there is an emphasis on produce and ingredients from the South and South West. Visitors can attend this event at Christchurch Quay from 10am everyday until 8pm on Saturday and Sunday, and 5pm on Monday.

Bournemouth 7’s

Headlined by Ella Eyre the ‘sporting Glastonbury’ is back for the first time since 2019 at Chapel Gate. Taking place in August, instead of the usual May event, the world’s largest sport and music festival is back with a whole host of action. Punters can watch a whole variety of sports in the day and then dance the night away in the evenings. Last entry will be 11pm on Friday, for campers only, and 6pm Saturday and Sunday – unless someone is under 18 in which case it is 1pm.

Festival of Love

Running in partnership with the Dorset Indian Mela, the Festival of Love takes place at Kings Park, Boscombe Saturday August 28. The event is free to attend and is a celebration of different traditions, languages, food and humanity. There will be live music and dance on offer as well as plenty of stalls between 11am and 5pm.

Wimborne in Bloom Duck Race

Bournemouth Echo: August Bank Holiday 2018 duck race in Wimborne.

The popular duck race in Wimborne takes place on Saturday August 28 at 4pm on the River Allen. All the funds raised from ticket sales, which cost £1 per duck, go towards floral displays in the town. The winning duck will receive £50 in addition to prizes for four runners-up. Ticket sales take place outside the town’s Co-Op and Waitrose between 10am and 4pm on Thursday 26 and Friday 27 and then also on Saturday between 10am-3.30pm in addition to the race.

Come Outside

Residents in Poole have established a new event to support local businesses, charities and build up some community spirit following the pandemic. Taking place at St John’s Church the day is a celebration of Ashley Road with live music, a bouncy castle, a treasure hunt, stalls, a tombola and BBQ. There is even a buddy-up scheme for people who want to go, but not alone. The event starts at 10am on Saturday August 28 until 5pm that evening and is free to attend.

3 Acres Summer Gathering

In Poole this weekend, over both Saturday and Sunday, the 3 Acres Summer Gathering is taking place at the Ashley Cross Green. Tickets for the live music event start at £10 for adults each day with weekend, child and family options all available too. Scottish musician Finley Quaye will headline the event alongside James Walsh, of Starsailor, and Mark Morris, of the Bluetones in addition to plenty of other acts. The event will run between 12pm and 9pm both days.