Meals ‘n’ wheels - July 17:

Mat Follas, Master Chef of 2009, will be opening the fifth Food Festival & Classic Car Show at the Village Hall, Leigh, nr Sherborne. Everyone is catered for here, as this show features some of the best food from local producers plus a variety of interesting cars. Entrance £2, children free St Andrew’s Church, Leigh.

A marvellous show - July 20 to 24:

This brand new version of Roald Dahl’s comic masterpiece, George’s Marvellous Medicine is by leading children’s dramatist, David Wood. One of Dahl’s funniest stories, it’s all about young George who makes a marvellous new medicine to cure his grandmother of her terrifying temper. But when the grizzly old grouch drinks his potion the results are explosive and the most incredible things begin to happen making this a wonderful knockabout comic romp for the audience. Lighthouse, Poole.

Saturday Night at the Movies - July 16:

Or how about Save The Last Dance For Me, Under The Boardwalk, More Than A Number, Come On Over to My Place, Kissing in the Back Row, On Broadway...? The Drifters, one of the biggest-selling bands ever, with more than 50 hits come to town after a UK arena tour with The Temptations, The Four Tops and The Three Degrees, which culminated at London’s O2 arena. Current Drifters line up member, Michael Williams, says he is very much looking forward to coming: “There is something very special about the audiences that come to our shows. We often get several generations of the same family. Everyone just wants to get out of their seats and dance from the start and we all have a great time. “For this tour, we will, of course, be performing some of the classic hits, in particular those from the ‘Bell Arista’ years and we have some surprises in store in the form of some lesser known and previously unreleased tracks as well as the new material from the current album and the new single, which we are very excited about.” Regent Centre, Christchurch.

A night at the opera - July 29, 30 & 31:

Dorset Opera performs Bizet’s inimitable Carmen. Commenting on the choice, Artistic Director Roderick Kennedy said: “It is thirty four years since we first produced Carmen and seventeen years since it was last performed. It is a staple of most opera companies, but whilst it is deservedly one of the world’s favourite operas, it does require first class soloists and great acting.” Apart from international stars in the main roles, young people also join the chorus by enrolling for the opera summer school and last year 64 per cent of the chorus were in the 16-25 age-group. Coade Theatre, Bryanston.

Quay for My Car - Every Friday:

This popular motor event makes a welcome return to Poole Quay (6pm – 9pm). There’s free entry onto the quayside for specific car owners to park up and show off their vehicles against the backdrop of Poole Harbour and there’s always a bustling, lively atmosphere as owners mingle with enthusiasts and spectators.

Days and knights - July 25 to 30:

Expect plenty of spectacle with summer jousting shows as the Lulworth Knights return for battle. Dramatic sword fights, jousts and daredevil horseback stunts take place in front of the castle while falconers present their birds of prey and take them through spectacular airborne skills. A medieval trading village will set up camp in the grounds so you can get a taste of 14th and 15th century life in England. Lulworth Castle