THERE is so much going on this weekend that it is hard to know where to start. Maritime Mix, the Cultural Olympiad, has been rolling on for some weeks and comes to its dramatic climax over the next couple of days with Battle for the Winds.

Yesterday saw hundreds of ‘wind gatherers’ and their eccentric machines converge on Weymouth and Portland from all over the south west to begin the tale of the god of the winds, Aeolus, and his battle against the dread Doldrum who is scheming to steal the breeze and wreck the Olympics .

Today the story moves from Weymouth Beach to Doldrum’s lair at High Angle Battery on Portland. A dance routine will show how Doldrum has captured and fossilised the life-giving wind and the voices of youngsters.

The story reaches its conclusion tomorrow, back on Weymouth Beach.

Throughout the day, thousands of costumed wind gatherers will make their way along the seafront and on to the beach where Breathe, a group of disabled and able-bodied dancers, takes up the story and confront Doldrum.

He is vanquished and the tale ends with performers and members of the public releasing the wind for the Olympics and walking into the sea, everyone bearing a flaring torch.

Apart from Battle for the Winds, a wide range of events are taking place on Weymouth Beach throughout today, including films made by local schools, music from local choirs and bands and live coverage of the Olympic Opening ceremony, starting at 20.12.

For full details visit maritimemix2012.co.uk Away from the Olympic excitement, there’s Comedy Cafe at Bridport Arts Centre today at 8pm with the session highlighting a wealth of Welsh talent.

Dan Thomas has been making audiences laugh non stop since his success in the Welsh Unsigned Stand Up Awards 2010. Since then he has appeared on ITV and BBC. Joining Dan will be the delightfully self deprecating Jordan Brookes and the charmingly funny Robin Morgan.

Call 01308 424204 for full details and bookings.

RUTH MEECH