It’s hard to believe but the last bank holiday until Christmas Day is this coming Monday.

Many of us will be making the most of those final few rays of summer sunshine before we wave goodbye to summer 2023.

While the weather forecast looks a little patchy for today (Saturday) and tomorrow, plenty of sunshine looks like the order of the day on Monday with currently no rain forecast for August 28.

Here’s our round-up of some of the events in the area you won’t want to miss.

Saturday,August 26 

  • FROM 1pm Queen tribute act, Flash will be live at Brewery Square in Dorchester.

The quintet, known for authentically capturing the iconic band’s unique energy and style, is set to perform a range of classic and lesser-known hits – from ‘We Will Rock You’ to ‘A Dozen Red Roses For My Darling’.

  • A THREE day flower festival is being held in Abbotsbury.

The festival, the first of its kind, will take place at Abbey Farm, Abbotsbury, from August 26 to 28 from 10am to 4pm.

There will be live music, lots of stalls by makers who create crafts inspired by nature, as well as talks, themed walks and workshops as well as a flower and herb menu by Cherries Café.

See www.abbeyfarmabbotsbury.co.uk- for the full programme of events.

  • A LITTLE festival that packs a big punch continues at Bredy Farm Burton Bradstock today and tomorrow.

Be Cider Seaside will be held within Bredy Gate, a natural amphitheatre nestled into the rolling hills on the Jurassic Coast of Dorset.

Expect to hear the finest local, national and international touring artists from a multitude of genres including: Ska, funk, reggae, dub, electro, blues, soul, rock’n’roll, folk, alternative rock, americana, cumbia, soca, calypso, latin & world music – everything that makes you get up and dance!

See https://www.bredyfarm.com/events-at-bredy/ for more information

  • ENJOY a summer night to remember at the Nothe Fort in Weymouth.

Open air concert FortFest begins at 5pm and will feature incredible music from locally loved bands, including the Skimmity Hitchers, guaranteed to get you singing and dancing. There will also be some great food from local caterers and brilliant beers from the Cerne Abbas Brewery.

Buy tickets from the Nothe Fort website nothefort.org.uk

  • CIRCUS Vegas remains at Lodmoor Country Park, Weymouth, until Tuesday, August 29.

This one-of-a-kind performance is said to feature the most talented dare devil performers from across the globe.

Buy tickets at https://circusvegasuk.com/book-tickets/

Saturday August 26 and Sunday August 27

  • THE August Bank Holiday Quayside Music Festival returns to Weymouth Harbourside. It’s free entry to this two day music party.

The line-up for the weekend is Saturday: • 12 FIN LESLIE • 1PM THE HAZE • 2PM STUDIO 55 • 3PM TABULA FIRE • 4PM MAMA FEEL GOOD • 5PM THE SHAKESPEAROS • 6PM D.J DAMION MASTON • 7PM THE ACCELERATORZ • 8:30PM THE LEGGOMEN 

Lineup Sunday 27 August • 12 DU KANE • 1PM VANILLA RADIO • 2PM MILK AND TWO • 3PM MODERN DISCIPLES • 4PM UNDER THE CAROUSEL • 5PM DJ CHRIS BONNEY • 6PM SUGAR RUSH • 7PM RITCHIE B AND SAXOPHONE • 8:30PM CHIEF LAZARUS

Sunday August 27

  • THE Dog, Sausage and Cider Festival returns to the Springhead pub, Sutton Poyntz from 11am.

Enjoy all day live music, kids' fun, seeing animals courtesy of The Ranch and more than 50 craft stalls. Don't miss the Sausage Throwing Contest and a performance by the Twirl Academy. Entry is £2 for adults and free for children.

  • TAMARISK Farm at West Bexington is holding an Open Day on Sunday.

The farm will be open from 11am through to 4pm, with walks running in the morning and afternoon. Lunch will be available to buy from 12noon.

Booking is not required but is helpful. Go to https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/tamarisk-farm-open-day-2023-tickets-542675716677

Sunday August 27 and Monday August 28

  • HEAD to Greenhill Gardens, Weymouth, for a weekend of musical entertainment.

On Sunday, August 27, local singer Darron Garnett will be appearing at 2pm, and then on Monday, August 28, international artist Tony Lowe will taking to the bandstand stage also at 2pm to complete the weekend line-up.

Monday August 28

  • A FAMILY friendly event offering free activities returns to Dorchester's Borough Gardens this long weekend.

The Anonymous Festival can be enjoyed in the county town gardens from 11am to 5pm.

Anonymous is now in its 13th year and is literally bursting to the seams with activities for all ages, from craft and clay to bouncy castles and bungee trampolines.

Not only is the event free to attend, but there is no charge for any of the activities either.

  • The Sevenoaks and Tonbridge Concert Band will be performing by the Jubilee Clock, Weymouth Esplanade between 12 noon and 2pm on Monday.

They'll be raising money for the Hope House Youth Centre in Weymouth by performing favourite movie soundtracks and popular songs. 

You can also catch them in St John's Church at Greenhill on Saturday evening from 7pm to 9pm.

  • Support swimmers who are taking part in a sponsored swim in aid of charity explorer boat MV Freedom.

They'll be swimming from Newtons Cove in Weymouth at 3pm until 5pm on Monday.

  • Catch the final Weymouth Summer Fireworks display of the year along Weymouth Seafront at 9.30pm to 9.45pm.

The fireworks will be set off from a boat anchored in Weymouth Bay opposite the beach.

There will be plenty of time beforehand to enjoy local hospitality and the various attractions on the seafront.