A SPECTACULAR series of outdoor events are taking place in Dorset as part of the Inside Out Festival.

Theatre companies, circus performers and artists have created extraordinary installations and performances for some of the county's extraordinary places, alongside a family-friendly programme of events.

At Hengistbury Head a series of original events continue from now until Sunday September 25.

Visitors can wander through the landscape of the nature reserve, including areas normally closed to the public.

Sound artist Jane Pitt will be working with people from Cherry Tree Nursery to create sonic maps as part of the Fl-utter-ances project.

Cherry Tree is a charity based on horticulture aiming to restore well-being to people with mental illness.

Participants will join Jane at Hengistbury Head for a ‘sonic stroll’ – a quiet and thoughtful listening walk.

The walkers will then create sonic maps which will be displayed in an exhibition at the Visitor Centre at Hengistbury Head in October.

Outreach programme manager Inside Out Dorset, Wendy Petitdemange said: “Inside Out takes extraordinary events to some of Dorset’s amazing outdoor places, and it’s wonderful that we have the opportunity to engage all sorts of community groups in the event."

Fl-utter-ances is one of a series of community events as part of Inside Out Dorset – a biennial festival with theatre companies.

Tomorrow (24), Harbourside Park in Poole will host Up in the Air - an outdoor contemporary circus performance with acrobatics, high wires, a boat with its own mobile storm and an illuminating finale.

The Inside Out Dorset festival runs until Sunday September 25. For more information call 01305 260954 or visit insideoutdorset.co.uk