THE stunning al fresco arts festival Inside Out continues this weekend.

Nothe Fort in Weymouth is the venue for Carmen Funebra, a Polish theatrical extravaganza using fire, stilts and visual staging to depict the nature and impact of war.

The show is performed by Teatr Biuro Podrozy, one of Poland's most respected theatre companies.

Carmen Funebra is based on the stories and experiences of refugees from the Bosnian conflict and has already attracted international acclaim.

The Nothe Fort, above Weymouth's historic harbour, was built in the 1860s and is the perfect venue for such a touching, topical piece of theatre.

Performances are at 8pm today and tomorrow and food will be available between 7pm and 8pm. Although admission is free, there are still a few tickets left at Weymouth TIC on the seafront. Some will be available on the gate from 7pm - but get there early.

A second Inside Out event, called Enclosure, takes place at Hambledon Hill, just north of Blandford on Sunday afternoon.

The event has taken a year to prepare by the environmental art group Red Earth and will combine bronze percussion instruments, pyrotechnics and more to mark the connection between contemporary and ancient societies, using the hill as a place for meetings, celebrations and rituals.

Upwey potter Bill Crumblehome will also be on site, firing Neolithic earthenware and showing the work he has done with local children.

Enclosure starts at 5pm and the audience should meet at Shroton Cricket Club from 4pm onwards. You can bring a picnic or buy locally sourced food on site.

Inside Out spokeswoman Alison Byard said: "The festival has been a huge success with many more people turning up than we expected.

"I think the Nothe evening will be an astonishing event. The company has performed their show before but never in a setting quite like this. I think they will be blown away.

"It is a powerful piece of theatre with a subject that is timeless."

Upstairs in the Sky is a gorgeous slice of children's entertainment taking place at the Lighthouse in Poole tomorrow.

A gentle, funny play about feelings, overcoming fears and monsters and the power of family love.

Two people try to tell different stories but can't decide which one to choose. In the end they tell a gorgeous tale involving the audience.

Each performance ends with a play session where the children can explore the stage and set.

You can see the show at 11am and 2pm tomorrow. Tickets are £5 plus concessions and family rates. Call 08700 668701 for full details and bookings.

Lyme Regis Artsfest also starts tomorrow.

For the next week the picturesque seaside town will be packed with events to do, from visiting artist studios and taking part in workshops to enjoying music and drama at the town's Marine Theatre.

Call Sally Holman on 01297 442373 for full details.