ORGANISERS of bank holiday weekend events are hoping their parade won’t be rained on.

The area will see showers today, heavy at times, but tomorrow and Monday are looking a lot better with long spells of sunshine and temperatures nudging 21 degrees at the end of the weekend, according to the Met Office.

Fearing a washout, Weldmar Hospicecare Trust has cancelled a dog show due to be held today at Joseph Weld Hospice.

The event will be rescheduled, say organisers.

However a colourful parade for the Dorchester Festival featuring puppets and other creations will go ahead today ‘come rain or shine’ say organisers.

People are asked to assemble at 11.15am at North Square and to bring their raincoats just in case.

The festival features music, street theatre, film, comedy and outdoor performances.

Tomorrow and Monday sees the first Fayre in the Square event in Weymouth, a new free street festival based around Hope Square and the harbourside to plug the gap left by the now defunct Trawler Race Day.

Entertainment includes members of WOW, Julie Storey’s Young Dancers, Replay, Till There Was Uke and The Decadettes.

A spokesman for Weymouth Rotary Club, which is organising the event said: “An eclectic mix of food, arts and craft traders are booked in for the Sunday and Monday to fill up the streets.

“We have a bouncy castle all set for the kids to use throughout the day. All the acts are ready to go and our stage is set to be constructed on Saturday.

“The weather looks great for Sunday and Monday and we're confident of a fantastic atmosphere and plenty of entertainment for all the family.”

Visitors are urged to make a donation and buy a draw ticket.

Across the other side of the harbour, the Quayside Music Festival will be providing the soundtrack to many people’s weekend.

Based outside the Rendezvous on the harbourside, it includes a huge line-up of bands and solo musicians. It is on Sunday and Monday from midday-10pm.

Other live music events are happening around Weymouth including at The Boot pub and the Lazy Lizard venue tomorrow.

Other events include a village-style fete being held at Smallmouth Cove, Ferrybridge, today from 11am-3pm.

The event is being held to raise money for Project Zoe, with organisers hoping to purchase and equip a dinghy for Chesil Sailability. Elsewhere, there is a busking festival in Lyme Regis today to support the B Sharp youth music charity.