A WHOLE host of entertainment is coming to Dorchester’s Borough Gardens this summer.

The full programme of summer events for the Borough Gardens and elsewhere in the town has been finalised and there promises to be plenty to keep the county town in high spirits.

As well as regular concert performances in the Borough Gardens, other events include celebrations of the armed forces, family events, and a multicultural extravaganza.

On Saturday an outdoor cinema event will see Finding Nemo and War Horse screened in the gardens while on June 29 there will be a Rotary Family Picnic.

On July 5 the Armed Forces Day commemorations will come to the Borough Gardens either side of a parade through the town.

Other events in July include Swingtime in the Gardens and the Love Parks Day celebrations.

August’s line-up includes a fundraiser for the Help a Friend charity set up in memory of local musician Steve Charles, as well as the One World Festival that has moved from the Kings Road playing fields and Dorchester’s Military Tattoo.

Deputy town clerk Steve Newman said: “There is a fantastic programme of summer events being held in the town again this year.

“The Borough Gardens will be the focus for a lot of fun over the summer and will be hosting a variety of events and activities which are provided either directly or supported by the town council.

“All of them are free to attend so bring a picnic and enjoy what’s on.”

Away from the Borough Gardens the town will also be holding a number of events to commemorate the centenary of the start of the First World War in August.

On August 8 the town council is working with a number of partners to put on the Dorchester and the Great War event at the Corn Exchange.

The free event will include exhibitions, talks from local experts, food from the era, music from the Durnovaria Silver Band and the chance to have artefacts from the Great War examined by staff and volunteers from the Keep Military Museum.

Maumbury Rings will again take centre stage during the August Bank Holiday weekend with the Anonymous Youth Festival on Saturday, August 23, the Love Parade the following day and the town council’s popular Bank Holiday Music Day on the Monday, August 25.

For full details visit dorchester-tc.gov.uk

THE DORCHESTER Rotary Club is organising a Family Picnic in the Borough Gardens on Sunday, June 29.

The club is celebrating the end of the Rotary year by putting on a day of entertainment for all ages from 11am to 4pm with support from the town council. There will be a barbecue, hog roast, bouncy castle, tombolas, games, a bar, face painting and music.

The event is the Rotary Club’s way of thanking the people of Dorchester for their support over the year.

Causes such as the Women’s Refuge, flood and storm appeals, Young Carers and emergency relief for the Philippines have seen around £30,000 donated during the last 12 months.

All are invited to enjoy the day with family and friends and celebrate the occasion.