IT may be September already but there are more events than ever taking place in outr local area this weekend.

Be it animals, guitars, food or hats, there's bound to be something to keep you entertained.

*IT'S showtime!

Dorset County Show takes place this weekend at the Dorchester Showground.

The show is now in its 175th year and farming is central to its appeal.

This year you can enjoy entertainment in the Main Ring, displays and parades in the Countryside Ring and marvel at entertainment around the site including Titan the Robot and goat showing and milking.

Gates are open both days at 8.30am. Tickets cost £16 on the gate or £13 in advance from dorsetcountyshow.co.uk

*CELEBRATE Weymouth's maritime heritage with Waterfest this weekend.

Set in the old harbour, this free festival offers sailing, diving, crafts, seafood and shanty music.

Captain Jack Sparrow of Pirates of the Caribbean fame will be roaming the harbour, there will be gig races, displays, a Maritime Activity Zone, seafood and maritime crafts.

*HAT'S all folks with Bridport Hat Festival tomorrow.

The sixth Bridport Hat Festival will see the town taken over by thousands of hat wearers.

Local bands and musicians will perform in Bucky Doo Square, Bridport tomorrow from

10am to 1pm.

Between 1pm and 1.30pm all hat wearers are invited to come together for a mass hatted photo in Bucky Doo Square. Judging and prize giving for the most fun hat takes place from 1.30pm to 2.30pm, followed by more music in the afternoon.

There will also be events in the Town Hall, including a Craft Fair, and the Bull Hotel, including cocktails and fascinators in the Venner Bar from 6pm.

A Mad Hatter's Tea Party will be held on Coopers Field in West Allington and there will also be music on the Millennium Green from 10am to 4pm. See bridporthatfest.org for full details.

*HEAR the sweet sounds of the Purbeck Chamber Music Festival this weekend.

Concerts will be held over the weekend at Lulworth Castle, Corfe Castle, Durlston Castle and Kingston.

See purbeck-chambermusic.org.uk for ticket details.

*SUPPORT a campaign to safeguard Dorset County Hospital's Kingfisher ward and SCBU by attending a charity gig tonight.

Held at Dorchester TA Centre in Poundbury Road, it will feature music from Robb Johnson & The Irregulars and The Skones.

Tickets cost £5 from Dorchester Tourist Information Centre on 01305 267992.

*THE Food Rocks Festival takes place in Lyme Regis from 10am to 4pm tomorrow and Sunday.

Top chef Mark Hix has partnered with the RNLI to put on the festival, which will feature demonstrations, masterclasses and tastings held all around the town.

*HELP set a new UK record by taking your guitar along to Guitars on the Beach tomorrow at the Front Beach, Lyme Regis, from 4.10pm.

The record attempt for most people playing a guitar at a time will begin at 4.45pm. Joining the fun will be John 'Rhino' Edwards from Status Quo who will be performing a set from 5.30pm. See guitarsonthebeach.com to register.