Dive into the action with a festival and a pirates' parlay this weekend.

*LIVE music and local food will be on offer with the Fish and Ships festival on Portland this weekend.

Portland Marina is hosting the third annual festival tomorrow and Sunday from 10am to 5pm on both days at Osprey Quay.

Bands, including Shooter and the Weymouth Ukuleleans, will be performing on Saturday night.

On the food side, Nigel Bloxham of Crab House Café will showcase his unique techniques for oysters and the Boat That Rocks bar will offer hot food.

There will also be a chance to buy boats and experience what it is like to be out on the water. The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, RNLI and Coastwatch will be encouraging youngsters to take the plunge and try something new.

Proceeds from the event will be donated to several causes, including Julia’s House and Dementia UK.

Entry is free and there is no charge for parking.

*HAVE a swashbuckling weekend with the Dolmen's Spring Pirates' Parlay in Weymouth.

A quiz will be held tonight in the Belvedere Inn, High West Street, from 7.30pm.

Tomorrow you can bear witness to a Pirate Parade from 11am and the Crowning of the Pirate Queen in Hope Square from 12.30pm. This will be followed by Pirate Duels. On Sunday the Acoustic Dolmen will be playing in the Belvedere from 1pm to 3.30pm.

*FIND some canine companions at a Family Fun Day and Dog Show at Budmouth College, Weymouth, on Sunday from 10am.

It will be held by the Rotary Club of Melcombe Regis and there will be both Pedigree and Novelty Classes as well as Trade and Craft stalls, Miniature Steam Railway and Children’s Rides.

The proceeds of the event will be donated to the Charity Hearing Dogs for Deaf People. The charity co-founder TV vet Bruce Fogle will be attending.

*GET yomping across West Dorset with a brunch and guided walk.

Brunch and Belemnites is tomorrow from 11.30am at Highway Farm near Bridport.

It starts with a bacon bap and continues with a guided stroll to Eype and West Bay.

Call 01308 424 321 to book tickets. They cost £7.50 for adults and £4 for children.

*EXPERIENCE the magic of the Cantamus Choir on Saturday at St Mary Magdalene Church, Loders, with the Music For All Seasons concert tomorrow from 6.30pm.

Tickets cost £8 and are available on the door. It includes refreshments.

*FIND an unusual plant at a Specialist Charity Plant Fair at Mapperton House, Beaminster, on Sunday from 10am to 4pm.

Some 32 specialist nurseries from the South West will provide a massive choice of plants. Admission is £3 for adults.

*GO retro with a Vintage and Handmade Fair at the Marine Theatre, Lyme Regis, on Sunday from 12pm to 5pm.

On sale will be vintage ladies and menswear, vintage and antique jewellery, home ware, antiques, collectables, handmade curiosities and more along with live vintage music.

Entry is £1 on the door.

*A PIANO and viola combination will perform at Dorset County Museum in Dorchester tomorrow from 7pm.

John Bryden and Matthew Souter will perform compositions including Telemann’s Sonata in D, Six Studies in English Folk song by Ralph Vaughan Williams and Schubert’s Arpeggione sonata.

Tickets cost £10 or £8 for members and concessions.

Call 01305 267992 or 01305 266926 for tickets.

*AN ECLECTIC mix of music arrives in West Stafford tomorrow from 7.30pm.

The Watkins and Swarbrick Band will perform at West Stafford Village Hall from 8pm with doors opening from 7.30pm. Pay what you like at the end of the show.