A CELEBRATION of Portland's heritage, culture and environment kicks off today with a community-run festival for all the family.

The Spirit of Portland Festival runs until Sunday, August 2 and includes a range of events at various locations across the island.

Events include a Celebration of the Sea at Chesil Cove, a community street fair in Southwell, family fun kite flying at Portland Bill, a 1960s display of photos and family records in Reforne and more.

Andy Matthews of the Portland Community Partnership said the festival was part of a wider tourism strategy to raise the island's profile.

He added: “We would certainly encourage people to have a look at our event programme, pick a day or two and come on down to enjoy the fun of the festival.

“The festival was restarted approximately four years ago and the idea of it is to include events from as many organisations on the island as possible.

“There is plenty to do for visitors to the area, residents and families - who can go from event to event and visit as many as they wish.”

Mr Matthews added that the festival was mainly a volunteer effort, and said a massive thank you must go to all the organisations and volunteers who have helped make the festival a reality.

A Celebration of the Sea will be held at Chesil Cove, from 11am to 4pm with music, stalls and dancing on July 25.

Families can enjoy kite flying at Portland Bill this July 26 or explore a Wakeham street party from 2pm the same day.

An archaeology dig open day will be on offer from 2pm at Reap Lane, Southwell on Monday, July 27 while music is the main attraction in a parent and child event at IPACA on Tuesday, July 28.

Children can become seashore scavengers for the day at the Chesil Beach Centre on Wednesday, July 29 while people can step back in time with a 1960s display of photos and family records at Portland Heritage Study Centre the following day.

Tastebuds can be tickled at a Portland country market in Easton on Friday, July 31 while skaters will be showing off their skills at a Jam on the Rock Skatefest the following day.

A Southwell street party will be held from 2pm to 6pm on Saturday, August 1 and Portland Museum will be throwing open their doors for free on Sunday, August 2.

Organisers say that the more engagement from the public the festival gets this year, the more likely the event will be able to grow year on year.