BIENNIAL arts festival Inside Out Dorset, returns to the county next month.

The week-long festival which runs from Friday, September 14 is a chance to see rural and urban locations transformed by some of the best international artists.

This year’s venues include Poole Quay, Weymouth, and woodlands around Shelley Park in Boscombe.

Co-artistic director Kate Wood said: “We are looking forward to welcoming artists from all over Europe to perform in our distinctive county.

“The opportunity to present so many premieres by companies that have never worked in the UK before is very special. And with a host of new commissions it makes this year’s a festival not to be missed.”

The launch weekend, Friday, September 14 to September 15, will feature three free performances on Poole Quay:

1. Sodade by Cirque Rouages from 7.45pm. French company Cirque Rouages present an enchanting show with endlessly turning wheels, tightrope performances and acrobats telling a story of migration and memory.

2. The Actual Reality Arcade by Matthew Harrison on Friday from 4pm to 9pm and Saturday noon to 9pm. An interactive game zone inspired by classic arcade games.

3. Rock the Boat Street Guitars, Friday 4pm to 9pm and Saturday noon to 9pm. Five old sailing dinghies have been up-cycled into mini-stages to house acoustic guitars and ukuleles for passers-by to pick and play and even take part in an impromptu performance.

Boscombe will be the location for three UK premieres on September 15 and 16. For more details, see insideoutdorset.co.uk