Things are getting off to an entertaining start this year. Here's our pick of the weekend's best events.

*HEAR three leading folk musicians perform in Piddletrenthide on Sunday (13) from 4pm.

Described by Songlines magazine as a "Welsh supergroup", ALAW bring a wealth of experience to a shared passion – the traditional music of Wales.

They will play Piddletrenthide Memorial Hall on the Artsreach circuit. Call 01300 348247 for tickets or go to artsreach.co.uk

*EXPERIENCE a Czech winter concert on Sunday (13) with the Allington Strings.

It will be held at the Sir John Colfox Academy, Bridport from 3pm.The programme includes some well known pieces by Dvorak, Smetana and Gluck and some less well known but tuneful works by Mozart’s friend Josef Myslivecek and Johann Baptist Neruda. Tickets cost £10 and are available at Bridport Music or on the door.

*SING along to Sweet Caroline and all the hits with Hello Again - The Story of Neil Diamond at Weymouth Pavilion tonight (11) at 7.30pm.

Evocative imagery, video and narration to enhance the magic, as this show takes you on a musical journey through Neil Diamond’s glittering 50 year career.

Diamond sound-alike Brooklyn Creed will take the audience from The Bang Years to the present day, with all the hits including Cracklin’ Rosie, Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Hello Again, Love on the Rocks, America and many more. Contact the box office for tickets.

*IT'S a busy weekend at Weymouth Pavilion with the BSO'S Johann Strauss Gala taking over the theatre tomorrow (12) evening at 7.30pm.

Expect an uplifting selection of waltzes, marches, polkas, and arias by the King of Waltz and his contemporaries. Thomas Rösner will conduct. Contact the box office for tickets.

*WANT to try something new for the New Year?

You could give Nordic walking at Corfe Castle a try between 9.30am and 11.30am tomorrow morning.

Enjoy the Purbeck landscape and learn a new skill with local Nordic walking expert Lynne.

Nordic Walking is an enhancement of ordinary walking which makes it suitable for all levels of fitness and is enjoyed by athletes and casual walkers alike. It engages more muscles than ordinary walking whilst being low impact and can be taken at your own pace. The poles are used to propel your body forward making your feet feel light and eases pressure on the joints.

Explore the Purbeck countryside and relax with a coffee and cake in the tea-room with fellow walkers afterwards! It costs £15 for a session. Booking is essential. Call 0344 2491895 or go to https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/corfe-castle