Dorchester will come alive with music, love and colour this bank holiday weekend as three popular events return to the town.

Kicking things off on Saturday will be the Anonymous Festival, returning for its 10th year.

Organised by Dorchester Youth Extra and held in partnership with Antix Music Network, this year will welcome the return of the mainstage, hosting artists such as the Hyper Vypers, Pizza for Dogs and Dream Phazer.

Decimal 5 and The Salt, two acts that have performed in previous years, will again be returning with some brand new material.

Alongside this, the Open Mic stage will offer up alternative acts, such Lyd Read, Bella Beney and The Strayhearts.

There will also be a host of free activities such as the bungee run and climbing wall.

The festival will be held in Maumbury Rings from 11am, with music from noon until 6pm.

Sunday will see the return of the annual Love Parade.

The LGBT march through South Street will begin at 12pm from the town pump and will end at Maumbury Rings, where there will be an afternoon of entertainment.

The line-up for this year’s event includes Saski, Black Water County, Neil Coad, DJ Zoe Clegg, Cabaret Acts, Cassidy Connors, Cher Tribute, Dave Lynn, Dixie, Benny Mayhem full band and Sheila Tackya.

The event is free to attend and there will be plenty of activities on offer for children, including a bouncy castle, face painting, craft stalls and more.

Helen Walsh, CEO of the Space Youth Project who are attending this year's event said: “We are delighted to be involved in Dorchester Love Parade - it is a wonderful way to raise awareness of LGBT+ groups and the support they can offer. Sadly, prejudice still exists and flying the flag is a perfect way to show that we, and others care.”

Mayor of Dorchester, Cllr David Taylor, added: "Dorchester takes great pride in showing the positivity and diversity of Dorset. We can hold our heads high and say here we are together. I am looking forward to having lots of fun in a peaceful and safe environment.”

The weekend of fun will be rounded off with the Live Music Day on Monday. Hosted by Dorchester Town Council, it kicks off at 1.30pm and will provide a programme of live entertainment culminating in an exciting performance from the Coyote Party Band.