Dorset is preparing for a mini heat wave this bank holiday weekend, with temperatures set to reach 20C.

With the long weekend approaching the sun has decided to shine on Dorset at just the right time. Saturday and Sunday are expected to be particularly sunny and hot.

According to the Met Office, Weymouth and Portland will see highs of 19C and it will be slightly hotter inland with Dorchester expecting a 20C weekend heat wave.

This should give tourists and local residents alike the perfect opportunity to spend the Easter weekend down at the beach enjoying the sun.

The warm weather has been forecast for the south of England as well as western Scotland and the north west of England.

There are plenty of things to do across the county over the long weekend, such as the Quayside Music Festival in Weymouth that takes place on Saturday and Sunday at Rendezvous.

The festival will create a weekend of the best live music in town by the harbourside on Rendezvous’ outdoor stage, accompanied drinks, joy and a sunny day from noon until night.

There's also many other music events, including Hippy Fest at the Lazy Lizard on Sunday. 

Easter-themed events will take place across the weekend, such as the four-day Easter egg hunt in Brewery Square, Dorchester that takes place over the whole long weekend between 10am and 4pm.

Children's entertainer Dr Ranj will be performing his Teddybear Hospital show at this event 11am to 11.30pm and 1pm to 1.30pm.

RSPB Weymouth Wetlands will also be hosting an Easter trail and arts and crafts event on Friday, Saturday and Sunday between 10.30am and 3pm.

Food lovers may wish to take a step away from the chocolate and head to the subtropical gardens in Abbotsbury, where it will be hosting the first Dorset food fair of the year on Saturday between 10am and 4pm.

For that bit of culture, there will be an art market in Avenue Stadium in Dorchester running from 10am until 2pm on Saturday.

If you're struggling with things to do on the Sunday why not join in the chocolate mouse hunt at Nothe Fort, taking place between 10.30am and 5.30pm.