1. IT’S time to loosen your Lederhosen for the fourth annual Bournevaria – Oktoberfest at the Bournemouth International Centre on Friday and Saturday. There will be German inspired beer and food with live music. On arrival you will receive a free souvenir glass and 50 per cent off your first drink. Fancy dress is optional but encouraged!

2. You can also celebrate Oktoberfest in Poole this Friday and Saturday. There will be Bavarian beers and snacks, Oompah bands, fairground rides, games including axe throwing and stein carrying at Poole Park West Field. Please note that due to demand there will be three separate five-hour sessions and three different types of ticket; Seated, standing and VIP, the latter will have designated entrance and waitress service.

3. SWANAGE is expected to be packed with music fans for the town’s 32nd Blues Festival this weekend. There will be around 40 performers taking part this year including Tommy Harkenrider from Orange County, Las Vegas, who has a world following of guitarists eager to learn how to play like the original blues masters. He’ll be with a band of top players, including harmonica ace Hugh Budden from Poole. The festival, which starts today, runs until Sunday and is funded by a £10 support wristband to help cover the costs of the not-for-profit company. For more information see swanage-blues.org or pick up a festival programme at Swanage Information Centre on Shore Road.

4. SLADES Farm Community Garden is running drop in sessions from 10am to 3pm on Saturday to encourage visitors to help with nature conservation work and gardening in a sustainable wildlife friendly community garden. No experience is necessary and there is no need to book. Tools and gloves are provided, everyone is welcome.

5. IF you’re planning your nuptials, the Christchurch Harbour Hotel is hosting a wedding venue open day from 10.30am to 3pm on Sunday. Brides and grooms-to-be are invited to check out the venue and meet the events team and their trusted suppliers, while enjoying a complimentary glass of fizz.

6. DISCOVER the mysterious side of the New Forest with a theatrical ghost tour in Lyndhurst. Hear tales of murder, torture, witchcraft and mystery. Stories include a tale about Walter Tyrell who thought he had killed the King. Along the way, you will also encounter live actors playing the part of the New Forest’s most notorious ghosts who will share their stories. These include Alice Hargreaves, Harry ‘Brusher’ Mills and Captain Philip Arthur. The meeting point for the tour is by the war memorial cross at 8.30pm in the car park at the bottom of Bolton’s Bench Hill. Price: £7 per person. To book, see supernaturaltoursandevents.com

7. BOURNEMOUTH University students will be heading out for their first beach clean of the term. They are inviting everyone to join them “to do good and feel good in the fresh air”. Meet at the Pier at 2pm on Sunday.

8. THOUSANDS of runners will head for Bournemouth this weekend for the seventh annual Bournemouth Marathon Festival. The event starts from 12noon on Saturday with events to suit all ages and abilities. See our essential guide online for more details.