Walks, talks and workshops are all lined up for a giant festival.

The Cerne Giant Festival in and around Cerne Abbas was born out of the community's vibrant May Day tradition, when the Morris dancers and villagers gather at dawn on the famous landmark.

The giant festival is returning for 2023 with five weeks of activities designed to connect you with the landscape and cultural roots of Dorset.

Highlights for 2023 include an exploration of ghosts, a celebration of butterflies and an Oxford Professor speaking about her new book.

To begin on April 15, the sunrise will be saluted and the coming of summer will be celebrated with a traditional barrel of Beltane Beer.

On Wednesday, April 19, leading environment writer and columnist Michael McCarthy will be talking about his expedition to see all 58 of Britain's butterfly species in one summer.

The talk will cost £7 including a glass of wine or a soft drink.

On Friday, April 21 physics teacher, paranormal expert and theologian Matt Arnold will host 'Encountering Ghosts' a talk and a workshop exploring ghosts, the afterlife and Christianity.

People are invited to bring along their own experiences of paranormal activity to share.

A box will be available for those who wish to submit a story or question anonymously.

And on Friday April 28, Professor Veronica Strang of Oxford University will host her talk entitled 'Water Beings: From nature worship to the environmental crisis' named after her book with the same title.

Professor Strang's research is focused in human societies and their relationship with water.

She has conducted research in Australia, New Zealand and on the River Stour in Dorset.

Her talk will be hosted at St Mary's Church, Abbey Street at 7.00 pm.

Other events over the five weeks include beer brewing, dragon sculpting, drumming and singing, a quiz about Dorset and a fishing workshop.

Overall there will be a huge variety of events and something for everyone to enjoy.

Any profits from the festival will go towards maintaining the fabric and work of the churches in the participating villages.

For more information, visit cernegiantfestival.org