What's the weather going to be like and what’s happening in our area this May Day bank holiday weekend?

This weekend marks the first of a whopping three bank holidays this month and people will be hoping that some warmer spring weather may be on the way at last.

There is some good news – the Met Office forecasts that it will be warming up.

Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Almond said: “By Friday temperatures will have increased so that we will see values around 18-21C across parts of the UK.

“The coming bank holiday weekend itself will be a mixture of brighter conditions and showers. These showers will tend to be heaviest and most frequent in the west on Saturday.

“On Sunday most locations can expect to see at least some showers, whereas on the bank holiday Monday the focus for showers is more likely to be the east, with drier conditions elsewhere. Temperatures will be reasonable and above average.”

Let’s take a look at what there is to do in Weymouth, Portland and Dorchester this long weekend.

Friday, Saturday 28 and Saturday, April 29

Weymouth Charity Cider Festival, Ocean Room, Weymouth Pavilion

The first of its kind, this popular cider festival sees Dorchester Cider Festival organisers Dorchester Round Table taking a trip to the seaside for this off-shoot festival.

The Wurzels will be headlining the sold-out Friday night session but tickets are still available for the Saturday lunchtime session, featuring comedy compered by Tom Glove, and the Saturday evening session with headliners Black Water County performing and music also coming from That Britpop Band- a no holds barred tribute to 90s Britpop.

Go to the website weymouthpavilion.com to book tickets.

Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30

Lyme Fossil Festival

Heading slightly further afield to west Dorset, Lyme’s popular fossil festival returns to the resort. Lyme Regis Fossil Festival 2023 was saved following a cash boost after it looked likely to be cancelled due to a lack of funding this year.

The rich fossil heritage of the Jurassic Coast will be celebrated with a host of talks, shows, walks, exhibitions and activities. The festival starts at 10am on both days and ends at 5 pm on the Saturday and 4.30 pm on the Sunday.

Saturday, April 29 and Sunday, April 30

Quayside Music Festival, The Rendezvous Weymouth

Round two of this popular music event in Weymouth returns for the early May Bank Holiday 2023.

Sunday, April 30 and Monday, May 1, 10.30am - 4pm both days

Art at the Nothe Fort, Weymouth – a pop-up Artwey event

See great art and learn how to paint the view. Artwey and the Nothe Fort are bringing together a group of talented Artwey artists who will be showing, and offering for sale, a great selection of exciting art. There is something for everyone as the exhibition includes paintings, printing, photography, ceramics and more. This event is included in the general admission ticket price.

Saturday, April 29

Weymouth Model Railway Association Open Day, Upwey Memorial Hall, 10am – 4pm

See a variety of club exhibits at this open day. There will also be refreshments and very limited parking. Admission is free and there will be a charity donation pot at the front door.

Saturday, April 29

The Songs of Leonard Cohen: Keith James, Dorchester Corn Exchange, 8pm

Keith James gives you a concert of Cohen’s amazing material in the most intimate and sensitive way imaginable, exposing the solitary inner strength of his greatest songs in their original perfect form. Book tickets at www.dorchesterarts.org.uk

Saturday, April 29 to Monday, May 1

Weymouth May Bank Holiday Seafront Funfair

The funfair returns to Weymouth Seafront for the May Bank Holiday Weekend with fun rides and sideshows for all the family outside Weymouth Pavilion adjacent to Weymouth Beach and Harbour

Monday, May 1 Shire Hall Museum, Dorchester – Shire Hall turns 5

To celebrate five years since opening its doors to visitors, Shire Hall Museum is offering a special entry offer to visitors! On Monday May 1, adult day tickets to the Museum will be just £5 and children get free entry.

The High West Street museum, which brings over 200 years of justice and injustice to life, will also be playing host to Dorchester Repair Café on Saturday, April 29 from 10am to 12pm and its exhibition on one of Britain’s best known children’s author–illustrators Judith Kerr, The Tiger Who Came to Tea, is continuing