*FOODIES rejoice with the coming of the tide.

The popular Burton Bradstock-held Spring Tide Food Festival at Hive Beach this weekend will boast an array of local food and talented producers.

It runs between 10am and 4pm tomorrow and Sunday.

There will be more than 50 stallholders attending showcasing some of the best food and drink from across the county. See spring-tide.org.uk

*A CHUFFING gala is in store at Swanage Railway.

A Diesel Gala and Beer Festival will see an impressive line up of diesel locomotives operating on the Swanage Railway from today until Sunday.

An intensive timetable will be operated from 8am to midnight on Friday and Saturday and from 8am to 7pm on Sunday, giving visitors the opportunity to ride behind as many of the engines as possible, as well as giving great photo opportunities.

See swanagerailway.co.uk for more information.

*ENJOY a picnic and remember the 70th anniversary of VE Day in Easton Gardens, Portland tomorrow from 11.30am to 3.30pm.

There will be musical performances to enjoy alongside your lunch - and hopefully some sunny weather.

The Weymouth Concert Brass will be performing from 11.30am until 12.10pm, Bittersweet Harmony and the Carefree Choir from 12.15pm until 1.15pm and a sing-a-long will take place at 1.30pm.

The Decadettes will show off their talent at 2.15pm while a war time sing-a-long with Rick Winterburn will be held at 2.45pm.

*WINE and dine to help Nepal tonight by calling in at the hive Beach Cafe at Burton Bradstock for a fish and chip supper or the Watch House Cafe at West Bay for pizza from 6pm to 8pm.

No booking is needed and money raised will go to help people affected by the recent earthquake.

*REMEMBER a very special sailor tomorrow at the Andrew Simpson Sailing Centre on Portland.

Set up a year ago in memory of the late Dorset sailor Andrew 'Bart' Simpson, the centre at the Weymouth and Portland Sailing Academy at Osprey Quay is holding free sailing opportunities for children from 11am and a cardboard boat race from 2pm.

*GET roped into some fun activities in Bridport from today until Sunday.

The Ropewalk Fair includes a host of activities for all ages, including sporting challenges, heritage walks, lively talks and discussions, skill sharing, live music and much more.

Today there are guided tours of net manufacturers, while tomorrow you can go on a guided walk of Bridport with local historians.

Sunday will see a Family Fair on the Millennium Green including maypole dancing and rope and net making demonstrations from 11am to 4pm.

See ropewalkfair.co.uk

*A THRIVING artisan quarter of Lyme Regis is hosting a festival of family fun tomorrow and Sunday from 11am to 4pm.

The Town Mill's Millfest coincides with National Mills Weekend.

Throughout the weekend visitors can relax in the mill courtyard and Miller’s Garden while listening to live music from local band, the Natterjacks.

They will be able to see local artisans' businesses including a silversmith, two potters, vintage dressmaking, its own illustrator and children’s author the award-winning Town Mill Cheesemonger and a micro-brewery. See townmill.org.uk