IT IS bonfire night weekend and that means the events calendar is jam-packed with family-friendly activities for everyone to enjoy. 

From fireworks to diwali celebrations, there's something for everyone big and small.

Here are some of the events taking place across Dorset this weekend: 

Diwali dinner and dance 

Bournemouth Echo:

The Russell Court Hotel will be hosting a special Diwali celebration of dinner and dancing to mark the important festival. 

Diwali, also known as the festival of lights, is one of the major festivals celebrated by Hindus, Jains, Sikhs and some Buddhists.

The festival usually lasts five days and symbolizes the spiritual ‘victory of light over darkness, good over evil, and knowledge over ignorance’.

This weekend the Russell Court Hotel will be hosting an evening dinner and dance from 7.30pm on Saturday, November 6. 

Dinner will be served at 7.30 pm and DJ Adbhi UK will be taking to the decks from 9pm to midnight for a night of dancing and celebration. 

Tickets cost £19.99 for adults and £10 for children six and above, under five’s go for free. 

Email info@russellcourthotel.com for tickets and more information. 

Poppy Coffee Fair

The Poppy Coffee Fair at the Swanage Legion will be taking place on Saturday, November 6 from 10am to 3.30pm.

There will be an eclectic mix of stalls consisting of various artisans and other stalls including eco products, books, cakes and more.

Fireworks events

Bournemouth Echo:

There are lots of displays taking place across Dorset and the New Forest this weekend - so grab your wellies and wooly hat and head out to your favourite fireworks display. 

From Avonwood Primary's firework show to Bournemouth's Big Bang there's plenty of choice.

Forbidden Nights at The Pavilion

Bournemouth Echo:

Bournemouth's Pavilion Theatre

Welcome to a Brand New Fantasy! Forbidden Nights is a full production male variety show combining superlative circus and acrobatic skills with finely honed physiques.

Forbidden Nights is desribed by event organisers as a 'sexy but classy evening guaranteed to get your pulse racing and leave you begging for more'.

It is being held at the Pavilion Theatre in Bournemouth on Friday, November 5.

All Wrapped Up - Festive Exhibition Of Handmade Gifts

Bournemouth Echo:

Get festive preparation done early with the opening of SSW Shop's 'All Wrapped Up': a special selling exhibition featuring shandmade decorations, tableware, greetings cards and gift inspiration. 

The gallery has chosen to work with over 40 of the most talented artists and designer-makers in the South West region and have sourced thoughtful, one-off, gift ideas that will be suitable for even the most difficult person to buy for!

Located in the beautiful setting of the Symondsbury Estate, SSW Gallery Shop is the perfect antidote to high street or online shopping. The quirky independent store supports small, local, creative businesses from Devon, Dorset and Somerset. They aim to stock only handmade items from the South West that prioritise people and the planet, using natural, sustainable materials, and with a low carbon footprint.

Fisherman's Friends at the BIC

Presented by SJM Concerts. Britain’s oldest boy band emerge from lockdown and hit the road as The Fisherman’s Friends – combined age 401 (and three-quarters) – announce their Unlocked & Unleashed tour for 2021.

Thanks to the small film with a big heart that shares their name, the story of the original Cornish ‘buoy band’ is known around the world – bound by shared experience, for 40 years they have met on the Platt on the harbour in their native Port Isaac to sing the songs of the sea.

“And now we can’t wait to show the rest of the country what they’ve been missing – singing live is in our blood, almost as much as the sea,” says extravagantly moustachioed MC and bass man Jon Cleave.

Is your event not on the list? Give it a shout-out in the comments below!