Warning: May contain some Morris dancing (From Thisisdorset)

Warning: May contain some Morris dancing

10:34am Friday 25th May 2012 in Leisure By Nick Horton

SUMMER’S on its way so it’s time to put a hankie on your head, attach bells to your knees and attack your neighbour with a heavy stick with a pig’s bladder on the end.

Yes, next weekend is the Wessex Folk Festival, with simply shedloads of fantastic gigs in and around Weymouth’s harbourside.

Highlights this year include a concert by singer-songwriter extraordinaire Sarah McQuaid at the Hope United Reformed Church on Saturday, June 2, (tickets £8 in advance from Imagine Books, St Alban St, Weymouth or £10 on the door) and Stompin’ Dave headlining an evening of American folk music with Adam Hurt and Kate Lissauer at the Weymouth Pavilion on Monday, June 4. (Tickets £10 from the Pavilion box office on 01305 783225 or £12 on the door).

There will be two stages in Hope Square over the weekend and countless gigs, workshops and sessions in the King’s Arms, the Sailor’s Return, the Belvedere and the Old Town Hall.

Those of you of a nervous disposition should also be aware that there is a full Morris dancing programme on Saturday and Sunday throughout the town centre and harbourside, so be careful out there, okay?

The whole free festival is a fabulous lift for the town but it has to be financed somehow so if you see someone rattling a bucket at you, don’t be afraid to drop a few quid in, ok?

It’s impossible to list all the events here but have a look at www.wessexfolk.co.uk for all the doings.

Right, come back now.

Moving on, last week’s loss of the three fishermen aboard the Purbeck Isle has left everyone shocked and saddened.

Already, the fund set up for the families of Dave McFarlane, Rob Prowse and Jack Craig has raised hundreds of pounds with the final sum likely to run into many thousands.

True to form, the local music community will be doing its bit to help the Purbeck Isle Memorial Fund with an all-day bash at the Sailor’s Return in Weymouth on Sunday, July 1.

Kicking off at midday with The Dinnerladies, other bands and artists on the bill include Vanilla Radio, Ceri Walker, The Crack, Tom Caulfield, Howling at the Moon and Hustle. Rounding the day off will be Reactor, who are fronted by Dave’s brother Steve McFarlane.

Staying on a fundraising theme, inspirational teacher and all round top bloke Andy Dukes is hosting a heart-lifting event tonight, Friday, May 25, at the Lazy Lizard in Weymouth in aid of his Forgotten Children of Kenya charity.

The Chase, Omega Project and Club Dennis will playing from 10pm tonight and all money raised goes to this amazing organisation.

Right, that’s all for this week. Next Friday, there’ll be bumper round-up of all the gigs for Her Madge’s diamond jubilee, including a one-off show by the awesome Bad Reputation at Finns on Monday, June 4, and a full list of all the runners and riders at both the Quayside Music Festival and the Lazy Lizard’s Right Royal Ruckus.

Thanks for watching, I’m off to tighten up my sagging bunting.

To see all this week’s gigs, click here live listings.pdf