BRIDPORT will begin its stint as Dorset's first-ever Town of Culture this weekend.

Music, performance and visual art will flood the town’s streets and venues as part of the event.

It is part of a new scheme which will see a town, village or hamlet be named the cultural capital of Dorset each year.

Winning areas will receive £30,000 from Dorset Council to fund cultural activities and events.

Earlier this year, it was announced that Bridport would become the first place to be named the 'Town of Culture' for the second half of 2024.

Since the announcement, creatives and organisations from across Bridport have come together to create a vibrant programme of cultural events from July to December.

READ MORE: Bridport prepares to become first capital of culture

With young people at the core, Bridport is creating a rich and diverse cultural programme for residents and visitors.

The events begin on Friday, July 5.

For the first three days, the focus is on the public space outside Bridport Arts Centre.

On Friday, there will be premieres of two new dance performances from Fingerprint Dance’s Anna Golding, featuring Grace + Growl.

Throughout Saturday, the Portrait Challenge returns to the town, brought together by the Lyric Theatre and Bridport Arts Centre, inviting everyone to create their own portrait.

In the evening, legendary London reggae label, Greensleeves Records, will bring their rhythmic reggae classics to Bridport.

The launch weekend wraps on Sunday when Tociya, Bridport’s new collective of young people dedicated to programming culture, takes over the Art Centre’s forecourt for The Community Jam.

Everyone is invited to experience their evolving art installation, share some food, and take to the stage discuss ideas for Bridport 2024 in the next six months.

Mayor of Bridport Anne Rickard said: “I’m very excited to see the packed and varied programme of events for the coming months, and in particular the emphasis on our young creatives.

"Bridport has long been known as ‘Dorset’s Eventful Town’, with its all-year-round arts calendar, and its fabulous cultural venues, but the Town of Culture project brings with it an opportunity to embed that reputation for the long term, by promoting our young talent and by developing young people’s skills and experience in planning and delivering events and activities. 

"I am extremely proud to be Mayor of Bridport with its unrivalled cultural offer.”

Dance Performances will be held between 12.30pm and 2pm on Friday, July 5 at Bridport Arts Centre’s forecourt.

The Portrait Challenge is on Saturday 6 July at Bridport Art Centre’s Forecourt.

Greensleeves Records Reggae Night begins at 8pm on Saturday, July 6 at Bridport Arts Centre

The Community Jam will begin at 1pm until 5pm on Sunday, July 7 at the forecourt.