Lyme Regis has long been a popular holiday spot for travellers from all over the UK. It looks set to become even more attractive this year thanks to a slew of exciting events visitors can enjoy over the summer. Read on to find out more!

Festivals galore

There will be lots of opportunities for family fun, especially when it comes to festivals and carnivals. The main event to look out for is the Lyme Regis Carnival, which will take place between August 4th and 12th and comprises around 80 different activities, shows and displays that aim to raise money for charity.

Top picks at the carnival include the Sailing Club Regatta on the 4th and 5th and the Gig Club Regatta on the 10th and 11th. Kids are sure to love the traditional procession and fireworks display on the 10th, too!

If you've booked your hotel or cottage in Dorset for July, why not check out Lyme Regis Lifeboat Week between the 21st and 29th? Comprising displays, shows, concerts, games and much more, this festival is perfect for the whole family.

Don't miss the chance to see the RAF Falcons and the RAF Red Arrows in action on July 27th and 29th respectively. You might also want to keep an eye out for the Red Bull Matadors, who will perform before the Red Bull Harbour Reach Wakeboarding competition on the 21st.

Alternatively, the Jazz, Blues and Beer Festival between May 25th and 27th could be just the ticket for those seeking a more grown-up holiday experience. Originally founded as a jazz festival, the event has been expanded this year to include beer and blues, too – making for the perfect celebration!

King Pleasure & The Biscuit Boys, the Louis Armstrong Tribute Band and Gerry Brown & The Mission Hall Band will be among the acts performing at the festival's four venues – the Masonic Hall, the Pilot Boat Inn, the Marine Theatre and the Royal Lion Hotel. Plus, there's the Jazz Festival Umbrella Parade on the 26th to look forward to, along with a host of specially-brewed beers with a jazz theme from the Mighty Hop Brewery.

Great days out

Lyme Regis has its fair share of single-day events along with the aforementioned longer extravaganzas. Among these is Boat Launch Day on June 13th, which will see students who have recently completed a course at the Boat Building Academy take their vessels to Monmouth Beach and try them out on the water in front of crowds of spectators.

A higher-profile event you might want to make a note of in your diary is the arrival of the London 2012 Olympic Torch Relay in Lyme Regis. The torch will pass through the town on its way to Portland and Weymouth – which will host the sailing events at the Games – on what will be the 55th day of its travels around the UK.

If you're staying in a holiday cottage in Lyme Regis over the August bank holiday weekend, you won't want to miss the amazing spectacle that is Candles on the Cobb. Taking place on August 26th, this special event sees 5,000 tealights placed around Cobb Harbour to illuminate the area in a truly awe-inspiring way.

It's all for charity, too, and raises more and more money each year, so why not consider heading down to the harbour to make a contribution and take in this wonderful sight?

Whichever event you choose to attend, make sure you book your accommodation well in advance; attractions like the carnival and the Olympic torch relay are likely to result in hotels and self catering Lyme Regis cottages filling up very quickly!