MOUTHS watered as thousands of people bustled through the town centre to enjoy the Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival yesterday.

Revellers basked in glorious sunshine as a range of cuisine from around the globe was showcased in Bournemouth Square on the first day of the annual event’s fourth year.

The festival, which runs for ten days, includes a street market featuring an eye-catching red double-decker bus selling Mexican food, as well as stalls with delicacies from Thailand, Italy, Bournemouth itself and other locations dotted throughout the world.

The festival’s director, Patrick Marmion, said he is delighted the festival is so quickly turning into such a popular annual tradition and is proud of the high quality of produce on offer.

“I think Bournemouth has an image sometimes as a typical fast food seaside kind of town,” he added.

“But we want to showcase Bournemouth as a place for real food lovers.

“There are lots of places to go for great food – from Southbourne to Wesbourne.

“Bournemouth lends itself well to festivals such as this and there is a really friendly, fun atmosphere for families.”

Throughout the festival an array of chefs from the area will be exhibiting their skills in the demo kitchen, cooking up treats ranging from cupcakes to burgers and even baby food. Patrick said he is also excited about the entertainment that will be on offer, with a diverse choice of family-friendly demonstrations, kids’ activities and a flurry of music, which on Sunday night includes a group specialising in hillbilly music.

“They are all going to be local bands. It’s going to be eccentric, but like the food, it will be eclectic too,” he added.

For a full list of events taking place during the festival, visit the website bournemouthfoodanddrink.co.uk