VISITORS to Bournemouth this bank holiday may feel as if they’re in an altogether more exotic country.

For blue skies and warm temperatures have lit up the annual Thai Food Festival, which this year takes place in the Triangle, rather than its usual home in the Square.

And anyone who has missed the fun so far will still be able to visit for the final day today.

Organiser Piyanan Tepnarin, who is also headteacher of Bournemouth Thai Language and Culture School, said: “There’s so much going on to celebrate the Thai culture.

“As well as the food here, we have traditional dancing and more. We want to present customs from Thailand to people here in Bournemouth.”

The free event raises funds for the school at the Bourne Spring Centre in St Mary’s Road, which is for children with Thai parents.

Piyanan said: “This is our 11th year here holding a Thai event for the town.

“We also run a paid-for event at Kings Park on August 2 and 3, but this is completely free and raises money for the school.”

On Saturday Esme Hayes-Payne, 14, and little sister Tilly, eight, said: “We’re having a nice day.

“The food is lovely.”

Joyce Holder, 67, said: “There’s a big range of things to try.

“I’ve not been before but it’s a nice event.