THE organisers of the inaugural Swanage Fish Festival have confirmed the event will return next year.

Thousands of people packed out the festival earlier this month, which was centred around Prince Albert Gardens but involved numerous pubs, restaurants and cafes across Swanage.

Celebrity chef Ed Baines put on one of a number of cooking demonstrations, and local seafood and other produce was available throughout the three-day event.

Chef James Golding, from Studland's acclaimed Pig on the Beach, and forager Dan Scott also wowed the crowds with their workshops.

Caroline Finch, one of the festival organisers, said: "We were overwhelmed with the response from visitors.

"Our traders did extremely well and local businesses benefitted from the influx of people.

"Many traders sold out of stock on both days and some have already signed up for next year.

"We can't wait to put on an even better performance next year - see you all at Swanage Fish Festival, June 2016."

Britain's Best Dish television judge Ed Baines, who took time out from the kitchen at his Randal & Aubin seafood restaurant in Soho, London, to travel to the Purbeck coast, said: "We were so fortunate, the setting was phenomenal in the amphitheatre overlooking Swanage Bay, with beautiful sunshine. Everyone enjoyed it, including me."

On Saturday the event carried on late into the evening, with live music from Kelp, Nicole Faraday, Red River Hogs and the Reptiles.

There were even sea shanties from the Wareham Whalers on the Sunday.

Katherine Wright, from festival sponsor Dorset Food & Drink, said: "It wasn't difficult for us to see the potential of this event.

"We wanted to support a local, sustainable fish festival for the Isle of Purbeck, bringing in people from across Dorset and further afield. This event was a huge success."

Jacqui Meenan, from headline sponsors Ortus Homes, added: "The food on offer was fantastic and the setting was just beautiful."