THE whole world came to the county as the Dorset One World Festival celebrated cultural diversity through music, dance, arts, food and activities.

It kicked off in the gardens with a lively African Dance workshop with the Mayor and Mayoress, Cllr John Adams and Suzi, and the Town Crier joining in the spirit of the day.

The festival trumped last year's event with diverse performances on the World Music and Dance stage and activities including demonstrations ranging from African drumming and Latvian dance to Chinese cookery with local celebrity chef, Andy Chu.

Among the highlights was Polenz Dance and Choir with 16 performers from across Dorset with colourful, classic costumes from different regions of Poland.

"Our aim is to promote traditional Polish folk dance and music to show people our culture and customs, which we brought with us to this country from our home. We are proud of our culture and tradition and it brings us a great pleasure and happiness to be able to perform at the festival,” said a spokesman.

Nepali culture was highlighted this year in the form of traditional dance and art exhibitions and Ghurkas from Blandford Camp competed in the annual tug-of-war competition. The event also raised hundreds of pounds for the relief fund for victims of the Nepali earthquake.

"This free event could not take place without the continued support by so many local organisations and volunteers to make this festival such a success," said Sarah Reeves, festival co-ordinator.

"With over 3,000 people attending, we are delighted to secure a culturally enriching and welcoming day for all our performers and for everyone attending.”

David Corbin from Dorset Healthcare, who has been instrumental in the event from its launch in 2009, said: "Dorset One World Festival provided Dorset CCG (Clinical Commissioning Group) and Dorset HealthCare with excellent opportunity to engage with diverse communities in a celebration of different cultures. The music, food and atmosphere in a relaxed setting made the whole event something to enjoy.”

The event, held in Dorchester, is supported and sponsored by many local organisations.