Swanage Fish Festival starts on Friday, with bumper crowds expected to flock throughout the weekend.

Last year, thousands of sea food lovers packed out the inaugural Swanage Fish Festival.

Here's our guide to what's happening this year.

When is it?

The festival starts this Friday (June 10) and ends on Sunday, June 12. The event runs between 10am and 11pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday. 

Where is it taking place?

Prince Albert Gardens, which is the same venue as last year. 

What's happening?

Friday is named "Fishy Friday" and will see local eateries around the Isle of Purbeck putting on specialty dishes and locally caught seafood. Participating venues can be found at swanagefishfest.org/fishyfriday

There will be more than 30 stalls and cooking demonstrations with local chefs.

There will also be crabbing and fishing contests to take part in.

A festival spokesperson said: "Enjoy delicious fresh fish, cold crisp bubbles and browse wares from more than 30 stalls overlooking stunning Swanage Bay."

Anything else?

There will live music from 6pm on Saturday from Andrew Cannon Band, Red River Hoggs, Twenty Two and Reptiles.

Then on Sunday from 2pm onwards, there will be performances from the Harmony Rocks Choir, Mosquitoes and Kelp. 

Which chefs will be there?

This year's event includes some big names from Dorset's culinary scene.

James Golding, chef director from The Pig, confirmed he'd be returning.

Meanwhile, Rick Stein Sandbanks' head chef Pete Murt will also be cooking up a storm for the Swanage crowds.

Pete will be joined by Matt Budden - executive chef at Hilton Bournemouth - who is set to rustle up some delicious Dorset shellfish.

What if I don't like fish?

On the Sunday The Olive Tree cooking school teacher - and forager for The Pig - Guiseppe Sinaguglia will be giving tips on how to forage your own ingredients.

Then, Claire Burnet from Swanage-based Chococo will reveal how she makes the company's award-winning handmade chocolates.

How much does it cost?

Entry is free. The event will be raising money for the Fishermen's Mission, RNLI and The National Coast Watch Institution, Swanage.