THOUSANDS of seafood fans are attending the second annual Swanage Fish Festival this weekend.

Bumper crowds have been packing out Prince Albert Gardens, with event organisers predicting that the number of visitors will reach around 15,000 – more than double the amount who attended 2015’s inaugural event.

Beginning last night with Swanage’s restaurants, pubs and cafes offering a range of fish specials to get everyone’s taste buds going, the food extravaganza continues until tomorrow night.

It features some of the south coast’s most prominent culinary experts, with a demonstration from Rick Stein’s Sandbanks’ head chef Pete Murt on how to prepare the perfect Singapore chilli crab among today’s highlights and tomorrow Matt Budden, executive chef at Hilton Bournemouth, is set to rustle up some delicious Dorset shellfish.

Event spokesman Jon Yeung said he has been delighted with the turnout and is hopeful that thousands of pounds will be raised for charities the Fishermen’s Mission, The RNLI and The National Coast Watch Institution as a result.

“It’s been absolutely amazing,” he said. “The sun has been out, there’s champagne, oysters – it’s just been a great weekend.

“We’ve seen a real mix of people enjoying it. It’s not just fish enthusiasts – it’s locals and people on holiday wanting to enjoy the experience, and getting the opportunity to learn all about how to handle and cook fish.”

And chairman of the Swanage Fish Festival Adam Clarke added: "What a tremendous event. Thanks to all our supporters both local and from afar. 

"It's great to see so many people enjoying themselves in he sunshine in Swanage with some tremendous seafood. 

"Most importantly we hope to raise lots of money for the great causes we're supporting."

As well as the 30 stalls from Dorset producers and an array of cooking demonstrations, there have also been crabbing and fishing contests alongside live music as part of a packed entertainment schedule.

And tomorrow 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, ending on a sweet note, Claire Burnet, from Swanage-based Chococo, will reveal how she makes the company’s award-winning handmade chocolates.

For more information, visit swanagefishfest.org.