THOUSANDS flocked to this year’s Poole Maritime Festival with the top event being hailed the town’s biggest attraction of the year.

Despite some heavy showers on Saturday, maritime enthusiasts turned out in force to enjoy all the Poole Harbour Boat Show had to offer.

Westbourne resident Jenny Ginter, who had come to the event with husband Andy, said: “It is lovely to see all the effort that people have gone to.

“It is so upbeat. It’s just a shame the weather has let us down again. But it’s been a proper family day out – there is something here for everyone.”

Mr Ginter said: “We’ve been coming here since it was just a boat show. It’s nice to see they have expanded it to more of a family day. It appeals to a lot of age groups.”

Sunday’s sunny weather prompted an even bigger turnout with the Quay, Harbourside Park and Poole Park awash with visitors for the Seven Seas Festival and Taste of the South events, both part of the Maritime extravaganza.

The impressive tall ships were once again on display, alongside a variety of stalls and demonstrators and luxurious yachts.

Harbourside Park drew in families from far and wide with their activities, food, music and culture from across the globe where visitors could also enjoy the big wheel.

And the brand new Taste of the South festival at Poole Park welcomed thousands as they came to watch demonstrations from professional chefs, enjoy artisan foods and stock up on local and award-winning produce.

Jackie Phillipson, from Route PR, said more than 1,000 people had come through the gates within the first hour on Sunday and around 5,000 in total on Saturday.

She said: “It is great to see local people here and people from further afield as well. Visitors are coming in from rail and road and we have had a great turnout. We’re really happy.

“We couldn’t have done any of this without the support of our team and these great suppliers.”

Former Mayor of Poole, Cllr Xena Dion, said the event had exceeded all expectations.

“Everybody is buzzing about this,” she said. “Listening to people’s comments as they go by has been amazing. I hear people say the views from the big wheel are tremendous. People are just flocking in and enjoying all the different festivals."

Speaking of the outdoor Cargo performance by the Valise Noise Storytelling Theatre, she added: “The heart of this story was about boosting the economy and I have got no doubt this festival will have far-reaching effects on the town.”