MORE than 4,500 people packed out the first ever Littledown Food & Music Festival on Sunday.

The free event, which included live music, street food, artisan stalls, arts and crafts, local ales and ciders, took place at Littledown Park, Chaseside, Bournemouth.

It was organised by leisure and event operator BH Live.

BH Live divisional general manager Colette Kiernander said: "Our event and festival scene is growing year on year and it just gets better each time.

"It has been an amazing day - this has been our first food and music festival in the park and we estimate that more than 4,500 people have come along.

"We have had an incredible response from visitors, loads of great feedback and we hope this will become an annual event in our festival calendar.

"A big thank you to all who visited, including the mayor and mayoress of Bournemouth who also paid a special visit."

Visitor Jane Morley said: "The children have loved it, and there's music, food and drink for the adults. Yes, I'd say it has been pretty good fun. The weather was not as good as last weekend, but it’s nice that it is a lot fresher.

"I'd certainly look to come back again next year if it happens again. It has been good fun."

The band line-up consisted of the three-piece ukulele band Mother Ukers, BB3 and the Soul Party Band.

An event spokesman said: "We had the best of local folk, rock and pop acts, superb street and artisan food from pop-up bars, cafes and restaurants, plus a generous sprinkling of stalls selling arts, crafts and local goods.

"The street food corner offered an exotic world food menu - including a hog roast, wood fired pizza, artisan catering, cheeses, vegan fare and much more."

Treats from the Caribbean, Spain, Thailand, Turkey and Germany were available.

The event also included a kids' zone, with attractions such as altitude high ropes, a children's playpark and paddling pool.

All the facilities at the BH Live Centre were also available throughout the afternoon as usual.

Favourite stalls included Drop the Anchor, Christchurch's artisan microbrewery, and the gin bar which sold locally made Conker gin.