THE aim is to bring Thailand to Poole – and that included a little bit of the rainy season.

Poole Thai Festival is taking place all weekend, celebrating the food and culture of the Southeast Asian nation.

It all started with a traditional food offering to Buddhist monks.

That was followed by a busy programme of entertainment including Muay Thai boxing, blindfold boxing, traditional music and dancing, and a fashion show – as well as a ladyboy show.

There is a host of stalls selling Thai food and drink, as well as cooking demonstrations.

Visitors can get a Thai massage, visit a fortune teller, or enjoy a drink in the Thai beer garden.

The event, now in its sixth year, runs all weekend at Harbourisde Park, Baiter.

It is organised by Magic of Thailand, which puts on events in several UK towns to promote Thailand.

Event organiser Jackie Winitkun said: “It’s to create a positive image about Thailand and its culture. The concept is to bring Thailand to your doorstep.

“There is everything concentrated on Thailand. We have boxing demonstrations, Thai traditional dance, Thai folk music, Thai food, Thai massage, even a ladyboy show.”

There is even a chance for the Brits to try the stronger flavours of Thai cuisine in an eating competition.

“We’ve got I’m British, Get Me Out of Here. People love it,” said Jackie.

She was anticipating up to 1,000 visitors over the weekend, despite changeable weather.

With clouds over the event on Saturday, Jackie joked: “We’re here to bring you Thailand, so we brought a little rainy season.”

She hoped plenty of people would learn more about the attractions of Thailand.

 “Hopefully it will make people who have been to Thailand want to go again. For those who’ve never been, hopefully they will want to go,” she added.