SWANAGE is gearing up for its first ever fish festival, which takes place at the weekend.

Hundreds of seafood lovers are expected to visit the town which has more than 20 local eateries taking part.

On Saturday and Sunday, Prince Albert Gardens will host more than 25 stall-holders, live music into the evening and a number of cooking demonstrations.

There will also be fishing trips, crabbing competitions, foraging master classes, sea shanties and plenty of sea food on offer throughout the weekend.

Britain's Best Dish judge Ed Baines, who co-owns Soho's Randal & Aubin seafood restaurant, is just one of the talented chefs supporting the event.

James Golding from The Pig on the Beach, Giuseppe Sinaguglia from Olive Tree Cookery School and forager Dan Scott will also be on-hand to give advice and carry out demonstrations.

Caroline Finch, one of the Swanage Fish Festival organisers, said: "We are ecstatic that so many local businesses have come on board with the fish festival. We can't wait for the town to be full of people enjoying our local fish and supporting our community."

More than 20 local eateries will be putting on fish festival specials throughout the weekend, starting on Friday night.

Restaurants, pubs and cafes will be serving up a range of fish specialities as part of 'Fishy Friday.'

Ed Baines said: "I'm thrilled to be part of the Swanage Fish Festival. I regularly visit Swanage and like to use local produce so what better location to cook fish than overlooking the bay."

Festival programmes are on sale for just £1 from many venues including Swanage Tourist Information Centre, Swanage Bay Fish, Pursenalities, The Grand Hotel, Swanage Bay View Holiday Park and Swanage Angling Centre.

The Swanage Fish Festival takes place June 5-7.

Visit swanagefishfest.org for more details.