IT is finally anchors aweigh for the Poole Maritime Festival, with the week-long event officially underway.

Bournemouth & Poole College will be hosting a Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) initiative today, involving students from six Poole secondary schools.

Then, a full programme of maritime-themed workshops and networking opportunities are set to run throughout the week, with the main European Maritime Day conference scheduled for the Lighthouse Theatre on Thursday and Friday.

Poole Mayor Cllr Xena Dion, who hosted the Maritime Ball gala on Saturday night, told the Daily Echo: "This whole week is starting with a real buzz of excitement.

"The ball on Saturday was a fantastic evening which everyone enjoyed. The business to business events are generating a lot of interest - European Maritime Day and the public festival have always been about providing opportunities for our business community to boost the local economy and attract inward investment. It’s great to see them take this opportunity.

"We're looking forward to welcoming our overseas visitors to the European Maritime Day conference which is generating a high amount of interest nationally and internationally."

Around 1,000 delegates from across Europe will be attending the two-day conference at the Lighthouse Theatre to discuss the future of our seas and oceans.

Transport Minister John Hayes is scheduled to deliver the opening address alongside Karmenu Vella (CORRECT), European Commissioner for Environment, Maritime Affairs and Fisheries.

Borough of Poole (BOP) secured the rights to host the prestigious European Union conference before last year's seismic Brexit referendum result.

The council then decided to expand the conference into a full programme of events, showcasing local arts and supporting maritime-based businesses, before putting on a selection of free festivals towards to round off the week.

Highlights are set to include interactive performances on Poole Quay, matinees and evening shows at Poole Park and a children's flag design contest.

Poole Harbour Boat show, on Poole Quay; the Seven Seas Festival, at Baiter Park; and Taste if the South Festival, at Poole Park, all take place from Friday to Sunday.

Cllr Dion said: "All of the event organisers have really delivered to provide the most outstanding, memorable events that we can all be proud to be part of it.

"I hope residents and visitors get behind this event and come down and join us, as we haven’t seen such a unique festival on this scale before."

Visit poolemaritimefestival.co.uk for further information on all of this week's events.