DORSET’S only free seafood festival this year promises a magnificent haul of great fish and shellfish, local produce and live entertainment.

Poole Seafood Festival, organised by Dorset Food festivals, is a two-day celebration of the town’s maritime and fishing heritage.

Top chefs will host cookery demonstrations on the Seafood Stage and there will be plenty of opportunities to sample some local delicacies and indulge the senses in the Champagne and Oyster Bar.

This year is the festival's first instalment following its cancellation last year due to the pandemic.

“Poole has had a brilliant summer and we’ve welcomed thousands of people coming back here with open arms,” said festival director Ben Dyas.

“What better way to mark the last of summer than with a celebration of everything that makes Poole great?”

And to be sure the party goes with a bang there’s a fireworks show on Saturday night alongside a performance by top tribute act UK Queen.

Bournemouth Echo: Poole Seafood Festival is a two-day celebration of the town’s maritime and fishing heritage, reconnecting the modern conurbation with its proud history on Poole Quay

As well as locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish, Poole Seafood Festival also incorporates local cheeses, gins, beers and ciders with an on-site bar.

A range of busy market stalls will also be on offer, stocking everything from themed clothing to jewellery, art and accessories.

Aside from the seafood, there’s a mouth-watering array of street food traders serving burgers, hot dogs, pizzas, kebabs, ice creams and desserts.

There’s a nautical theme to the weekend’s live music stage with brilliant sea shanties from the area’s top buoy bands, the Wareham Wreckers and Dorset Wrecks.

Bournemouth Echo: Dorset Wrecks are to perform at this year’s Poole Seafood Festival on Saturday September 25 and Sunday September 26.

They’ll be joined on stage by the likes of Mother Ukers, Sixteen String Jack and Finnian McGurk.

Ben added: “Poole is my hometown, so I know how important fishing and the sea is to its identity.

“And it’s great to see the town bustling again with a thriving marine leisure industry so we want Poole Seafood Festival to be a showcase for Poole at its very best – you can taste the sea in everything we do.”

The festival is free to attend, opening from 10am until 9pm on Saturday September 25 and 11am to 6pm on Sunday September 26.