THE ORGANISERS of a food and arts festival have celebrated its success after crowds came out in force.

Visitors enjoyed 150 stalls selling a wide range of food, drink and crafts at Highcliffe Food and Arts Festival on Saturday, June 10 and Sunday, June 11.

Alongside the stalls, activities included celebrity-led cookery demonstrations, two music stages and children’s activities.

Celebrities included leading local chefs Alex Aitken, Luke Phillips, Pete Axworthy, Will Firman, Colin Nash, Ismael Pajaro, Loic Gratadoux, Christian Orner and Eduardo Lemus.

Communications director for the festival, Mary Reader, said: “The cookery marquee - sponsored for the first time by Portman Stone - was full to capacity and visitors went away enthused with the knowledge learned from our celebrities.

“Wide-ranging subjects covering the history of Indian food, filleting and preparing fish, and plant-based food ideas were among the many demonstrations on offer.”

Families could enjoy a children’s activity tent with nature-inspired crafts, drama, yoga and dance displays.

Eco Ecology supported a ‘grow your own’ activity and Biscuits by Sarah led The Kids Kitchen, sponsored by Highcliffe Residents Association.

Two music stages entertained crowds through the weekend with The Swing Unlimited Big Band and Sarah Bolter and Not Just Sax performing, among others.

A ‘we do like to be beside the seaside’ shop window competition was run, judged by Lord Bute, with Natz Bitz taking the win.

Children from St Mark’s Primary School took part in a 3D food art competition, with Imogen and Alba scooping the top prize.

The Little Craft Shack supplied more than 60 craft stalls, with Loz Waters from the organisation saying the traders did well and that the 'great community atmosphere' made it an enjoyable experience.

Mary added: “Judging by the many favourable comments on social media our visitors really enjoyed their visit.

“The festival directors, Terry Lester, Tina Jaffray, and myself are very grateful to our small hardworking committee of volunteers, sponsors and traders who support us year by year.

“To see the many shops, cafés and restaurants that became fully involved doing so well made it all worthwhile.”