HUNDREDS packed Poole’s Lighthouse for a fiesta of food and the arts on Sunday.

Celebrity chef Lesley Waters, of BBC’s Ready, Steady, Cook, opened the event – called Bite the Lighthouse – and was among the foodies giving demonstrations throughout the day.

Among the other treats on offer was a farmers’ and food producers’ market showcasing the best local produce.

And arts offerings included music from Bar Jungr, Impropera and the Palms Quartet, photography workshops, storytelling, and a series of food films, including a free screening of Ratatouille for children whose families are visiting the market.

The event was a new one for the Lighthouse being the first time it has collaborated with Screen Bites – the UK’s only festival linking food and film, which celebrates its fifth anniversary this year.

Lighthouse spokesman Paul Tucker said at the event: “It’s absolutely packed. Everyone is walking around pick up samples, there’s cooking demonstrations, a farmers market throughout the building with samples of delicious cheeses, bread, ciders – amazing stuff.”