Dorset’s only free seafood festival promises a magnificent haul of fish and shellfish, fine local produce, live music and to top it off a fireworks display on Saturday evening alongside a performance by top tribute act UK Queen.

The two-day celebration of the town’s maritime and fishing heritage will reconnect the modern conurbation with its proud history on Poole Quay.

Top chefs will host cookery demonstrations on the Seafood Stage so there’ll be plenty of opportunities to sample some local delicacies.

As well as locally sourced fresh fish and shellfish, Poole Seafood Festival also incorporates street food, local cheeses, gins, beers and ciders with an on-site bar, not to mention the busy market stalls stocking everything from themed clothing to jewellery, art and accessories.

And 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, who’ll be joined by the best of the area’s rich local music scene including Mother Ukers, Sixteen String Jack, Rat Race, Mischa & His Merry Men, Chris Payn, Jimmy Hillbillies, Carley Varley and Finnian McGurk.

“Poole has had a brilliant summer and we’ve welcomed thousands of people coming back here with open arms,” says festival director Ben Dyas. “What better way to mark the last of summer than with a celebration of everything that makes Poole great?”

The festival is free to attend, opening from 10am until 9pm on Saturday and 11am to 6pm on Sunday. https://pooleseafoodfestival.com