FOODIES flocked to Wimborne to get a taste of the town's highly anticipated food festival.

The free event, held on Saturday, September 14, showcased a selection of the country's best food and drink producers, with stalls filling the streets.

Visitors enjoyed a lively atmosphere featuring live music, crafts, cooking demonstrations, and entertainment provided by Radio Wimborne.

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Tammy Sleet, Wimborne BID manager, said: "This is the first time Wimborne BID has put on a food festival, and so far, the response has been amazing.

"Walking round the town the streets are absolutely packed and there is a real buzz."

She added: "Wimborne has really kicked the trend in terms of high streets struggling.

"It's such a vibrant town with so many independent shops, it's great that we are able to put Wimborne on the map."

Sponsored by Dacombes of Wimborne, the festival featured a cookery tent with live demonstrations from renowned chefs and a visit from Sonnaz Nooranvary from the hit TV programme The Repair Shop.

Michael Russell, head pastry chef at the popular café La Petit Prince, who has cooked for the royal family and former Prime Minister John Major, was also on hand to share his baking expertise and offer demonstrations.

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Guest of honour, former Great British Bake Off contestant Maggie Richardson, made an appearance to showcase her own baking wisdom, adding extra excitement to the day.

Sponsor Dacombes of Wimborne managing director Matt Renaut said: "Local businesses along with the support of Wimborne BID have worked really hard to make this happen and we hope it will become an annual event."

 Wimborne residents Tom and Diane visited the festival and said they enjoyed looking around the stalls and trying some of the food.

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"It's been a really nice day and we have really enjoyed the food demonstrations.

"It's been good to see the community come out and it's a great way to bring people together," they added.

Claire Warren works at the East Street Deli and had a stall at the festival.

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She said: "It's been a really positive day.

"It's great for the town, we've seen a lot of new faces and has brought new customers into the shop."