CROWDS of people gathered under the sunshine to enjoy live music, a seafood parade, and a bustling food market at a Poole event.

Seafood and Sounds returned to Poole Quay for its second year on September 14 and 15, drawing hundreds to “enjoy Poole at its finest.”

The free-to-attend event was organised by five Poole-based businesses who worked together to “keep the event schedule alive” following council cuts.

Jeanette Walsh, owner of Truly Scrumptious, was one of the organisers of the event. She said the weekend was “highly successful".

She said: “Over the weekend we have celebrated what Poole does best. Music, sea food and local businesses working with the community to make events like this happen.”

There were a total of 70 musical performances from 15 musical acts from violinists to folk singers and shanty bands to duets, who performed in five areas of the Quay and Poole Old Town.

The Poole Dolphin shopping centre sponsored the event, which Jeanette said meant organisers could expand the festival including introducing a local seafood and produce market inside La Mia’s restaurant.

There was a total of 18 market stall holders selling things ranging from fresh sea food and sushi to jewellery and clothes.

Jeanette said: “This event is all about the independent businesses in Poole and the residents who visit us.

“Over the summer, business’ have been trying hard to make sure Poole is a nice place to come to and things like this get people walking up and down the Quay.”

Another addition to the 2024 Seafood and Sounds festival was the introduction of volunteers who gave their time to ensuring the space was clean and offered help to people who needed it.

Katherine Patient was a volunteer at the festival. She said: “It’s so lovely to be a part of a community even which brings together so many local businesses.

“I am thrilled to be involved.”

This year’s official Seafood and Sounds charity is the RNLI, which is celebrating its 200th anniversary this year.   A grand raffle was organised to raise money, with 20 per cent going to the charity and the remainder of the funds for the 2025 Seafood and Sounds event.