YOU could have been forgiven for thinking you were in the middle of the Mediterranean if you happened to be in Bournemouth Square yesterday.

All the sights, sounds and flavours from as far as southern Italy, Cyprus and Spain came alive for the start of the Bournemouth Food and Drink Festival – and the sun was even shining.

Organiser Patrick Marmion said at least 60,000 visitors are expected to attend the event, which runs until June 30.

“It has been an amazing start to the festival. Thousands of people have been turning up to try all the different food and join in the fun,” he said.

“The flamenco dancing was really popular – it was the first time the band had played together and the place was jumping. There were people joining in and having a great time.”

He added: “All the traders have got smiles on their faces and even the weather has been kind to us so far!”

One of the traders in the World Food market Yani Petros was serving olives stuffed with peppers on behalf of Cyprus Tourism while Carlos Karouk of Casa Carlos was dishing up his favourite paella.

But don’t worry if you missed it, as there are plenty more gastronomic treats in store this weekend.

Today is Trinidad and Tobago Caribbean Day with story-telling of old folklores and a kitchen serving iconic Caribbean food.

Tonight there will be a carnival atmosphere in the Square with live Caribbean steel pan music and fashion with live models in masquerade costumes from 7pm.

Tomorrow it is the Far East Day with cookery demonstrations and Chinese drumming and lion dancing workshops.

For more information visit the website bournemouthfoodanddrink. co.uk