SEAFOOD lovers have been packing out the inaugural Swanage Fish Festival – set to continue throughout the weekend at the Victorian seaside town.

More than 20 local eateries are taking part, and Prince Albert Gardens has been transformed by an array of produce stalls, stands and cooking demonstrations.

Britain's Best Dish television judge Ed Baines, who is taking time out from the kitchen at his Randal & Aubin seafood restaurant in Soho, London, to make the trip to Purbeck, is among the professional chefs showing off their knife skills during the event.

There are also fishing trips, crabbing competitions, foraging master classes, sea shanties and plenty of sea food on offer.

Around 300 people were at the festival on Saturday afternoon.

One of the organisers, Emma Barker, said: "We've had a great turnout.

"Things are going really well. It is heaving. Ed Baines has just finished his demonstration, which went down really well.

"People have been coming and going all day. The numbers have been great."

Visitor Andrew Jacobsen, at the festival with his young family, said: "I've just had some lovely sea bass.

"I cannot believe this is the first time they've had a seafood festival here. I definitely recommend it. Well worth it."

Other respected names supporting the culinary festival include James Golding from The Pig on the Beach, Giuseppe Sinaguglia from Olive Tree Cookery School and forager Dan Scott.

Visit swanagefishfest.org for more details.