DORCHESTER Borough Gardens was buzzing with sounds, sights and tastes from around the world today at the Dorset One World Festival.

The festival is a free celebration of the diversity of cultures in the county will include world music, dance, food, sport and activities.

The headline musical act, Dubheart from Bournemouth, who have just been awarded the best reggae band in Europe, had crowds cheering as they took to the stage.

Families had the chance to enjoy a wide selection of cuisines from around the world at the Global Food Village, while enjoying cultural sights and sounds in the setting of the Borough Gardens.

The event is supported by the Dorset Race Equality Council.

Mayor of Dorchester, Robin Potter, welcomed the crowds as he opened the event.

He said: "This really is a brilliant event to see so many exhibitors from around the world and see everybody enjoying themselves.

"It's a most inspiring festival and the weather is on our side which is always a bonus."

It was an action-packed programme including live music, dance and cultural activities from around the globe and a tug of war competition.

Workshops included African Dance, Classical Indian music and African Drumming.

Celebrity chef, Andy Chu, also hosted a cook-off competition between the Mayor and the Mayoress at the bandstand.

Racheal Biddle from Dorchester was enjoying the festival with her two girls.

She said: "This is a lovely family-friendly festival.

"The kids are all having a great time and learning a lot about different cultures around the globe,

"The girls have been on the front row joining in with the African Dance workshop and have had a brilliant time.

"I think this is something a little different and more attention should be put on it because it is just a fantastic day."

This year also saw the expansion of the kids and youth area with a bouncy castle, face painting, sports and crafts and activities.

Chief officer Adnan Chaudry said: "This year’s One World Festival builds further on the great success of the year before, recognising the incredible richness of cultures that exist in our county and how important it is that we all celebrate being a part of One World, One Humanity."