THOUSANDS of people soaked up the atmosphere at Weymouth Harbour today as Waterfest kicked off in style.

The festival, which celebrates Weymouth’s maritime heritage, took over both sides of the harbour and the Pavilion car park with a variety of treats for visitors to enjoy.

From hoverboarding demonstrations to dive tank displays, people of all ages had a chance to witness something new.

Waterfest, which is backed by the Echo and supported by Weymouth BID, returned to the area after attracting more than 15,000 visitors last year.

The first event today involved Weymouth Gig Rowing Club, who took part in a first stage race up the harbour.

Clive Moore, captain of the club’s men’s team, said they had received a positive response from people attending the festival.

He said: “We’ve had lots of interest.

“It’s a lovely event. It’s the second or third year we have been involved with it. It works very well for us.

“It’s a very good event just to raise awareness of the club.”

One of the main talking points of the day was the performance from Aquatic Jetpacks.

The group were one of the festival’s top highlights last year and crowds waited in anticipation to see what they had in store this year.

They weren’t left disappointed as the team introduced a new hoverboard display and a series of spectacular dolphin dives in flyboarding routines.

Events took place both on and off the water throughout the day. This included performances from the band of HM Royal Marines Plymouth Corps of Drums and the Dorset Wrecks shanty band.

Fidel Perez, from Weymouth, attended the festival with his wife Angela and their five month old daughter Gabrielle.

He said: “We’ve come to the other festival before, the Seafood Festival. I came along today for the food and the shanties and to see the Tall Ships.

“We’ve really enjoyed it.”

Jan Wilson, from Weymouth, attended with her husband Tony and her mother Vi Cooper.

She said: “It’s got everything for everybody. It’s a family day out.”

The festival will continue tomorrow with events taking place between 11.15am and 4.45pm.