THERE will be a chance to examine Dorset’s maritime heritage and taste the best local food at an event on Portland.

Portland Marina is set to host the third annual Fish and Ships show this weekend at Osprey Quay.

The event brings together marine-related businesses to provide entertainment for the whole family.

There will be live music throughout the weekend, including Shooter and the Weymouth Ukuleleans.

On the food side, Nigel Bloxham of Crab House Cafe will showcase his unique techniques for oysters and the Boat That Rocks bar will offer hot food.

“We are praying for good weather,” said organiser Penny Hopkins.

“The festival is now in its third year and it has steadily grown to have more fun for the whole family. People just have the lovely feeling of what goes on at the marina and what those businesses do there. We just want people to know that they can actually come here.”

Alongside the food and entertainment, there will be the chance to purchase new and used boats and experience what it is like to be out on the water.

The Andrew Simpson Sailing Foundation, RNLI and Coastwatch will be encouraging youngsters to take the plunge and try something new.

Penny added: “There’s the chance to get on the water and do things you have never had a go at.

“Hopefully, one day, you start off as a dinghy sailor and then you are sailing around the world.”

Proceeds from the event will be donated to several causes, including Julia’s House and Dementia UK.

Hannah Robinson from Julia’s House, said: “We are very excited to be supported again this year and we have volunteers coming to help.

“The marina are long-time supporters of ours and we have a lot of children and families we look after locally.

“We are very pleased that they are supporting us this year and that we are able to go down and support them.”

Fish and Ships is at Portland Marina on April 9 and April 10, from 10am-5pm on both days, with the event reopening on Saturday evening for live music. Entry is free and there is no charge for parking.