SEAFOOD will be at the top of your shopping list after getting inspired by one of the country’s most popular festivals.

Back by popular demand, the ninth annual Dorset Seafood Festival takes place around Weymouth harbour on July 9 and 10.

The award-winning event draws in thousands of people every year and for 2016 there are even more delicious things on the menu.

See Jack Stein in action, with executive Chef Pete Murt from Rick Stein Sandbanks in the new Fisher & Paykel Demo Theatre, together with a great line up of fishy gurus and seafood superheroes.

ITV’s ‘Harbour Lives’ star and owner of Storm Restaurant and Dorset Oysters, Pete Miles, hopes to make the Guinness Book of Records with his giant oyster.

If you’re looking for something to cook when you get home, be there for the ‘Fishes & Loaves’ with passionate Dorset restaurateur, author and oyster farmer, Nigel Bloxham (Crab House Cafe and Billy Winters) and champion baker, Aidan Chapman.

What’s new this year? ITV’s Barbecue Champion 2015, “The Womble” Simon Dyer will be barbecuing fresh, succulent mackerel on a pile of coals, with a glass of fizz in one hand and a lemon in the other. Visitors will have a chance to enjoy some of the theatre’s amazing dishes in the Fisher & Paykel Social Kitchen and confirmed lover of all things Dorset, Peter Gordon of The Providores and Tapa Room and Kopapa will be showcasing some of his famous fusion dishes.

The festival line up includes Nick Bryant from Samways Fish, Bridport; crazy about using sustainable local fish and brilliant at filleting, all in aid of the Fishermen’s Mission.

The Pommery Dorset Seafood Festival has raised thousands of pounds for the charity over the years, helping fishermen who risk their lives at sea and their loved ones.

This year there will be more than 100 stallholders offering a mouth-watering selection of tasty fish dishes and local produce.

Dorset Seafood Festival represents the UK’s largest, free-to-attend, seafood festival, winning three awards in 2015/2016 including the Dorset Tourism Awards for Tourism Event of the Year, plus Outstanding Contribution to Tourism and Silver in the South West Tourism Excellence Awards.

For more information, visit dorsetseafood.co.uk or follow on Twitter @dorsetseafood or Facebook: Dorset Seafood Festival.