THE sun blazed down on the first day of the “wonderful and impressive” Fayre in the Square.

The Weymouth Rotary organised event saw a packed line-up of singing, dancing, food and drink.

The event, at Hope Square, was nick-named ‘Glasto Square’ by the organisers, because of the festival nature of the family-friendly event.

The quayside was lined with a host of stalls offer everything from burgers and sweet treats to ornamental ducks, paddleboards, jewellery and the Thatcher’s cider bar, which was a new attraction for 2016.

Last years’ event raised £16,000 for local good causes and saw 20,000 people walk through the gates.

This year, the organisers are hoping to smash that record.

Rob Sedgbeer, Chairman of the event, said: “The weather’s been fantastic. We have had so many visitors and locals and families and they are all giving generously. All the money we raise goes to local charities, every penny goes to charity.”

He added: “It’s a bit like Glastonbury on a small scale. It’s Glasto Square.”

Sea Cadets helped out with collection buckets on the gates.

Official mascot Fitsy Bear delighted the crowds and even had his own car to ride round in.

Nick Moss from the Fudge Cottage said business had been very good. He said: “You couldn’t ask for better weather, it’s beautiful.”

The O’Connor family had come down from Banbury. Dad Mark said: “We are down for the weekend and stumbled upon it. It’s fantastic, really nice. A nice surprise.”

Mum Virginia said: “It’s a lovely event.”

She said it had made all the difference that they could bring their dog Ole into the festival.

Soaking up the sunshine on the harbourside were Bob and Nancy Pottinger from Florida in the USA. They arrived on Sunday morning on a cruise ship into Portland harbor and decided to spend the day in Weymouth before they head onwards on the cruise to Cherbourg in France.

Bob said: “They have done a wonderful job. The way the Rotary have set it up is so great. We are very impressed. We had no idea this is what we would find. It makes us want to come back.”

Nancy said: “It’s great.”

All the fun continues until 7pm tonight and then fayre in the Square is back on Monday from 10am-6pm with music on the stage all day. Any good causes wishing to benefit from the funds raised at the event should pop in to Rotary’s HQ at Pilgrim House in Hope Square.