Communities from a mix of different backgrounds came together to celebrate culture through dance, song and food.

Dorset One World Festival was held at Dorchester’s Borough Garden’s on Saturday.

The festival is aimed at improving understanding of other cultures in Dorset with a programme of both traditional and modern cultural activities performed by communities in the county and further afield.

The event is in its ninth year and attracted its biggest crowd yet, despite heavy showers, said event organiser Nathalie Sherring.

“It’s gone very well considering the weather,” said Nathalie. “I would have liked wall-to-wall sunshine but I’m pleased so many people turned up despite the rain. The feedback has been really positive.

“It’s important to show the diverse groups of people living in Dorset. The festival brings people together and allows them to meet people they might not have otherwise had the opportunity to meet. This is especially important nowadays.

“Everyone seems to have enjoyed themselves.”

This year, the Global Food Village returned to the bandstand, serving up a wide selection of fresh food and drinks from Italy, India, Africa, the Caribbean, and Belgium.

Musical acts took to two stages to perform a variety of music and dance and a new addition to his year’s festival, the Zen Zone, proved popular as guests took time to relax and reflect.

There was plenty on offer to keep the kids amused, from a bouncy castle to an arts and crafts workshop to a children’s parade.

Naomi Austin, from Dorchester, braved the rain with her two young children.

“We are all here despite the rain shower,” she said. “It’s good to see the perseverance of the Dorchester community. I’ve really good enjoyed it; it’s lovely to see just how many communities we have got and appreciate them all.

“There’s lots to do, even for the children. It’s been a very good and it’s nice to see the gardens busy.”

Sayma Ahmeh of Unity in Vision, a voluntary organisation that seeks to unite people from diverse cultures, was pleased with how the event went.

“I’m happy to see it so busy even in the rain,” she said. “It’s amazing to see people still have the enthusiasm. Lots of people have been coming to us for information and have been very interested. It’s really nice to see."