Abbotsbury's Subtropical Gardens were packed with visitors for Dorset Food and Drink's first food fair of the year.

More than 2,500 people attended the event on Saturday, April 20 and more than 30 different stalls were there selling a variety of cheeses, baked goods, charcuterie, meat, coffee, cider, spirits, beer, wine and more.

There were also cookery demonstrations around the gardens, which were dazzling in the 20C heat.

Katherine Wright, the food and drinks organiser of the event, said: "It was a huge success. There were lots of visitors who were really happy with the variety of the food and drink stalls. The stallholders were really pleased with all the visitors and many were selling out. It was fantastic.

"There was lovely music that people could sit and listen to with a glass of wine or a bottle of cider and relax in the most magical setting.

"I think it was one of our busiest events ever. We had over 2,500 visitors. For a paid food festival that was very good indeed. The overflow car park was full by 11.30am.

"It might have even been one of the busiest days ever for Abbotsbury Gardens as well. We had good weather, we were in a good location and there was a reduced price. They are probably the reasons why it was so popular.

"It was a great setting to experience the gardens and get the chance to browse all of the food and drinks stalls.

"I would like to say the food stalls were the best bit but the location was just amazing. Combined with the weather it was a perfect setting for the festival.

"What was nice was that some people stayed all day just to look around the gardens. I know some people got there at 10.30am and didn't leave until 3pm.

"I want to say a big thank you to all the visitors because without them it wouldn't have been an event. I also want to thank the weather."