CIVIC chiefs are looking to establish a new two-day seafood festival at Poole Quay next year.

There is currently a tender out to secure an operator for the event, which is hoped will attract thousands to the quayside.

BCP Council director of tourism Chris Saunders said: “We are planning to further develop the special events programme within Poole and make the most of the town’s long association with the sea by looking for a suitable operator to deliver a new two-day seafood festival on Poole Quay starting in 2020.

"Such a festival will be a natural fit on the quayside’s stunning location, fully complement the area’s many local restaurants that pride themselves on sourcing their fish and seafood locally, and add to the existing vibrant event programme.

"It is planned to appoint a preferred operator in February when further details on dates and content can then be announced.”

While BCP Council is inviting suppliers to submit proposals for a seafood festival, it is understood that proposals for a more general food festival, as long as it 'strongly incorporates a seafood element' will be considered.

The tender states: "The proposed festival will need to encompass as many local businesses as possible (especially existing quayside traders), drive increased footfall and highlight the exceptional variety of seafood that is on offer in the area.

"The festival needs to be quality based and raise the profile of Poole Quay as a leisure and dining destination as well as fully complementing the brand of Poole."

The quay features many pubs, restaurants and other outlets with locally-sourced seafood on the menu.

There is also 79 registered fishing vessels operating from the harbour, which pursue the clam and cockle fishery and fish for crab, lobster, sole, plaice, bass, mullet and whelks.

Last month the Echo confirmed the new £1.5million Rockfish seafood restaurant is scheduled to open on Poole Quay in February 1, 2020.

Also, the Mudeford Seafood Festival, which enjoyed its inugural year in 2019, is also set to return in 2020

Meanwhile, Swanage Fish Festival, which takes place at Swanage's Prince Albert Gardens, June 12-14, 2020, has been running since 2015 and regularly attracts thousands of seafood lovers with its cooking demonstrations, stalls and live entertainment.