'Excitement' for cuisine lovers as Weymouth Food Festival to be held this weekend

The Weymouth Food Festival will see 60 stalls pitch up on Lodmoor Country Park selling a variety of delicacies and dishes from across the world.

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The festival had been due to be launched last year. But organisers Venetia Randall and Simon Stewart were forced to cancel it due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Now Ms Randall said the team are 'excited' for the town's first event with no Covid-19 restrictions in 16 months, but some safety measures will be encouraged.

She said: "There will be a wide variety of food options and equipment from local small businesses and exhibitors from further afield.

"After cancelling the event last year, it's such a relief to be able to offer these exhibitors the opportunity to showcase their food products.

"Last year was devastating after having to tell the businesses that took a stall that we had to cancel due to the pandemic.

"With it being one of the first festivals in Weymouth without restrictions since March 2020, it's nerve-wrecking but exciting.

"We're encouraging visitors and exhibitors to keep to Covid safety measures, including wearing masks when possible and to keep sanitising regularly.

"It's great to be holding the event after social-distancing restrictions have been removed completely, we've been lucky."

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Visitors will also be entertained with live music, a cooking theatre, fun fair rides and shows, dog shows, story telling, crazy golf and live cooking demonstrations.

Tia Roos, Melcombe Regis councillor, said: "Events like this are really important for our local economy.

"It will hopefully help small businesses and encourage locals and holidaymakers to come and spend.

"We still need to be self aware and maintain social distancing and masks where possible."

Jon Orrell, Melcombe Regis cllr, said: "I think that outside events are safe enough as restrictions are lifted.

"It would be sensible to have more space at the events rather than closely packed crowds.

"The bigger problem comes with enclosed indoor spaces.

"Indoors, I think masks are still needed as this virus is having another wave and though deaths are not rising as before, many risk getting long Covid.

"I welcome open air events like festivals and the outdoor eating round the harbour."

Dorset Chamber chief executive, Ian Girling said: "The return of festivals and events has been a long time coming for many businesses and communities in Dorset.

"They have the potential to bring a much-needed boost to Weymouth and other towns across the county as long as they are well organised with the necessary measures in place.

"Understandably, some individuals and businesses will not feel as comfortable attending events so soon after the easing of restrictions.

“Moving forward, by ensuring events are held in a safe and sensible way we can generate greater public and business confidence while taking another positive step on the long road to recovery."

The festival will be held on Saturday between 10am-7pm, and on Sunday from 10am-5pm.