First ever Weymouth Food Festival at Lodmoor is a success

There was a palpable sense of joy as visitors were able to smile at each other, unmasked, whilst listening to bands and soaking up the atmosphere - for many it was the first taste of a proper festival since lockdown.

The festival was, in fact, somewhat more impressive than its name suggests - 'Weymouth Food Festival' is perhaps underselling itself as there was a whole lot more besides food.

In fact it was comparable to established small events on the festival circuit, with several arenas, a vast selection of stalls selling food, clothing, accessories and textiles - as well as live music - bands received hearty applause and calls for "one more."

Live music hit all the right notes Picture: Dorset Bays

Youngsters were well catered for in the children's arena: a whirling kaleidoscope of brightly coloured rides - and attractions for adults also included a mini-golf course, while punters of the four-legged variety could enter themselves and their owners into a dog show.

The festival supported local charity 'Dog Friendly Social' Picture Dorset Bays

While the ticket price of £5 for adults and £3 for children attracted some criticism on social media, this was possibly due to people not realising the extent of what was on offer - it was arguably the largest festival event to be held in the town for some years.

Organisers Venetia Randall and Simon Stewart are seasoned professionals when it comes to putting on events - although the Food Festival was unprecedented in that they had had to pack in what would normally constitute a years' worth of planning into just three months, after the Government gave the go-ahead for events in May.

• READ MORE: 'Excitement' for first festival in Weymouth without restrictions for 16 months
• Festival of Fun - including classic cars, fireworks and live music - taking place later this year

"We really wanted to bring a quality, affordable family-friendly event that caters for people young and old, where they can wander around with their dogs and enjoy great food and music," Ms Randall said.

Ahead of the event she described feeling a mixture of excitement mixed with anxiety - which quickly turned into feeling "really chuffed" with the way it turned out - around 3,000 people having attended on each day.

"It takes a year to organise an event like this - we did it in just three months after it was announced that restrictions would lift. But, with both of us having previously organised festivals, after a while you get confident in what you do - although it's the first time for us organising one together as a team."

Organisers Venetia Randall and Simon Stewart thanked their team for hard work behind the scenes

The pair said they could not have done without the support of what they described as the "most fantastic" events team behind them. "They were the best we've ever had - when you have a good events team, you have a good event," Ms Randall added.

• READ MORE: Brewery Square kicks of summer holidays with live music

Mr Stewart thanked sponsors Dream Cottages and Fish n' Fritz, without whom, the organisers said, the event would not have been possible - and said they are already planning for next year, with a date to be announced on social media soon.

Meanwhile, relaxing with a glass of bubbly on a picnic blanket were Kate from Kent, Nathan from Bridport and Weymouth resident Jackie.

Soaking up the atmosphere

"We'll definitely come back next year - it's a nice spin on 'Party in the Park,' said Jackie. Kate said the trio had tucked into pastries washed down with coffee from one of the stalls and were now contemplating which of the wide array of stalls to try next. "The girls who served us were lovely - you could tell they were working very hard," she added.

Russell Williams of Dorset Chilli Shop travelled from Christchurch to trade at the festival. "I'll definitely be back next year," he said.

"We definitely prefer to come to local events so it's great to see something like this in Weymouth. The company sells its own brand of chill products as well as stocking a selection of British chilli brands.

Russell Williams of Dorset Chilli Shop turned up the heat at the Food Festicval Picture: Ellie Maslin

Weymouth town councillor Ryan Hope was there along with Sophie Hope, Holly Hope, Louie Hope Shannon Bessant and Milo Trowbridge.

Councillor Ryan Hope

Mr Hope said: "It's really good to see these sort of events starting to happen in Weymouth again - it's fantastic to see everyone enjoying themselves, it's a great boost for residents and the town."