A VILLAGE was awash with music, families and wagging tails as the Dog, Sausage and Cider Festival made its anticipated return. 

The event kickstarted at 11am on Sunday at the Springhead pub in Sutton Poyntz with thousands of people turning up to enjoy the diverse stalls, music acts, and activities. 

The bumper line-up included fairground rides, free pottery classes, face painting, magician performances, majorette performance from The Twirl Academy, stilt walkers and a Punch and Judy show.

Stalls at Dog Sausage and Cider Festival 2024Stalls at Dog Sausage and Cider Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes)

Visitors and their canine companions were also spoilt for choice with more than 50 stalls offering everything from homemade scones, cheese and fudge to doggy treats and accessories. 

Music entertainment included sets from We Afro Tallawan, Dr Beatroot and the Leggomen which got toes tapping and tails wagging. 

We Afro Tallawan performing at Dog Sausage and Cider Festival 2024We Afro Tallawan performing at Dog Sausage and Cider Festival 2024 (Image: Katie Heyes)

Refreshments were also on offer in the form of burgers and pizza. The Fantastic Sausage Factory in Weymouth also offered various flavoured hotdogs and, as can be expected, the cider tent drew large crowds. 

This year also saw the return of "The Mighty Sausage Throwing Competition’ which proved alongside the Springhead Dog Show where prizes were awarded for the "waggiest tail", "most handsome big boy" and "best rescue/rehomed dog." 

David Barnes, travelled from Dorchester with his pet for the event and praised having such a popular dog orientated event close by. 

David Barnes from Dorchester with his dogDavid Barnes from Dorchester with his dog (Image: Katie Heyes)

He said: "So far it's really good. There are lots of people and it looks amazing. Without a doubt it's great Weymouth has local events like this.

"I only live in Dorchester anyway so it was really easy to get to."

Nathan Edwards said he was impressed with the turnout explaining how fitting it was for Weymouth to host such an event.

Nathan Edwards, Sue Edwards and their dog DannyNathan Edwards, Sue Edwards and their dog Danny (Image: Katie Heyes)

"It's quite busy there are quite a lot of people here. I'm excited, it's a really good turnout.

"Weymouth as a whole is a very dog friendly area, there are so many pubs with signs letting you know which ones are dog friendly. So an event like this is very fitting." 

Shannon Thorner with her dog RubyShannon Thorner with her dog Ruby (Image: Katie Heyes)

Shannon Thorner from Weymouth added: "I brought my dog Ruby along to get her a bit more socialised. Having a local event like this gives people something to look forward to.

"Weymouth doesn't seem that busy, except for the beach, so it's nice to see so many people here."