All you need to know as Dorset Seafood Festival returns

Now in its fourth year on Weymouth peninsula and 16th year overall, the long-running event – also known as ‘Seafeast’ – returns over the weekend of September 7 – 8 - and will continue to champion Dorset produce for 2024.

Last year's event saw record crowds gather on the Peninsula over the festival weekend, enjoying the sunshine, an amazing choice of delicious, locally caught seafood, wonderful Dorset ales, fine English wines.

The event nearly did not go ahead this year, after organisers announced it was cancelled in January.

However, three weeks later, they announced it was back on and would return this weekend.

Here is all you need to know ahead of the event this weekend.

What is the weather like?

This year the weather may not be so kind, but Saturday is expected to be mostly dry before 4pm, with some showers expected into the evening.

On Sunday, rain is expected throughout the day, but temperatures may still reach 20 degrees, with some dry spells expected in the evening.

When is it on?

The festival will be open on Saturday September 7, from 10am until 8pm and Sunday, September 8, from 10.30am until 5pm.

Admission to the festival is by ticket only and valid for the time stated on ticket. A site plan and map will be available from marshal points.

Concession ticket holders – local residents, seniors over 65, kids under 16 – may be asked for proof of address or age at the entrance gate. Children under 16 must have a valid Kids Go Free concession ticket for entry.

Well behaved dogs are welcome, kept on a short leash at all times.

The site is level throughout. Assistance dogs are very welcome, and water can be provided. Hire of motorised scooters is possible from Active Mobility. 

Can I still get a ticket?

Tickets for the festival are still available.

A standard day ticket costs £15, a weekend ticket costs £25.

Senior Citizens ticket (65+) is £10 and children under 16 can enter for free, but must have a valid Kids Go Free ticket.

On Sunday, local residents with a DT3, DT4 or DT5 postcode can enter for £5.

What music is on?

Music will be provided throughout the event on the Après Sea Music Stage, sponsored by The Nook Cocktail Club, with a mix of everything from acoustic sets to sea shanties, and violin to Britpop.

On Saturday, music will be provided by Finlay Leslie, Thirsty Ferrets, Carley Varley, Barbara Gasior, The Bridport Broadsides Shanty and Finnian McGurk, with DJ Ojay from The Nook Cocktail Club headlining from 6pm.

On Sunday, music acts include Identikit, StereoIronics, That Britpop Band, The Jolly Boys Outing and Chief Lazarus, with The Leggomen providing a show-stopping finale from 4.45pm.

Kids cookery workshop - School of Fish

The Festival will partner once more with Weymouth College to present School of Fish – a unique children’s cookery workshop that’s perfect for every budding chef.

Provided with an apron, a chef’s hat and all the equipment necessary, kids can try their hand at creating a tasty seafood dish under the guidance of fully trained local chefs, and then enjoy their very own fish supper.

School of Fish is FREE for children aged 16 and under, but spaces are limited, so to avoid disappointment it is recommended to reserve your child’s place in advance.

Each workshop for up to 20 children lasts approximately 45 minutes.

All staff working with children hold DBS and Level 2 Food Safety certificates.

School of Fish schedule: 

Saturday 

Mini Chefs (under 8 years) 10.30am and 1.30pm
Junior Chefs (8-16 years) 12.00pm and 3.00pm 

Sunday

Mini Chefs (under 8 years) 11.00am and 2.00pm
Junior Chefs (8-16 years) 12.30pm and 3.30pm

Chef presentations

A host of the region's top chefs and culinary experts will host masterclass demonstrations at two stages at the festival.

Here, you can learn how to pan fry the perfect scallop, dress a crab, make a silky smooth bisque or create an irresistible seafood pasta.

Chefs on the stages include Steven Lamb from River Cottage, Mike Naidoo from Catch at the Old Fish Market, award-winning chef Benjamin Palmer, Nigel Bloxham from Crab House Café and Billy Winters Bar and Diner, columnist Susy Atkins, writer Philippa Davis, Masterchef: The Professionals finalist Charlie Jeffreys, Masterchef finalist Kasae Fraser and The Nook Cocktail Club co-owner Amy Burton.

Where is the food?

Finally, the star of the show, more than 30 local businesses will have stands celebrating fish and shellfish sustainably caught in Dorset waters.

Organisers have urged visitors to "try something different".

Organisers said: "Every year our amazing stallholders, including local restaurants and small food businesses, cook up an irresistible feast of delicious street food dishes from around the world, created with fresh, local ingredients. Perfect with an ale or two, or a glass of sparkling wine.

"Local variety provides a great opportunity to taste something you haven’t tried before, which helps spread demand across a wider range of species, which in turn helps reduce the impact of fishing on particular types of fish and maintain their stocks."