PEOPLE flocked to the first day of the Echo-backed Poole Park Fest 04 on Sunday which had a distinctly oriental flavour.

Mayor of Poole, Les Burden, opened the event at midday before a huge crowd gathered to watch a Chinese Lion dance, which proved to be a favourite attraction.

For those interested in eastern cuisine, there was plenty to see including a show by Edward Cox, executive chef from the Custom House on Poole Quay, and Andy Chu, cooking consultant of Poole's Wah Hing Chinese Supermarket, who used the same ingredient to produce two very different dishes.

Visitors interested in martial arts were delighted with Taekwondo and Judo demonstrations and children were captivated by a Big Top Dragon in the afternoon.

Other attractions at the two-day festival, organised by the Friends of Poole Park, included demonstrations by Fitness First, Poole Sports Centre and Integral Yoga. Live music came from Ray Dorset of Mungo Jerry, Secret Agency, Harry Skinner and Dave Saunders and The Bowie Experiment.

Event organiser Terry Smith said: "It's a really great festival. The weather has been perfect for this type of festival - not too hot, not too cold.

"Lots of people have come along and had a really good time."

He believed thousands had turned up for the event yesterday.

Although the weather was not right for the hydrazorbs - balls which allow people to "walk on water" - yesterday it was hoped they could be used today.

The festival kicks off 11am today with the RNLI roadshow and favourites from yesterday, including salsa work shops and martial arts demonstrations, will be back.

Other attractions will include Dutch Husband, Maine Street and The Marlins presented by Solid Air. It will be rounded off by Dubheart at 5pm.

Any money raised will go towards Poole Park and with the success of this year's event the organisers are consider-ing another next year.

First published: August 30