THE weather failed to dampen spirits at the Dorset Seafood Festival where organisers pressed ahead with the event despite chaos caused by flooding.

The harbourside event, due to take place over the weekend, had to be called off on Saturday for health and safety reasons, after torrential rain and strong gusts of wind.

But stall holders and organisers were determined to continue the festival on Sunday, when weather conditions improved.

Organiser Brian Cooper said: “We are really chuffed it has gone ahead, because it is an important event for Weymouth.

“I am hoping the amount of visitors on Sunday will make up for the cancellation of Saturday.”

Fresh fish and seafood was on offer from around 80 stalls spread out across both sides of the harbour and the Pavilion.

Other activities included displays by the Historical Diving Society and cookery demonstrations by chefs such as Lesley Waters.

The festival also raises money for the Royal National Mission to Deep Sea Fishermen.

Double Olympic gold medallist Sarah Ayton was due to open the event on Saturday shortly before the annual cross harbour swim, but festivities had to be cancelled as stall holders struggled to hold down marquees.

Paul Archer, of Fish Face Events, tied his marquee to his trailer to prevent it blowing away.

He said: “This is a really good event, and we sold 800 oysters last year.

“I have never known it to be cancelled due to the weather, but it is just one of those things that can’t be helped.”

Lisa Stratton, from the Royal Dorset Yacht Club, saw a marquee blown into the harbour.

She said: “Shortly after that, the organisers came round to tell us it was cancelled.

“It is a shame, because the event is in aid of charity, and it’s such a good way to start off the summer season.”

And Jayne McDougall, from the Italian Connection, travelled from Somerset to take part in the event.

She said: “It’s a real shame about Saturday, because normally there is such an amazing atmosphere.”

Mr Cooper said the call was made to cancel the event on Saturday in the interests of public safety.

He said: “We had concerns about the safety of the stall holders, but also that of the public and our own staff.

“We made the call at about 9.30am, as we were told to expect gusts of wind of up to 30mph.”

He added: “It has been a very changeable forecast for some time, but there is no way we would have anticipated this kind of deluge.

“In the end it was a very practical decision and most stall holders think we made the right call under the circumstances.”