Swanage Fish and Food Festival in Dorset reeled in thousands of visitors during a weekend of glorious sunshine which helped make the event the biggest and best in its 11 year history.
A record crowd flocked to Sandpit Field overlooking Swanage Bay on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June 2026, enjoying fresh seafood, live music, chef demonstrations, artisan stalls and family activities in near-perfect conditions.
Sandpit Field was bustling with crowds over both days of the festival, now in its 11th year
Food stalls were so busy on Saturday that many of them sold out by the end of the day
Local seafood at heart of the event
Festival organisers say the bumper turnout was reflected in the success of many food vendors, with some stalls selling out and having to restock after the first day.
The festival showcased the best of Swanage and Purbeck’s food, drink, crafts and entertainment, with local seafood sitting proudly at the heart of the event.
There was plenty on offer, from lobster, crab and oysters, to cockles, mussels and scallops as well as fresh and smoked fish and a range of world street foods from Indian tandoori to Spanish paella. There were also eat on the go treats like Purbeck ice cream, fudge, and sweet and savoury crepes.
Much of the food and drink on offer was Dorset grown and made, including international award winning wines, ciders, gins, liqueurs, and even seaweed infused vodka, not to mention venison, lamb, pork and poultry.
As usual some of the most popular events were Dorset chefs sharing their culinary skills and seafood secrets on the demonstration stage.
But there were also huge crowds in the artisan tent where local crafts people showed off their wares, and a lot of love for Purbeck musicians who provided live music throughout the weekend.
The artisans’ tent was busy from start to finish
Jurassic Mushroom’s Andy Knott and Sam Durant created huge interest in their fungi
“Overwhelmed by positive feedback”
Jackie Lane, for the Swanage Fish and Food Festival, said:
“What an incredible weekend we had – glorious sunshine, record crowds, fantastic entertainment and an amazing atmosphere throughout the weekend, this year’s festival has been one to remember.
“Judging by the turnout, the festival was amazingly received. The weather did us a huge favour, we had a pocket of gorgeous weather after two weekends of rubbish weather.
“Some of the food stalls ran out and had to restock after the first night, which indicates how well everyone did, and we have been overwhelmed by the positive feedback from visitors, traders and participants alike.
“The festival took a lot of preparation this year, we had to meet far more requirements than before as the show gets bigger and it was quite frustrating at times, so we were really pleased to have so many people turn up and realise just how much our efforts are appreciated.”
The stage was set for Swanage Library’s storytime sessions at the Little Fishes children’s corner
Live music throughout the weekend drew crowds to sit down with a picnic, or just join in with the entertainment
“The kind of vibe we were trying for”
One of the biggest catches of the weekend proved to be the popular Little Fishes children’s area, which was packed with activities, crafts and games.
Jackie added:
“A lot of the feedback we received from families was how well the Little Fishes area went down with children and parents.
“We had some families come back on the Sunday because they had enjoyed the first day so much and their children wanted to go back. That’s the kind of vibe we are trying to get across, to get people to come and spend the whole day with us.
“We had a different selection of musicians who provided the perfect soundtrack to the weekend, and we found that through most of the day families would sit down in front of them with food and enjoy the music over a leisurely lunch.
“And as usual our inspiring demo chefs shared their skills and passion with an appreciative audience.
“We must also give huge thanks to our generous sponsors – some new, some returning and all greatly appreciated – for their continued support, and our fabulous traders and artisans whose stalls showcased the very best local food, drink and crafts.”
Swanage RNLI won the new competition for best dressed window in town before setting up their festival stall
The Fishermen’s Mission is also one of the three maritime charities supported by Swanage Fish and Food Festival
Support for three maritime charities
Demonstration chefs this year included Julia Noone of Swanage Bay Fish; Eric Olinet from the Black Swan, Swanage; Ollie Ford from Algee; Giuseppe Sinaguglia from the Olive Tree Cookery School; David from Weymouth 51; Christian Orner, of the Salt Co Chocolatier; Chris Fry and Luke Puntorno from the Narrows, Swanage; Claire Burnett of Chococo; and Caroline Gray of the Friendly Food Club.
More than a dozen Swanage high street shops entered the new window dressing competition, with the winner announced as Swanage RNLI for the amount of effort which went into making their own bunting and decorations.
Swanage RNLI is one of three major charities supported by the Fish and Food Festival, along with the Fisherman’s Mission and Swanage Coastwatch.
Money will also go to Swanage Gig Rowing Club, who provide volunteers every year to help stage the show and clear away afterwards.
Giuseppe Sinaguglia from the Olive Tree Cookery School ran a popular demonstration session on Saturday
Caroline Gray of Purbeck’s Friendly Food Club explained how she helps educate people to cook and eat healthily on a budget
Sharing assets with other festivals
Jackie Lane said:
“Our volunteers were excellent, working hard as always, though we could always do with more, especially with some younger people to help us set up and clear away, as none of us are getting any younger and we could do with a little more youth on the team!
“We shared some assets this year with Swanage and Purbeck Rotary and Swanage Carnival, including fridges and marquees, which was really useful.
“All the festivals in town are aiming to share more and make life easier for everyone, which makes a lot of sense with all the hoops we have to jump through now.”
Homemade cakes proved incredibly popular at the festival and sold out quickly
The weather was perfect for a glass of Pimms or two
Dates already set for 2027
A celebration event for volunteers, sponsors and supporters will be held in August 2026, when donations to the festival’s supported charities will also be announced.
The exact amount raised is still being counted, but after a weekend that left traders sold out, visitors smiling and organisers delighted, expectations are high.
And a date has already been set for next year’s event, which will take place a week earlier than usual on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June 2027.
Indian street food from Angithi tempted quite a few people away from fish
Samples of Purbeck’s international award winning liqueurs went down very well
In the artisan tent, The Shoal displayed glass fish handmade in Sicily
Salmon smoked Nordic style made a tasty lunchtime treat
The cookery demonstration tent was always full
And some amazing results were produced
Swanage Coastwatch are one of the festival’s chosen charities
Further information
- There’s more about the event on the Swanage Fish and Food Festival website
