Swanage Fish and Food Festival has given away almost £8,000 for eight local charities and community organisations, following the biggest and best event in its 11 year history.
The record breaking total was announced at the festival’s annual celebration afternoon, held at Cumulus Outdoors in Swanage, Dorset, on Sunday 23rd August 2026, where organisers handed out cheques and thanked the army of volunteers who helped make the June event such a success.
The Swanage Fish and Food Festival committee thanked all of its sponsors and volunteers for helping to make the event such a success
Reflects scale and success of event
Somewhere between 8,000 and 9,000 people attended the festival at Sandpit Field, Swanage, on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th June, 2026, with glorious sunshine helping to draw record crowds to the seafront event.
The amount raised for charities was almost double the total donated in previous years, reflecting the scale and success of this year’s festival.
Funds raised were distributed between Swanage Lifeboat Station, the National Coastwatch Institution Swanage, South East England Fish Mish, Swanage Sea Rowing Club, Swanage Rotary, Cancare Purbeck, Purbeck Youth Choir and Dementia Friendly Purbeck.
Near perfect weather played a major part in the bumper turnout, with organisers saying they had enjoyed a pocket of sunshine after two weekends of poor weather – which, as it turned out, went on to last for most of the summer.
Sandpit Field was bustling with crowds over both days of the festival in June 2026
“The heart of the festival”
Jackie Lane, speaking on behalf of the Swanage Fish and Food Festival, said:
“Our 2026 festival proved a real cause for celebration. We were able to donate almost £8,000 to various charities, the most we have been able to donate in our history.
“This success was particularly rewarding because it allowed money to be returned to the local community through organisations carrying out valuable work in Purbeck.
“We were delighted to welcome them all to the celebration afternoon at Cumulus Outdoors, one of our sponsors for the past five years, to be able to hand out cheques while also thanking all of our sponsors, traders, chefs, musicians and visitors for their support.
“It also gave us an opportunity to thank all the volunteers who gave their time to the event.
“The festival simply could not have taken place without their time, energy, enthusiasm and dedication, from months of planning and preparation to setting up the site, stewarding, helping traders, keeping the event running smoothly and clearing everything away afterwards. They are the heart of the festival.”
National Coastwatch Institution Swanage was one of eight local good causes supported by the festival
Swanage RNLI has been supported by the festival ever since the first event in 2015
“A wonderful location”
Jackie added:
“This year’s festival was the biggest and best in our history, with more than 8,000 visitors enjoying two days of seafood, food, music and entertainment in a wonderful location.
“What an incredible weekend we had in June, not only glorious sunshine, but also record crowds, fantastic entertainment and an amazing atmosphere.
“We are already on the lookout for food, drink and artisan traders for the 2027 festival, applications open on Tuesday 1st September 2026, but only stay open for a month, so don’t hang around!
“We’re so looking forward to bringing together another wonderful mix of passionate local producers, talented artisans and delicious food and drink for what promises to be another fantastic festival weekend on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th June 2027!
“Fundraising resumes on Thursday 26th November 2026 with a quiz night at the Legion, with two more in February and March 2027 – we hope to put the money towards improved visuals at the food demo kitchen to give the audience a better view of what our wonderful chefs do!”
Swanage Rowing Club received a cheque for more than £1,300 at the celebration afternoon
Three worthy charities, Cancare Purbeck, Purbeck Youth Choir and Dementia Friendly Purbeck, were all supported by the festival
Shared seafood skills and secrets
Dorset produce was strongly represented at the 2026 show, with locally made food and drink including award winning wines, ciders, gins and liqueurs, as well as seaweed infused vodka, venison, lamb, pork and poultry.
There were also international flavours, with street food ranging from Indian tandoori to Spanish paella, alongside Purbeck ice cream, fudge and sweet and savoury crepes.
At the heart of the experience was an extensive range of seafood, including lobster, crab, oysters, cockles, mussels, scallops and fresh and smoked fish.
And once again, top Dorset chefs attracted large crowds to the demonstration stage, where they shared their cooking skills and seafood secrets throughout the festival.
Festival sponsor Cumulus Outdoors hosted the celebration afternoon
Giuseppe Sinaguglia from the Olive Tree Cookery School ran a popular demonstration session at the festival
An artisans marquee was especially popular with visitors to the festival
Swanage Jazz Machine was one of many bands who provided live music through the weekend
Further information
- More about the 2027 Swanage Fish and Food Festival
