The first ever Taste of the South festival took place in Poole Park, Dorset, which saw more than 13,000 visitors check out food, artisans, celebrity chefs and more as they took part in the Poole Maritime Week festivities.

The weekend event not only saw the European Maritime Day take place for the time in the UK in Poole, but also saw visitors discovering our maritime heritage with the display of two classic Sunseeker boats at Taste of the South, one of which was featured in the James Bond film – Casino Royale.

Alongside these famous icons of maritime history was a new business venture, Floodmate, a quick emergency flood barrier that prevents the catastrophes of flooding on our marine boarders, and on Saturday afternoon, guests enjoyed The History of Poole Maritime in Thirty Minutes Flat show performance by Idea Cabinet, a local theatre production company.

Taste of the South also featured talented artisans chatting about their products and produce from upcycled lights and lamps, homewares, furnishings, furniture, photography and art, exquisite jewellery, designers and even up-cycled art and glass makers – some maritime-themed too.

Jackie Phillipson, Co-Founder of ROUTEpr and organiser of Taste of the South, said: “We were delighted to be chosen to be a part of the Poole Maritime Festival, which was a first for Poole and the UK. The events, Poole Boat Show and Taste of the South included, were all a great success and saw an influx of visitors to the area of Poole making their way around each event at Poole Quay, Baiter and ours at Poole Park. There was a real buzz around town and we were delighted with the positive responses we had from visitors.

“We were thrilled to see so many people enter our free event over the weekend which exceeded our expectations, even during the rainy hours!

“The event would not have been possible without the hard work of our team, the support from all the traders, our suppliers and the general public. Planning is already underway for Taste of the South 2018 which will take place over the first May Bank Holiday in 2018!”

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