FROM hugging a mug to microwave meringues with chickpeas, the success of Maryport’s first Taste of the Sea Festival may ensure that it is not the last.

Hundreds of people were in the town, around the various sites where there were things to buy, hear, learn or just enjoy.

The Taste of the Sea Festival was an Allerdale council initiative, an addition to its Taste of Cumbria events. It was sponsored, to the tune of £10,000 by Maryport Town Council.

A producers’ market, along Senhouse Street, gave the public a chance to enjoy new tastes, crafts and wares -and at least one of the fresh produce stalls was sold out by 3pm.

A programme of cooking demonstrations showed different ways to prepare food.This included making microwave meringues using the liquid of a can of chickpeas instead of eggs

People could lounge in deckchairs to enjoy demonstrations from Vici seafood specialist Jon Fell from the Peddler, Whitehaven, Jake Winter, Wild and fruitful Preserves, Sue Cliff and Helen Walker from Cockermouth Country Market, John Crouch from the Cumbria Wildlife Trust and local cafe Her Citi’s canapes and cocktails.

In keeping with the nautical theme, there was a rum bar, run by Maryport Round Tablers dressed as pirates.The profits from that popular bar were all destined to be spent on local charities.

One of the definite highlights of the festival was the appearance of the Port Sunlight Sea Dogs - a sea shanty band that had the crowds dancing.

Hug a Mug and Entra were there along with the Hug a Mug bear, reminding people of help agencies available in the town.

The first day ended with an hilarious comedy night featuring Andy White, Jon Capewell and Raymond Mearns alongside compere Mike Wilkinson.

The catch of the day had to be the mermaid caught by Steve the Frogman dragged out of the harbour.