Thousands of food enthusiasts flocked to the Royal Naval Dockyard yesterday for a taste of something different.

A range of vegan dishes and fresh juices were served up by about 20 vendors who had set up their stalls on the North Lawn as part of the second annual Vegan Fest.

Organised by the Bermuda Tourism Authority, wellness-inspired entertainments such as yoga sessions were also available.

Both residents and visitors lapped up what was on offer, with vendors doing a roaring trade.

JaVaughn Dill, of Dill Pickle Farming, was cutting up a mountain of fresh fruit while his staff served customers.

Mr Dill, who is also a farmer, said: “This is an important event because it’s helping promote healthy eating.

“As we all know, many foods aren’t healthy but people eat them because it’s convenient.

“I’m not actually a vegan but fruit and vegetables are an essential part of our diet. You have to make sure you’re getting your five-a-day.

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Shaun Talbot, of Nourished, was also busy serving customers.

He said: “We did it last year and it was just a really cool event showcasing what vegan food is really about.

“I think people are becoming more open-minded to it. It’s important to showcase different foods, and what we’re trying to do is make those popular comfort foods a little healthier.

“That’s what vegan food’s about. It can be healthy and tasty at the same time.”

Patrons were in agreement.

As she tucked in to a plate of imitation chicken, Robin Hunt, 63, said: “I’ve been vegan for three years for health reasons. I have a gluten-free diet, no refined sugars, no dairy.

“I just came to try out different things and see what’s available and look at some menus. It will inspire me to make some dishes at home such as barbecued cauliflower.

“I think vegan food is becoming more popular. It’s come a long way in recent years and so have the ingredients that have been developed.

“Also, I think people are much more health-conscious nowadays and so they’re more willing to try it.

“I’ve noticed a real difference since I changed my diet. There were all sorts of inflammations from gluten, but now I feel so much better.

“I think that if people knew what all that processed food does to their bodies — so much toxins that cause ailments and disease — they’d be more willing to go vegan. I just wish I had found out about it when I was younger.”

Lucinda Archibald was another convert.

She said: “I’m here because I wanted to find out more about it. I’m trying to get away from red meat and processed foods. Being here today is giving me a new outlook and new ideas.

“I’ve sampled several dishes and drinks and they’re very tasty. I’ve been very pleased. I’m going to take a break from meat and see how it works out. This might be the thing for me.“

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• UPDATE: this article has been updated with video