SANTA came to town in Boscombe yesterday as a day of carnival fun culminated in the switching-on of the area’s Christmas lights.

There was fun to be had throughout the day at the Christmas Carnival, starting with a treasure hunt in the Sovereign Centre and a fancy dress competition.

The main event was in the afternoon, when the procession left King’s Park to head for the precinct.

Crowds lined the streets to watch on as the parade made its way around the streets.

See all the pictures of the Christmas Carnival in our gallery

It was led by Poole Town Crier David Squire and the Dolphin Marching Band, and, as well as Father Christmas himself, included Jo Prior’s Fun Train, Muscliff Dynamos FC, stilt walkers, people in Medieval costumes and the Friends of Roumelia Lane dressed as characters from Alice in Wonderland.

Among the families watching was Jemma Durham, from Springbourne, with her children Lily-Mae, eight, Kaine, seven, and Tiarni, aged 11 months.

Jemma said: “They have been excited since they woke up this morning.

“My son brought a leaflet home from school and has been talking about it ever since. They like the floats and all the noise.”

Lesley Sibley was with grandchildren Joshua and Madison Fletcher, aged nine and seven.

Lesley said: “We came to see the parade. They’re very excited to see Santa, we do it every year and it’s always very good.”

Anthony and Bo Lowe were with children Maud, three, and Henny, seven months.

Anthony said: “We came last year and we decided to come back, it’s important to support community events. Maud has been excited about seeing Father Christmas.”

The parade ended in the light switch-on, which was carried out by Cllr Beryl Baxter.

We'll have all the pictures from the event online later, so come back!