DANCING, food, boxing, and stalls in Bournemouth Square are allowing residents and visitors to enjoy some Thai culture.

In preparation for the Thai Summer Fayre at Kings Park later in the summer, The Thai Food Festival, which runs until Monday, has brought a host of entertainment to tantalise visitors’ eyes and taste buds on Saturday and Sunday.

Mayor of Bournemouth, Cllr Phil Stanley-Watts, was on hand to welcome Piyapin Niyomrerks (CORR) from the Royal Thai Embassy who came to see the food festival for herself and take in some of the delights on offer.

Piyanan Tepnarin, Headteacher of Bournemouth of Bournemouth Thai Language and Culture School, organised and put together the event.

She said: “We have Thai classical dance and music, Thai boxing and food, for people to see and try.

She added: “We have been running the Bournemouth Thai Summer Fair for 10years now and started this food festival four years ago, in relation to the 200year anniversary celebrations of Bournemouth.

“It was such a success that we have made it an annual event and we aim to promote all the things that the main Summer Fayre has to offer.

“Each year for our festival, we have come to expect around 4,000 visitors.”

As the sun shone, people turned out in their droves to experience the culture of the Thai community in Bournemouth.

Cllr Stanley-Watts said that during his Mayoral year, from 2012/13, he has actively encouraged international, cultural and economic links.

He added: “Over the past 12 months, I have welcomed so many cultures and countries to Bournemouth from across the world.

“There are so many different cultures in the town and it is important to showcase them.”

Bournemouth Thai Summer Fayre takes place on Sunday, August 4, from 10am-6pm, at Kings Park in Boscombe.