BOURNEMOUTH came to a standstill on Saturday lunchtime as the Bourne Free Pride parade whirled and danced its way through the town centre.

Hundreds of spectators turned out to welcome the pride event with people lining the streets to catch sight of the colourful extravaganza, with cheers and music ringing out as it passed by.

It began at East Overcliff Drive and wound through Westover Road, Hinton Road, Yelverton Road before tailing back up Bourne Avenue and ending at The Triangle where there were festivities taking place all day.

Double decker buses decked in brightly coloured flags and scantily clad men and women took part in the festival - dressed perfectly for the sweltering heat.

Perfectly made-up drag queens also made an appearance, waving to their public from buses and cars as they travelled through the town, with others dressed as super heroes and other eye-catching flamboyant costumes.

See all our pictures from the Bourne Free Pride parade in a gallery here

Rylan Clark from X Factor and Big Brother was due to appear at the festival on Saturday night at The Triangle following a Friday night of music and entertainment.

Bournemouth Mayor, Cllr Rod Cooper officially opened the Festival at the bandstand on Saturday afternoon.

Pete Lovegrove, chairman of the Bourne Free Pride Festival said: “It's gone amazingly well.

“It is fantastic; I'm so pleased with how it's all gone.

“The weather has had a lot to do with it. Everyone has made the effort and it's great to see how many people are involved.

“The entertainment has been wonderful and there has been family entertainment at the bandstand.

“We've got a lot more mainstream business support and we think people are slowly getting the message that we are part of the community as a whole.

“Yes we're celebrating the gay community but really it's about the diversity in Bournemouth and we want everyone to celebrate that."