BUMPER crowds lined the streets of Ringwood on Saturday afternoon for the town’s annual carnival.

Thousands of people packed-out the market town to cheer on a number of floats, marching bands and local organisations.

The main afternoon procession, which wound its way through the town centre, featured the Dorset Youth Marching Band, Wessex Military Band, the Dolphin Marching Band and The Spitfires Marching Band.

Michael Lingam-Willgoss, vice-chairman of the carnival committee, said: “Ringwood Carnival really brings people together.

“The first Ringwood Carnival was held in 1929, with the event held every year since 1950.”

This year’s carnival queen was 16-year-old Isabella Rix, with Becky D’Arcy and Mabel Collins acting as her attendants.

See all the pictures of Ringwood Carnival in a gallery 

Other attractions included street entertainers, fire performers, stilt walkers, circus skills workshops and a host of live music acts.

Dad-of–three Adam Stewart, who visited the procession with his children, said: “It really has been an enjoyable event and it lets people show their pride in their town.

“Long may this sort of community carnival continue as it is the sort of thing that brings people together.”

Local bands took to the stage throughout the day and into the evening when the funfair, on the village green, got into full swing.

Bands on this year’s bill included the Sea Fever Rock Band, Curveball Band, Chestnut Grove Steel Band and Swing Unlimited & Solution.