WATCH: Flashmob launches Bourne Free with flamboyant town centre performance

The town’s annual Bourne Free weekend began when, at 5.30pm, a 1960 Rolls Royce Silver Cloud rolled into Bournemouth Square as singers began belting out the Phantom of the Opera.

With hundreds of onlookers quickly crowding round, a musical medley of hits from Grease, Priscilla Queen of the Desert and Mamma Mia followed.

The performers then invited the public to join in with the boogying as they danced around Diana Dors former car, a 1959 pink Cadillac convertible.

Organiser Billy Clarke, of NHS LGBT centre Over the Rainbow, told the Daily Echo the event has been months in the making.

“The idea was to display snippets of four major Broadway shows,” he said.

“I couldn’t be happier with how it went. The town centre joined in and our objective was always to get them dancing, joining in and involved with the start of Pride.

“It’s all about inclusion this year – families the elderly, the disabled, different ethnic groups, whoever. I think if you looked round the audience you could see all that. Everyone enjoyed it.”

The flashmob returned this year after the success of the Village People themed performance proved so successful in 2014.

And Cllr David Kelsey, Bournemouth council’s equality and diversity champion, said it proved how inclusive the town now is.

“The town has become more and more diverse over the years,” he added. “We aim to incorporate everyone in Pride and that is why this event is so successful.”

Resident of 20 years Tony Smith said: “I love it. It’s so much fun for everyone – you see kids and families enjoying themselves. I think we’re really lucky we have things like this in Bournemouth.”

Tomorrow the festivities continue with the parade weaving through the town, setting off from the East Cliff at 11am before finishing at the Triangle at 12pm. There will also be 30 information stalls in the Lower Gardens with more entertainment, as well as more fun activities available in the Triangle.