A BOURNEMOUTH public park was transformed yesterday into the colourful setting for a celebration of the best of Thai culture.

The sun shone as thousands of visitors from all over the country descended on Kings Park in Boscombe to savour a host of activities at the ninth Thai Summer Festival.

There was a stunning display of classical Thai dancing with a demonstration of Muay (Thai boxing) and a 16-man elimination contest proving to be the highlight of the day.

For those preferring gentler pastimes there was fruit carving and traditional Thai massage with a blessing from Buddhist monks.

There were stalls offering Thai toys, crafts, clothes and exquisite hand-woven Thai silk with plenty of Thai food and beer to sample, as well as events guaranteed to keep the children occupied.

There are more than 30,000 Thais living in the UK and, over the years, the Bournemouth Thai Summer Festival has become one of the most popular events in the resort’s summer calendar as well as the most prestigious Thai fair in the country.

Site manager Nigel Gillespie was thrilled with the turn-out. He said: “As usual, the Thai Festival has been an incredible success, helped by the great weather.

“There was a real carnival atmosphere and it just shows how much local people love the Thai culture.”

Proceeds from the event will go to the Bournemouth Thai Language and Culture School in the Bourne Spring Centre at St Mary’s Road.

The school provides a unique opportunity for children and young people from mixed heritage families to meet socially and explore Thai culture and language.