SEVENTIES-style hippies helped spread love and peace throughout Bournemouth as carnival fever hit the town on Sunday.

Also parading through the town centre were colourful butterflies, cute caterpillars and an array of dancers and majorettes.

This year, the carnival was dedicated to the memory of committee stalwart Tony Fail, who died on July 4.

As one of the longest-serving members of the committee, Tony had worked tirelessly to keep the annual event going. His widow Pat looked on as a two-minute silence was held in his honour, along with a last post performed by the Talbot Corps of Drummers.

The celebratory mood then returned as the procession got underway from Meyrick Park.

Sequal Childcare in Boscombe were judged the best walking entry for their butterflies and caterpillars theme, while the fun train came in second and Catherine Smith and Jack Peckham-White came in third with their Titanic-themed costume.

The best float was Ceroc while Waggy Tails Rescue was judged to have the best trade vehicle and won the overall prize. The honour of best visiting carnival queen went to Swanage.

Bournemouth Carnival Queen Kelly Everett-Stroud, 17, sparkled in the sunshine in a glittering gold dress.

She was accompanied by princess Caja Toohey, 11, and prince Brandon Clarke, 10. Carnival royalty from Ferndown, Swanage, Bishopstoke and Christchurch were also present for the parade.

The Regis Troopers, Wessex International Majorettes, the Wonder Girls and the Dorset Youth Marching Band helped entertain the crowds as the procession wound its way through the town centre.

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