A LOUD bang from a field gun signalled the start of Wareham Carnival as thousands lined the streets for the parade.

The deafening noise also heralded the start of the rain but it did nothing to ruin the atmosphere in the historic Dorset town.

As the parade weaved its way through the town centre, it seemed the whole of Wareham had come out to greet the participants.

The event had a true community feel with the 1st Wareham Beavers leading the procession with their impressive dragon.

Close behind were the carnival royalty of both Wareham and Swanage, ahead of a wide range of performers and floats.

The Port Bredy All Star Majorettes were in fine form, as were the RNLI, a Star Wars float and dancers from Splitz Studio.

The carnival's feather theme was not lost on a group of middle-aged men, decked out in feather boas, short skirts and carrying feather dusters.

And the crowd got a laugh when a dinosaur from Jurassic Lark chased a photographer down the street.

Spectator John Barnes, 61, from Wareham, said: "I bring my family to this every year. It is a proper community event and most people watching know someone who's in it."

Sheila Crowe, visiting the town from Poole, added: "The weather's a bit of a nuisance but it doesn't seem to be bothering any of the people in the carnival - they all seem to be really proud to be a part of it."

The procession ended at the recreation ground where there was entertainment for all ages during the afternoon.

It included tug-of-war, traditional games such as a sack race and three-legged race, a falconry display and music in the marquee.

There was also a field gun display, scarecrow competition and bean bag throwing.