CAPTAIN Jack Sparrow joined majorettes, a ninja, Red Riding Hood and even Disney supervillain Cruella de Vil for year's Christchurch Carnival at the weekend.

The annual event - which has taken place in the town for more than 100 years - featured a procession through Castle Street and the High Street on Sunday afternoon.

See all the pictures from Christchurch Carnival in a gallery

A number of floats representing charities and organisations joined the parade, which began at the back of the Civic Offices at 2pm.

But the party atmosphere started even earlier than that as participants showed off their dance moves, handed out free sunglasses and even took part in an impromptu Zumba display.

Raymond Nyenje and friends boarded a float representing companies including Soho and the Thomas Tripp.

He said: "There's going to be a lot of music and dancing.

"We'll have African-style drumming and members of the public will be able to join in with that at the Quay. We're always the loudest float in the carnival."

They had some competition from members of KG Dance Academy, set up by support workers George Shemmell and Kaleigh Osment for adults with learning disabilities.

George said: "We started in February, and it's just been crazily busy ever since then.

"All of our dancers are people who use day services or live in residential houses. They absolutely love coming to classes and it's brilliant fun."

For employees at Hollywood Fancy Dress and Party Supplies, the carnival was just the latest in a busy summer of festival fun.

Sam Kerr, store manager at the Southampton branch, said: "So far, we've done Winton, Poole, Totton and Swanage, and we've got Weymouth on Wednesday and Ringwood in September.

"We joined the parade at the Christchurch Carnival last year too, and there's a really good feel to it. They've got so much going on every year."

Linda Cook of Heartizans Deli joined a float organised by independent business team The Heart of Christchurch.

She said: "We've all been really looking forward to today.

"We're out representing local independent businesses, and we want to be involved in our community. That's what being a small business is all about."

The carnival began on Saturday and took place throughout Sunday.

Crowds were entertained by live performances, juggling displays and a huge fireworks display sponsored by Bedtime on Barrack Road.