THE first Boscombe East West Fest was so successful it is set to become an annual event.

Dancers, musicians and other performers from all over the world took part in the two-day extravaganza in Boscombe precinct.

The event was organised to showcase the ethnic diversity of the area and to promote the local economy.

Countries represented included China, India, The Philippines, Thailand, Brazil, Turkey, Italy, Poland, Spain and the United Kingdom.

As well as stage performances the festival also included food and arts and crafts stalls.

Peter James, one of the organisers said the event was planned to bring tourists to the Boscombe area and to provide an economic boost.

It was open from 10.30am until 9pm on Sunday and from 10.30am until 6pm on Bank Holiday Monday.

Mr James said: "The festival has gone very well and attracted a lot of people. The weather was a bit disappointing but there was nothing we could do about it and we were impressed by the number of people who came along.

"The idea was to have something for visitors and for the local residents and a huge number of people have turned out - we are very grateful to them."

Mr James added: "It was the first time anything like this has been held in Boscombe, which has been a bit of a neglected area.

"Bournemouth council were keen that we held it over a Bank Holiday weekend and I see no reason why this should not become an annual event."