The streets of Bournemouth will be awash with colour this weekend when the town's annual pride festival returns.

What started as a small gathering in the Lower Gardens, Bourne Free has now become a major event in the summer calendar that attracts thousands of people. 

Now in its 12th year, the three-day event is held in honour of the LGBT community and encourages everyone to come together to have fun. 

This year’s theme is Rio Carnival and there will be a surprise opening at 5pm on Friday in the Square. 

This will be followed by a free family fun night at the Triangle with an open air screening of Rio 2. 

The highlight of the event is always the procession on Saturday, which will start from East Cliff at 11am before making its way to the Triangle at 12pm. 

Read all about what's happening this year here 

To celebrate, we've put together pictures of the event from years gone by.