A MARDI Gras themed carnival will be bringing a Bournemouth street to life this month.

Holdenhurst Road will transform into the New Orleans French Quarter for Metropole Market’s June 24 event.

The carnival celebration will enable marketgoers to celebrate the birthplace of jazz during Bournemouth’s week-long Jazz By The Sea festival. Organisers have announced an entertainment program for the street market, featuring some of the region’s most skilled jazz artists.

To recreate the festive atmosphere of New Orleans, musicians and street performers will be marching down the street in two processions at 12pm and 2.30pm. Members of the public are invited to join in the fun and dress up in their most extravagant costumes with masks, beads, necklaces and feathers.

The program includes Mombassa, a crowd favourite from last year’s markets, The Gatsby Stompers, a jazz and swing Band, plus four-piece band Scared of Jazz. They will be joined by Sara Harris, a local swing, rhythm and blues Vocalist.

Street comedy will be provided by ‘Jones and Barnard’, two of the performers from the West End hit comedy The Slightly Fat Show.

There will also be a variety of food to reflect the famous Louisiana cuisine, in addition to the market’s regular foodie offering.

Lyn Turnbull, co-organiser of the Metropole Market and co-owner of Mexigo Burrito Bar, said: “Our second market for 2018 will transport our visitors to the streets of New Orleans for a family orientated Mardi Gras adventure.

“Masks, beads and feathers, as well as classic jazz and percussion acts, will be a few of the Mardi Gras traditions that attendees will get to experience. We would love everyone to get dressed up and come and join us for a day of dance and laughter.”