A GIANT waterslide will be coming to Richmond Hill in Bournemouth next month.

The 120m (393ft) inflatable will be set up on the busy street for two days of the bank holiday weekend.

Thrillseekers will be able to race each other down the two-lane slide, while spectators will be able to watch the fun while enjoying music, food and drink and art installations.

The wacky event has been organised by THIS Event company with the support of Bournemouth council and the Town Centre BID.

Peter Tisdale, of sister company THAT Group, said he was “very excited” to bring SLIDE Bournemouth to the town.

“We’ve very hopeful that people will want to support the event. The feedback we’ve got so far has been amazing.

“Richmond Hill is widely recognised as a fabulous street that goes right into the heart of the town. The aim is to add another event to Bournemouth’s calendar.”

He added organising the event, which takes place on August 26 and 27, involved “many logistics”. Post Office Road, Yelverton Road, and Albert Road will be closed, and there will be no access onto St Stephens’ Road from the Richmond Hill junction. Emergency access will be maintained for the whole area.

“It is going to restrict access for a period and create some pinch points, but the bank holiday weekend is the best time to do it as there are predominantly offices and businesses on Richmond Hill,” Peter said.

Martin Davies, chair of the Town Centre BID, said it was a “fantastically exciting event”.

“Working in partnership with the council and businesses to run events like this brings people to the town, drives footfall and puts the town on the map. This will be a summer spectacular.”

Pat Oakley, cabinet member for tourism, leisure and the arts, said: “This is another unique, fun event for the town and our visitors over the August bank holiday.

“Bournemouth is really delivering on its ambition in being an ‘eventful’ resort town.

“We are now seeing a greater confidence by event organisers like THAT Group to want to create these types of distinctive events.”

Around 2,000 tickets will be on sale for the slide, which will be for ages eight and over. A series of three-hour sessions for 300 people will take place over the two days.

“There will be unlimited sliding, so if you’re game you’ll get many goes,” Peter said.

“We expect there will be a good number of people who will want to view and be part of the fun,” he added.

For tickets, see www.slidebournemouth.co.uk