CARNIVAL by the Sea saw more than 250 people parade through Bournemouth town centre in the biggest procession ever staged by Arts by the Sea. 

The "spectacular" parade travelled down Old Christchurch Road, into Gervis Place, through Bournemouth Lower Gardens, before ending up on the terrace at the Pavilion on Sunday, October 2.

Hundreds of people from Bournemouth, Christchurch and Poole came to enjoy the free-to-attend spectacle.

Bournemouth Echo: Arts by the Sea carnival 2022: Image Richard CreaseArts by the Sea carnival 2022: Image Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

Ahead of the carnival, Global Grooves put out a call out across the conurbation for people to get involved and hundreds expressed their interest, including the Brazilian Education and Cultural Centre, the Indian Cultural Association of Dorset and Dorset Ukrainian Community CIC.

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Global Grooves Chief executive officer Leon Patel said: "It's a really exciting day today because it's the first time we have bought all of these groups together to take part in the carnival.

"We have got people from all different communities coming together to celebrate on the streets, It's going to be something very special."

Bournemouth resident Lisa Randall attended the parade and was "amazed" at how well it all came together.

Bournemouth Echo: Arts by the Sea carnival 2022: Image by Richard CreaseArts by the Sea carnival 2022: Image by Richard Crease (Image: Richard Crease)

Lisa said: "It's spectacular, everyone looks so good, I'm amazed at how well organised it is everyone knew exactly what they are going and they have put on quite the parade."

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During the parade, a squad of nine giant walkabout puppets towered above the crowds at up to 4 metres high, reaching down to shake hands with people along the way.

Another resident, Joe Willis really enjoyed the celebration of culture there was at the event. 

Joe said: "It's nice to see how many different ethnic groups are here, I really liked how the Ukrainians paraded through with their flags, it was lovely to see."