Huge crowds enjoyed Christchurch carnival which featured a Queen tribute band and a fantastic firework finale

A “fantastic” turnout for Christchurch Carnival with 5,000-strong crowds on both days ensured the event was a huge success, say organisers.

On Saturday, live music on the Quomps from bands like One Word, which have been supporting the carnival since they were teenagers, kept people entertained.

A Punch and Judy show proved a “huge hit” with youngsters, said event chair Cllr Viv Charett, the mayor of Christchurch.

She said: “It’s so old fashioned, but there was a really large crowd of kids and parents watching the three shows. They were really loving it, especially the very young kids.”

Another delight for children was the appearance of TV character Bluey, who was mobbed by youngsters thrilled to see their screen idol.

There were also displays from the O’Leary Academy of Irish Dancing and the Wessex Majorettes, along with a dog show put on by the Staffie and Stray Rescue charity.

A highlight on Saturday was tribute band Platinum Queen, which have become hugely successful, followed by an awesome firework finale.

The carnival procession on Sunday was said to feature more floats “than ever before”.

Cllr Charrett added: “We were really very lucky with the weather.

“It might not have been hot sunshine, but at least it was not pouring rain, and we did not have to cancel our events like so many have had to this year – it was a huge relief.

“We had brilliant crowds on both days and there was packed entertainment for everyone.

“I think everybody had a wonderful time and we were so delighted it all went ahead as planned.”

In her role as mayor, Cllr Charett led the parade along the High Street.

Best carnival float was won by The Highcliffe Blue Tits – a sea swimming club whose members donned Victorian bath suits and hats for their entry.

They also had a Victorian bathing hut on their float.

In second place were Christchurch Girl Guides, who pushed wheelbarrows full of sunflowers along the High Street.

Third place went to the Gilbert and Sullivan Society for their entry as HMS Pinafore, complete with a man dressed as a submarine.

Cllr Charrett said: “It was hard to pick the winners as so many of the entries were just fantastic.”

A raffle to raise money for the two good causes supported by the carnival this year – Christchurch Food Bank and the Somerford ARC, a community centre in the Grange ward – sold out, and organisers have yet to count up all the money raised in the street collection.

Cllr Charrett said: “It is the first time ever the raffle has sold out and we expect the collection to have done well, so all in all it has been an absolutely fantastic year.”

To purchase photographs from the carnival visit www.photos.iliffemedia.co.uk/f163507858