Southbourne’s Christmas on the Green, which was attended by Santa and the Bournemouth Mayor Cllr Bob Lawton, was a colourful event.

Hundreds of people listened to carols, met Santa and submerged themselves in the festive spirit.

The annual event is run by Southbourne Business Association and supported by Bournemouth Coastal BID and #LoveSouthbourne.

Fiona McArthur from the Coastal BID said: “We were extremely grateful to the mayor and his wife for opening the event.

“They also walked down the street accompanied by the brilliant Spiderman band and met all the traders.

“Each year the locals turn out to support the event and we had music, carols, charity raffles and of course Santa was there for the children.

“The Coastal BID also provided Southbourne’s Christmas lights and the Gingerbread hut installation.

“All our areas have put a lot of effort into their offerings at Christmas and we’d urge everyone to shop local and support their local businesses.

“Without locals using their local shops there won’t be such a vibrant high street.”

Bournemouth Coastal BID’s levy payers voted earlier this year for it to have another five year term.

Its area runs from Pokesdown along the coast to Westbourne and includes Boscombe, Southbourne and the seafront.