SHOPPERS in a New Forest town enjoyed a taste of Covent Garden as they mingled with magicians, musicians and a host of other entertainers.

Ringwood’s first International Festival of Street Performance Art on Saturday turned the streets into an arena for a large number of eye-catching acts, including living statues, sword swallowers, buskers and choirs, bands and poets.

Organised by a group called Fanfare for Spring, the one-day festival filled the streets with music, song and dance.

Other performances included the Wessex Harmony Choir and the Sally Adams Danceworks.

The day-long festival was the brainchild of artist and gallery owner Roger Bettle, who said: “The idea of having a Covent Garden or Edinburgh Festival Fringe-type festival in Ringwood has been festering for years.

“This gave all the creative types, of which there are many in Ringwood and beyond, the opportunity to do their thing, be it singing, dancing, drama or reading poetry.”

Mr Bettle added: “This was a town event in every aspect of that phrase and highlights the vibrant community spirit that makes Ringwood the place to be.”