BRITAIN'S Got Talent comedy dance duo Stavros Flatley wowed the crowds at Bournemouth Family Festival in Meyrick Park today.

Around 25,000 people flocked to the fun-filled family fiesta which has grown to become the second biggest event in Bournemouth town centre after the Air Show.

Meyrick Park was transformed into a sea of marquees and stalls with 140 organisations offering advice, entertainment and lots of goodies.

Organiser and Community Engagement Officer at Bournemouth Council, Julian Sandy said: “There is so much we need to show off about Bournemouth, but also so much more to find.

“This festival has an incredible ambiance, I try to make sure there is something for everyone.”

Bouncy castles, Go-kart rides, zorbing, pony rides and face-painting were on offer for people of all ages.

Lucinda Roster, 5, said: “I've had an amazing day, there's so much to do. I want to ride a pony.”


The festival supports the national playday campaign which puts children right at the heart of communities and showcases local youth talent and services.

Charity and safety education were also top priorities for the organisers, with representatives from Dorset Fire and Rescue, Road Safety Team Bournemouth and several rotary clubs present.

Howard Matthews from Christchurch Rotary said: “It has been a wonderful event. We are trying to raise money to send Shelterboxes to disaster zones.”

Live music from local groups, including Positive Notes, Dame Kitty from Rubyz and Sounds Like Adam, who wrote the popular 'Eddie's Army' football song entertained the large crowds.

Wave 105 was forced to abandon their live outside broadcast because a sound engineer was hit in the head with a gazebo after a freak gust of wind lifted the tent.

Managing Director of Wave 105 Martin Ball said: “He has been taken to A&E and received several stitches. Our on-air content will remain the same.”