THE gates have opened for Poole’s Twin Sails Bridge official celebrations.

Thousands are arriving at the former power station site, which has been decorated with flags, banners and hundreds of lights.

Mayor of Poole Cllr Graham Wilson and borough strategic director Jim Bright are set to deliver speeches, at 6pm, before the bridge is ceremonially opened for a flotilla of illuminated boats.

Cllr Wilson said: “Images of Poole’s bridge have gone all over the world.”

Performances by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, who have worked with Poole schools, are also scheduled to take place in just over an hour.

The party is due to continue at Poole Quay, where HMS Cattistock is tied up, until late into the evening, closing with a spectacular fireworks finale.