FASCINATING images of children’s festivals held in Bournemouth more than 100 years ago have emerged as plans get under way for a similar event this summer.

Organisers of the Bournemouth Family Festival 2012 hope pictures of young people enjoying activity days in Meyrick Park as far back as 1902 will encourage tens of thousands of families to join them in the same place on July 26.

And festival director Julian Sandy has appealed for local people with any more pictures of the events held between 1902 and 1914 to come forward.

Events last century included parades, fancy dress contests, games and activities for primary and elementary school children living in the area and attracted local and national publicity.

The first Bournemouth Family Festival of the 21st century saw around 12,000 families visiting Meyrick Park in 2010, rising to 20,000 last year.

Mr Sandy hopes to see more this year and is aiming for at least 250 stalls providing fun, entertainment and information for visitors.

Stallholders could be statutory or voluntary organisations, charities, businesses or individuals.

Anyone who wants to get involved can get more information from the website bournemouth.gov.uk/ familyfestival.

Alternatively, call Julian on 01202 456295.