BUMPER crowds turned out and got in the party spirit for the 68th Ringwood Carnival.

The carnival on Saturday, which includes two processions in the afternoon and evening, drew bumper crowds with more floats than ever before.

Alix Gardner, this year's chairman of Ringwood Carnival Society, said: "It's gone really well. We were worried about the rain downpours on Friday and there was a bit of rain before we got underway, but it was fantastic to see so many wonderful procession entries.

"People have said they've never seen so many entries and never to such a high standard."

She said: "We had 30 floats in the afternoon procession and a similar number for the illuminated event in the evening.

"Everyone brings their lights out and it just looks amazing.

This year is the 68th carnival in the town. The event supports local causes, donating money raised from the event to support groups in Ringwood.

Mrs Gardner said she was amazed by how the people of Ringwood join forces for events in the town.

"Everybody in Ringwood has come out today," she said.

"People in this town keep saying it is such a lovely place and today shows that.

"We have volunteers helping out and marshals on the day - everyone chips in.

"We're so grateful for the local business sponsors of the carnival because we couldn't run this event every year without them, so a massive thank you has to go to each and every one of them."