ONE of the biggest parties in Hampshire has returned in style.
Eastleigh’s annual Mardi Gras celebration brought the town to life with a variety of fun and games.
It’s still too early to tell exactly how many people attended but organisers said there were more than in previous years.
Last year’s event attracted 8,000 people and Cllr Chris Thomas said this year’s Mardi Gras was “bigger and better”.
He added: “There were thousands and thousands of people here and the weather has been very kind to us. It has gone brilliantly and everyone is having all sorts of kinds of fun with so much going on.
“The circus skills tent has been very popular with the kids as they all want to try the spinning plates and we have had great support from the Air Cadets 1216 Squadron.”
And Mardi Gras chairman Keith Trenchard thanked the public for getting into the spirit of the occasion.
He said: “Excuse the pun, but the public really pushed the boat out on the pirate theme and it was great to see 200/300-plus pirates and princesses in our parade.
“I just want to thank everyone who came and all our staff who worked so hard to put this on.”
Among the visitors to the event were Eastleigh Mayor Tony Noyce and MP Mike Thornton.
Attractions at the event at Leigh Road Recreation Ground included belly dancing, gymnastics displays, a street train, a rodeo bull and plenty of stalls.
Money raised will go to local projects supported by Eastleigh Lions.
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