A HAMPSHIRE town was alive with the sound of drums and the harmony of voices when Fanfare for Spring took over Ringwood.

The day of music, song, dance, storytelling and children's entertainment drew in massive crowds at all 11 mini venues dotted at numerous locations.

Co-ordinator Roger Bettle said the event had proved a big hit with its large audience as more than 500 entertainers took to the streets to show off their various skills.

"It rained just after lunch, causing some disruption to performances, and the traffic on the main road prevented the Croydon Steel Orchestra from getting in on time to perform," he said.

"But they did make it in the end and they were absolutely marvellous.

"They had a very charismatic chap leading them and it went down very well.

"All our performers did."

The highlight of the day, Mr Bettle said, was accordion player Jacqueline Edeling from Holland.

Next in line was street magician Tim Horsten who attempted to hammer a nail into a child's nose but was unable to. In the end the child managed to carry out the trick himself, much to the magician's amusement.

"It was a wonderful trick," Mr Bettle added. "He entertained a big crowd. And then had a mobile swimming pool - blue tarpaulin with holes in it - which he did aerobics with the children on.

There were 43 acts - around 500 performers in total - including the Ringwood and Bournemouth Rock Choir which had around 60 children wowing the crowds.

Mr Bettle added: "I had a great team of stewards and they performed extremely well and kept everyone in high spirits and safe."