Thousands of people gathered in Weymouth town centre as a French-inspired carnival rolled through the streets.

Drumming toy soldiers began the parade at The Range on New Bond Street, travelling down to St Thomas Street where they were joined by three giant singing dolls as they made their way across the Town Bridge and into Hope Square, followed by crowds of watchers.

Crowds followed the dolls and drummers along the way as Weymouth was turned into a mobile opera house.

Transe Express’ Poupées Géantes was part of Dorset's Inside Out Festival.

Performances were on Friday and Saturday night as well as a daytime show on Saturday at midday.

It was a major boost for the town outside of the summer season as thousands of people poured into town to enjoy a meal or a drink between watching the spectacle.

The puppets were accompanied by a band of drumming toy soldiers, known as Les Tambours, who provide the rhythmic backing, and an entertaining conductor.

The event, sponsored by We Are Weymouth, in partnership with Active Performing Arts has already brought the likes of Dundu and Worldbeaters to Weymouth in 2021, before Peixos the giant fish made its way through the town centre in 2022.

As drummers led the way, the giant dolls mesmerised crowds with performances of classical scores from Bizet, Mozart and Verdi.

Watching for the first time, the Cox family of mother Bellin, father Anthony, and children Elby and Wakeley, said they "loved it" and would come back and see it again.

Dorset Echo: The Cox Family of Wakeley 3, Elby, 6, and parents Bellin and AnthonyThe Cox Family of Wakeley 3, Elby, 6, and parents Bellin and Anthony (Image: Tom Lawrence)

Mrs Cox said: "We really enjoyed it, the kids enjoyed the lady covered in apples.

"We started at the Range and followed it all the way down

"It was a good thing there were lots of shoulders to ride on I was a bit squashed but it was ok.

"We will definitely come back to see it again."

Another visitor said: "We came the last three years and this is the best one by far

"The kids said it was absolutely amazing it was better than last year.

"The drummers were brilliant and the conductor was amazing"

Dawn Rondeau, Chairman of We Are Weymouth BID said: "It was such fun to see the streets full and illuminated yesterday.

"We were told by the artistic company not to reveal the route as last year people treated it like a carnival and complained that it 'wasn't long' the idea was to follow the performance and they did.

"It took 12 months of hard work and despite the odd negative person we believe it was a success and hope you enjoyed it.

"Mahoosive thanks to my fabulous A-team for helping until late into the night."