REGGAE fever hit Southampton as the city hosted its first Caribbean festival.
Thousands of people flocked to Mayflower Park to join in the festivities to mark the arrival of Royal Caribbean International's new cruise ship Independence of the Seas.
Festival-goers enjoyed entertainment from samba and steel drum bands, reggae groups and DJs.
Dozens of stalls selling authentic Caribbean arts and crafts tempted shoppers, while the hungry could chose between a variety of stands selling traditional food.
There was also a funfair to keep children young and old entertained, and a beach area provided the perfect location to soak up the atmosphere in full view of the largest cruise ship in the world.
On board hundreds of invited guests, including Daily Echo competition winners, had the chance to look around.
Visitors could view the ship's luxurious staterooms, sample food in one of the restaurants and were able to tackle one of the highest rock climbing walls on the water or learn to surf on the FlowRider.
There was also a poolside performance by chart-topping pop band Scouting for Girls, who climaxed their set by jumping into the water.
More entertainment was provided by an ice dance show and a musical production by the ship's troupe of singers and dancers in the on-board Alhambra Theatre.
The festival was brought to a close by a spectacular fireworks display over Southampton Water last night.
Click here to see more videos from Independence of the Seas
Independence of the Seas will be officially named in a ceremony in front of hundreds of guests in the ship's West End-style Alambrah Theatre on Wednesday.
The largest cruise ship ever to operate from the UK, Independence of the Seas is spending the next six months based in the city, taking passengers to the Mediterranean, the Canary Islands and Ireland.
It is expected that she will leave Southampton for a short two-night voyage at about 6pm today and again on Wednesday at the same time.
She will leave on her maiden voyage on Friday, May 2.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereComments are closed on this article