IT could have been the Caribbean as the carnival beat put Fair Oak residents into the party mood.

Deck chairs were pulled on to front lawns and street corners as villagers made sure they got a ringside seat as the colourul carnival cavalcade snaked its way through the streets.

Regulars in a nearby pub garden raised their glasses to cheer the procession as it flowed by.

The 20-strong members of the Ramsay Caledonia Band got the big parade off to a rousing start as the heatwave turned the village's popular annual event into a sizzling success.

The White Diamonds Marching Band from the Isle of Wight made a special trip across the Solent to complete the big band sound.

The Busy Bees Pre School lived up to its name as 30 life like bees swarmed through their walking tableau. But there was a bee keeper to keep them in check.

Adding a big splash of colour to the procession was the Wyvern Play Group with its Art Attack complete with glittering effects.

Fair Oak Infant School turned up the temperature with its Caribbean Calypso entry and pulled out all the stops with some colourful costumes.

The Fair Oak Guiding Group kept wide awake by having a pyjama party. Visiting carnival queen, 19-year-old Laura Hebdige, from Bishopstoke made sure there was no shortage of glamour.

In Fair Oak's carnival cocktail there were also cowboys, rock 'n'rollers and Red Indians.

The procession ended at the New Century Park where villagers were able to party into the night and enjoy all the fun of the funfair.

SEE MORE PICTURES IN TODAY'S DAILY ECHO