AN ATMOSPHERIC torchlight parade lit up Lyme Regis.

The iconic event saw participants walk with flaming torches through Langmoor Gardens down to the seafront and on to the sandy beach where a ring of fire was formed before the torches were used to light a giant beacon.

The event on Sunday night - which began with a performance from the Tano Taiko drummers at the Marine Parade Shelters - was part of the festivities for Lyme Regis Regatta and Carnival which began on Friday.

Alan Vian, chairman of Lyme Regis Carnival, said: “We were delighted with the number that turned up for the procession, it was just over 200 people.

“It was a beautiful evening, as the torches went down it was a sight to be seen.

“We had a fantastic ring of fire and a beacon was lit.

“It was quite emotional and it was lovely to see holidaymakers taking part as well.

David Ruffle, Mayor of Lyme Regis said: “It was a very well-attended event.

“It almost takes your breath away, it is a very moving event.

“I was surprised how many holidaymakers joined in as well, which was fantastic.

“It makes you feel that you are a part of everything that goes on here.

“It is a spectacle.”

More events are lined up for next week before the grand procession on Saturday evening.

Events include Free boat rides, a duck race, fossil polishing, welly wanging and a town trail.

Later tonight there will be a candles down the river event at Jericho Bridge.

Residents can sponsor a candle in memory of a loved one and watch as it drifts gently down the river Lim in the quietness of the evening as the light fades over Lyme Regis.

Candles can be purchased for £3 online, from the Carnival Kiosk in the Marine Parade Shelters on the seafront during Carnival Week and on the night at the event starting point from 8.15pm.

With each candle purchased, you can add a message which will be placed in a “boat” with your candle so that they will float down the river together.

Mr Vian added: “On Thursday, we have a civic day, and the mayor will invite mayors from across Dorset to join in with events.

“Some will be invited to paint a picture on our mural, so far over 400 people have painted on the mural.

“It will be good to see if the mayors can do as well as the children.

“They will also each be given a duck to take part in the duck race.

“We will have more than 1,000 ducks in the water and it is £100 for the winner.

“We have a fantastic group of volunteers who have put together over 60 events across the week.

“They have managed to raise £250,000 over the last 20 years, we are lucky to have such a great band of people.

“On Thursday night people will float candles down the River Lim.

“It is special because, after a lot of the whacky events, this is a calmer event, encouraging people to buy a candle in memory and watch it go down the river.

“As they are let off there is absolute silence and it is beautiful as the sun sets.

“Then on Saturday, we have the carnival procession.

“We have over 16 different community groups taking part, which is brilliant.”

For more information, and a full programme of events, visit: https://lymeregiscarnival.co.uk/events/august/day