This week, a touch of South American sunshine has come to the south with a series of samba workshops.

Carnival Collective's music on the streets

The sessions are being held ahead of a massive Mardi gras style celebration at Portsmouth's Gunwarf Quays in March.

Brighton based Carnival Collective is providing the know-how in the samba workshops that are designed to get people of all ages involved in the music-making.

Gunwharf Quay's events manager John Sackett explained that Samba was the perfect type of music - "It lets natural talent in drumming or dancing shine through, but at the same time is great fun for everyone, with it's upbeat kind of energy that insists you have a good time."

Carnival Collective in action

The Mardis Gras on March 4th marks the start of an Easter series of street entertainment, markets and exhibitions.