Best of Dorset Show gears up for jam-packed summer (From Dorset Echo)

Best of Dorset Show gears up for jam-packed summer

11:00am Wednesday 1st February 2012 in Business By Joanna Davis

TOURISM workers are gearing up for the biggest-ever summer season in Weymouth and Portland.

The Best of Dorset Show was launched by its sponsors and organisers ahead of a jam-packed summer.

The show, to be held at the Weymouth Pavilion on Sunday, March 25, was launched at the Riviera Hotel in Weymouth, the show’s main sponsor.

Hotel manager Kevin Bungay said: “When we talked to the council about getting involved in their events, this was brought up as one of the events we could help with.

“We’re pleased to help support the show.

“We’re going to be open the first week of March and we’re going to have a stand at the show to show people our facilities.”

Best of Dorset is now in its 12th year and is organised by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council.

This year will see the Tall Ship Pelican on display at the show, giving visitors the opportunity to take a tour of the vessel. More than 1,500 visitors are expected at the show, which has just over 40 stands and businesses involved.

Dorset entertainers including WOW Youth Theatre, the Nothe Fort Re-enactment group, Ed Hintze, Punch and Judy and community singers will all be showing off the county’s talent.

Council events and promotions officer Steve Davies said: “It’s a showcase and a celebration of the season.

“We want people to look ahead and get involved and for visitors to go away with our events programme.”

Linda Parmley, manager of the Weymouth Tourist Information Centre, said the season ahead is looking promising.

She said: “We’ve been working with the local Dorset TIC network and they will be assisting us during the Olympics.”

The Dorset Echo is media partner of the Best of Dorset show and it is being supported by Epic Printing.

To book a stand, call Charlie Sheppard on 01305 838512. See visitweymouth.co.uk for more information.