New Weymouth Carnival organisers call for community help (From Dorset Echo)

New Weymouth Carnival organisers call for community help

10:00am Saturday 5th January 2013 in News By Martin Lea

THE success of this year’s Weymouth Carnival depends on support from the community.

New organisers have taken over and will need support from businesses, community organisations and local residents to ensure the 2013 carnival is one to remember.

Youngster Ryan Hope volunteered to take over with an idea of forming a charity carnival club after the town’s rotary clubs withdrew following three years of organising duties.

While some rotarians and other past supporters have offered to help take it forward and lend their experience, it is down to 21-year-old Ryan to form a committee and get things going for this year.

Last year’s event raised almost £20,000 for good causes despite a very wet start. But the crowds were out in the afternoon for the grand parade which was proceeded by a victory parade of Olympic sailing stars.

As ever, the carnival will be held on the third Wednesday of August, which for 2013 is August 21.

Ryan, who has been praised for his youth work and was elected to the borough council last year, is aware it is a big task heading up the first independently-run carnival for some years.

He would like to see all the usual attractions but says it cannot happen without sponsorship as well as the goodwill of volunteers.

Ryan, who was an Olympic torchbearer last year and has supported previous carnivals as a volunteer, said: “My time has been taken up recently by involvement with the Weymouth Christmas Sparkle but now we’re into the new year I’d like to get the ball rolling.

“There’s been a lot of positive comments about the carnival and we’re looking to build on the success of previous events.

“I’m still looking for people to join my committee, and I’d like businesses and hotels to start thinking about how they can get behind the carnival which does so much for this town and brings many people to the area.

“It costs about £50,000 to run a carnival which has to be raised in sponsorship. Before the day itself we have to spend about £15,000 to £20,000 on things like organising road closures, permits and insurance.”

Ryan is due to meet for talks soon with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and plans to have his first committee meeting in the next three weeks.

If you can help, would like to know more or have any fundraising ideas call Ryan on 07795 246080, email him at ryanhope1991@googlemail.com. Alternatively search for Weymouth Carnival on Facebook.