WEYMOUTH is being urged to get behind the town’s carnival – by one of its biggest supporters.

Jan O’Brien is thrilled that Weymouth Carnival is going ahead this year, but says it’s vital that locals support Weymouth’s ‘best day of the year’.

She spoke after organisers confirmed this year’s carnival would be going ahead after a rocky few weeks of trying to drum up interest and raise cash. The first fundraising target of £10,000 has been met, but a lot more will be needed to finance a bumper carnival with all the trimmings.

The new independent organisers say without further sponsorship the event will be scaled down, which could have a knock-on effect on visitor numbers in future years.

Mrs O’Brien is a passionate supporter of the carnival and led a campaign to bring the floats back to the 2010 parade.

She and her team from The Party Shop fancy dress emporium in Abbotsbury Road spend months planning their procession entry and have won awards five times. Last year’s float had a circus theme with Mrs O’Brien as ringmaster.

Mrs O’Brien will again be making a financial contribution to the carnival and is also organising a raffle at her shop, with fancy dress hire prizes for the winners and all funds raised going into the carnival pot.

She said: “I’m delighted we’ll be continuing a great tradition. “Weymouth has such a lot to offer and with all the hard work that went into the Olympics last year we should be building on that and encouraging more people to come here.

“The carnival, and all the buzz around it, is such an important part of Weymouth.

“Now we need to knuckle down and get everyone behind it.

“If we lose it, that’s it. No one will take it on because it’s such a huge undertaking.

“That’s why I want to do everything in my power to keep it going and show my support. I realise it’s been a difficult few years for businesses but even if small amounts were given it would help.”

Trustees from Weymouth Carnival and Events Club decided the carnival would go ahead after a three-hour meeting on Wednesday night.

President of Weymouth Carnival and Events Club Ryan Hope said: “We are pleased to say after just reaching our first sponsorship target that we will be able to run Weymouth’s 56th carnival and keep the summer tradition alive.

“We are pleased to say we will also be joined by the Red Arrows, but due to a lack of current sponsorship it may be the only air display.”

Weymouth Carnival will be held on Wednesday, August 21. To give support email sponsorship co-ordinator Diane Moore at weymouth carnivalsponsorship@ gmail.com.

People can also contact Ryan Hope on 07795 246080 or email ryanhope1991@googlemail.com