IT’S here at last – Weymouth Carnival rolls into town for the best day of the year.
The party was due to start at 10am with the crowning of the new Carnival Queen and continue through the morning with games and competitions, live music, beach sports, cooking demos, a food festival and a tug-of-war contest, the carnival procession and a firework spectacular to finish.
You can read the latest from the carnival as it happens here.
Deputy president of Weymouth Carnival, Lucy Compton, said: “We are all delighted. The committee’s worked tremendously hard.
“It’s all coming together. It’s very exciting and we are looking forward to a really exciting day.”
She added: “I’m most looking forward to seeing the town full up with locals and holidaymakers having a great time and enjoying the carnival- that will make my day.”
Miss Compton paid tribute to all the hard work of the committee and volunteers and thanked the sponsors.
She said: “The carnival couldn’t happen without its sponsors and volunteers and the committee who have put in so much work.”
The sun is set to make an appearance at this year’s event, after the previous year’s grey and soggy start.
Gina Hartley will be crowned the new Weymouth Carnival Queen at 10am, taking over from last year’s winner Elysia Munday.
Miss Hartley said it would be a great day and urged everyone to come down and show their support.
She said: “There will be so much for the family to do. It’s going to be a great day. It will be brilliant.”
All eyes will be on the skies at 2pm when the Red Arrows will perform across Weymouth Bay.
On Weymouth beach the AIR 107.2FM team will be bringing music to the masses with their road show.
Visitors will be able to buy draw tickets to be in with the chance of winning a new car.
Train fans can head down to Weymouth train station for 1.45pm to see the Dorset Coast Express steam train pull in from London.
WHEN TO SEE THE ACTION
10am: Carnival Queen crowning at New Vic on Esplanade
10am-11am: Games and competitions outside New Vic
11.30am Cooking demo in tent near old TIC building
All day: beach sports on beach (including tug-of-war at 11am, sandcastle building comp 12-1pm, volleyball comp 2pm)
All Day - Beach Music Festival All Day - Food Festival near Pavilion
2pm Red Arrows
5.15pm: Fun Run begins at Lodmoor and finishes on seafront
5.15pm: Barrel Rolling
5.15pm: Waiters Race
6pm: Procession departs Lodmoor and goes via seafront and finishes at Pavilion.
9.30pm: Fireworks
9.50pm: Draw winners announced
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