A PUBLIC space in Weymouth is set to be transformed into a fun-filled arena for a new event this spring.

The Rotary Club of Weymouth is planning two days of live music, entertainment and stalls in a bumper bank holiday event called Fayre in the Square.

The focus is on Hope Square but adjoining roads to the harbourside and up to Town Bridge will also be used.

It will be on Sunday, May 25 and Bank Holiday Monday, May 26. The Whitsun holiday used to be reserved for the now defunct Trawler Race Day.

Fayre in the Square aims to provide a fun community event for locals and visitors, with the emphasis on family entertainment. It will also give a boost to local businesses.

Raising money for local charities, it is hoped Fayre in the Square will become an annual attraction.

Roads will be closed to allow the event to take place, which will be from 10am to 6pm on both days.

As well as being home to a number of licensed establishments and Brewers Quay, Hope Square is also the location for Rotary’s Pilgrim House.

Rotarians are meeting regularly to plan the event and gather support.

Dennis Corbett from the club said: “We wanted to run an event of our own. The Lions do the harbour swim and motocross and Melcombe Regis Rotary have the dragon boat race.

“We run Pilgrim House and we’re aware of how footfall through the area has decreased.

“People are coming back now with the reopening of Brewers Quay but we wanted to do something to boost the area which is off the main drag.

“We’ve seen the loss of events like Trawler Race so our aim was to do something on the bank holiday.”

A stage will be set up in Hope Square where bands such as Replay and Silhouettes will perform. Charity, food and commercial stalls will line the road up towards the Town Bridge. Buskers, school clubs, WOW, Bollywood dancers and a historical re-enactment group will provide street entertainment.

Dave Langridge from Rotary said Roger Dalton from the Dorset Seafood Festival was giving help and advice and the event had the support of the Harbour Traders’ Association and businesses around Hope Square.

He said sponsors were being sought to help fund the event and ensure Rotary raises a worthy sum for charity. Anyone wishing to get involved should call 01305 761828.