WEYMOUTH Carnival organisers are issuing a plea for locals to support the big parade.

With less than two weeks’ to go until carnival day and just 50 applications in for walking entries and floats, the carnival committee is looking to boost numbers.

Supporters who want to walk in the procession don’t pay anything and can just turn up.

But groups with motorised floats need to get their applications in and ensure they have public liability insurance – about £60 if done through the carnival committee. Rising costs have affected the numbers of floats in the past but organisers hope it will not put people off.

Businesses, residents’ groups, charitable and community organisations are being urged to throw their weight behind the procession by entering a float and help ensure it is a procession to remember.

The parade will leave from the ferry terminal car park at 6.30pm and follow the traditional route along the seafront, finishing at Lodmoor Country Park.

Deputy chairman of Weymouth Carnival and procession coordinator Lee Armstrong said the parade will be led by the Pipes and Drums of the Wessex Highlanders. Another carnival favourite, The Major Wrecks, an all-male spoof majorette team, will also be taking part and performing in the town during the day, Wednesday August 20.

Lee said: “It’s looking like it will be a great parade but we do need more entries which is prompting our plea for float applications.

“We’d like as many as we can to take part. People can apply on our website.

“Please support what is the biggest event in Weymouth’s calendar.”

Lee said it had been a struggle to get support for this year’s carnival but committee members were doing all they could to put on a fantastic show.

The 27-year-old dad who works as a pharmacy technician at Dorset County Hospital is among the young team, led by former carnival queen Elysia Munday, who are giving up their time to run the charity-supporting carnival.

The carnival will feature the Red Arrows, the Great War Display Team, beach sports and games, live music, the procession, fireworks and the grand draw. It will start at 10am with the crowning of Miss Weymouth winner Emma Whitbread, who will be the carnival queen as part of her role.

Residents and visitors are urged to buy draw tickets which are now on sale as well as supporting the ‘£1 for Carnival’ fundraiser by dropping a pound in the pot. This will ensure organisers meet all costs and have a sum left over to hand out to good causes.

WEYMOUTH Carnival is on Wednesday, August 20.

For more information and details of how to get involved in the procession see weymouthcarnival.co.uk To lend support in any way see the website, check the Facebook page or send an email to weymouthcarnival2014@outlook.com