WEYMOUTH Carnival organisers are urging people to ‘help put it on the map’ as it was announced it will take place over two days again next year.

Organisers are also in the process of submitting their request to get the Red Arrows at the 2017 event.

The announcements came at the Weymouth Carnival AGM.

Chairman Ryan Hope also announced that he will be staying on in the role for the fourth time, despite wanting to stand down. Mr Hope tried to stand down but members voted unanimously to elect him again.

Mr Hope said afterwards: “We have some new members who have signed up to the committee.

“It’s a mammoth task to organise the carnival. We’ve got quite a few new members and there’s some who couldn’t be at the AGM. Hopefully the load can be shared out.

“We’ve got a marketing director for a multi-million pound company who is taking on fundraising. We’ll be speaking to businesses in the next few months about sponsorship.”

The committee voted unanimously to continue the two day event, and is looking to build on the success of the Tuesday and the “fantastic” feedback the torchlight procession received.

One issue that will be addressed is the food market, with traders unhappy with the location this year.

Mr Hope said they are looking at alternatives, including closing the roads around the Pavilion for the food market, putting it in the Pavilion car park or working with the borough council to change licensing to allow food stalls on the Esplanade.

As well as looking at next year’s carnival, the committee is working with Weymouth BID and council at putting on more events throughout the year, including a Hallowe’en fancy dress fun run.

Mr Hope said: “It’s building a programme of events that potential sponsors can support. Rather than just the two days we’re working on events throughout the year.”

There is still plenty of opportunities for people to become a member or volunteer to help organise and put on next year’s carnival and Mr Hope urged people to do so.

He said: “This is Weymouth’s Carnival, It’s everyone’s in Weymouth.

“Let’s make this a carnival to put Weymouth on the map as one of the best carnivals in the south of England.”