Weymouth Carnival gets underway today after months of anticipation. 

The event officially begins today with beach sports, live music and a food village.

It kicks off at 10am and the weather is expected to be fine with plenty of sunshine forecast. Organisers are hoping the rain will stay away tomorrow when the main carnival events take place.

Chairman of Weymouth Carnival Ryan Hope said the event will continue regardless of the weather.

He said: “The carnival wouldn’t be the same without a little shower at some point throughout the day. But whatever the weather it won’t stop it, it is full steam ahead for the carnival and we need people to get behind us and support it.”

He added: “It is set to be another fantastic carnival. The highlight of today will be the torchlight procession. Hopefully we should raise some money whilst we’re there. I would ask visitors to please donate £1, whether that’s buying a programme, a raffle ticket, or just putting a £1 in the donations box.”

“This is the biggest party on the south coast and it’s a community event. The money raised goes towards supporting the community so we ask everyone to make a donation however small.”

Beach sports will be held between 10am and 4pm; Portland RFC will host the touch rugby tournament along with O2 Touch. 

Music fans will enjoy live performances from the carnival’s beach live stage while enjoying a cold drink from the bar next to the stage.

The torchlight procession will start at 9pm and will see a thousand flames carried from the Pier Bandstand across Weymouth Beach in a parade led by Mayor Kevin Brookes and the incoming carnival royalty. Tickets are still available for £5. and will be sold on the seafront during the day. In the evening tickets will be exchanged for torches. 

Visitors will also be in with a chance of winning a Suzuki Celerio SZ2 if they purchase a raffle draw at this year’s event. 

Tickets will be sold at draw stalls around the town.

Staff will also be available throughout the day to answer any questions and will be wearing red polo shirts. Official programmes will also be available for £2 from draw stalls and from local shops, including Londis on Westham Road.

Today’s events

  • Official carnival opening 10am.
  • Touch rugby on Weymouth Beach 10am-4pm (also tomorrow)
  • Fairground 10am-10.30pm (also tomorrow)
  • Live music from 11am at the beach live stage with performances from: Second Edition Majorettes, Boogie Fit with Jenny, Neil Coad, Edd Bleach, Moonstone, The Secrets, Side Door Project, Bad Intention, Drive By Jammin, Leggomen, Stereoironics.
  • Torchlight procession 9pm

Tomorrow’s events:

  • Crowning at the New Vic 10am
  • Sandcastle competition 1pm
  • Barrel race 2.45pm
  • Battle of Britain Memorial Flight 3pm.
  • Red Arrows 5.30pm
  • Motorbikes and procession 6.30pm
  • Fireworks 9.30pm
  • Grand draw 10pm
  • Live music from 11am-10pm with performances from: Zumba Gold, Zumba with Lou Sams, JD Acoustic, Jukebox Junkies, Stacey Lou and Danny Adams, Hustle, Moonstone, Danny and the Champions of the World, Tequila Mockingbird, Regulation 9, Peacock Suit, The Dolmen (full show)