WEYMOUTH Carnival will undergo a major shake-up as organisers plan to ‘revamp’ the summer event – including scrapping the beach music festival.

Instead of raising money for a number of good causes, the carnival will raise money for one charity - this year it will be Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.

Chairman Stacey Andrew explained the decision and said: “We are supporting one charity this year – Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance, rather than a number of different causes.

“The charity helps a lot of people. We wanted to pick a charity that helps not only people from Dorset but visitors and holidaymakers who come to the town.”

As well as this, the Beach Live stage will be scrapped because it is not ‘cost-effective.’

Miss Andrew said: “There will be no Beach Live stage this year. After looking at our finances over the last few years it is not cost effective and not reaching everybody we want to reach.”

Instead of the Beach Live stage, organisers plan to bring Weymouth Carnival back into the town, with local bands performing at a number of pubs from August 10 to August 20.

Miss Andrew said the decision will help bring footfall back into the town and added: “Instead of the Beach Live stage there will be bands playing at a number of different pubs. ”

Last year, the Beach Live stage hosted a number of local dance groups and clubs who put on displays. The groups will still perform this year, however at a beach arena.

Miss Andrew also explained that there will be some new activities for people to get excited about, including a brand-new dog show, beach sports, tug of war and a build your own go-kart event. The classic barrel race will also be making a comeback.

Miss Andrew said the dog show will take place at the end of the beach where dogs are allowed and added: “We will have a dog show sponsored by the Sausage Factory and are hoping for a display from the RAF military dogs.”

The applications for the Red Arrows and Battle of Britain Memorial Flight have been submitted and the committee is now waiting for them to be approved.

Miss Andrew said she is confident that the summer event will be bigger and better than previous years and added: “It is about bringing the carnival back into the town. Getting the town involved in everything we are doing. All the trade stands we have so far belong to local businesses. We are prioritising local businesses. We want to make the carnival something Weymouth can be proud of again.”

Plans for this year’s procession are also underway, and Miss Andrew said 35 floats have been confirmed. As well as this, the carnival will be offering one lucky girl at Julia’s House the opportunity to become a carnival princess for the day.

The carnival is in the process of organising its Royalty Choosing night, which will take place on July 7. This year’s Carnival Queen and princesses will be chosen at the event. Applications for this year’s Carnival Queen and princesses are now being accepted.

Weymouth Carnival will take place on Tuesday, August 14 and Wednesday, August 15. If you are interested in getting involved visit weymouthcarnival.co.uk