Unpleasant weather conditions have forced a change of plans for a big New Year’s Eve party in Weymouth.

The hugely popular Quayside Festival event is due to take place on Sunday, December 31.

The event, held at the Rendezvous club on St Thomas Street near the Town Bridge, welcomes a huge array of live acts who usually perform on an outside stage.

However, due to the recent run of bad weather and the strong winds and rain predicted for the night, organisers have made the decision to move the stage indoors over safety concerns.

As a result, capacity for the venue will be reduced as the outside section will not be open.

Jason Waggott, the club’s multi-site operations manager,  said: “The decision has been made purely over weather concerns. We’ve seen that there is a 75 per cent chance of strong winds.

“We want the event to be as successful as possible and we want everyone to enjoy the event and our priority is to keep the public safe from danger with the high winds and rain predicted.”

The stage will now be set up on the middle floor of the building in Rendezvous, and according to Mr Waggott, the club has been ‘gutted out’ to make way for the set up.

He said: “All the rigging, furniture, walls and lighting has made way for the stage and sound system.”

Mr Waggott went on to reveal that this is the first time a stage has been moved inside the venue.

Despite the change in plans, Mr Waggott still expects a strong turnout on the night with live music from The Haze, Sugar Rush, Iron Hide, The Undecided, and Balance of Power, plus DJ Bonnie,

He said: “We’re expecting big numbers, we have three floors with something different and two bars. The middle floor will host all the bands and the entertainment will be spread across all floors.

“Capacity may be reduced but we are encouraging everyone to come down to Weymouth’s biggest party with the best local acts. It’s going to be a good time and we hope everyone enjoys themselves,” he added.

Early bird tickets for the event are still available at £5, and with ticket prices on the door set to cost more, organisers have advised to book in advance.

Tickets can be purchased online at https://www.designmynight.com/pubs/the-rendezvous/quayside-fest-masquerade-new-eve-party-rendezvous-weymouth