THOUSANDS of people gathered in Weymouth to enjoy celebrations for the new year beginning.

Weymouth is famous for its New Year’s Eve celebrations, and the crowds didn't disappoint, donning fancy dress to descend upon the town for festivities, before gathering at the iconic Jubilee Clock on the Esplanade to count down the new year and sing Auld Lang Syne.

Hundreds gathered in fancy dress in pubs and clubs across the town to celebrate the beginning of the New Year.

Among the costumes donned by revellers were pirates, a lobster, a pineapple, batman and the cast of Scooby Doo.

Pubs and clubs hosted their big parties to welcome in the new year, celebrating in style.

Rain and strong winds had threatened to dampen the party, with Quayside Festival at Rendezvous moved indoors due to weather concerns.

Despite this, crowds still turned out and enjoyed live music with a new indoor stage in the venue.

Locals still managed to enjoy the evening.

David Lee, who celebrated the new year at the event, said: "It has been fantastic. It is always a great event in the town but normally everyone is in costume and it is absolutely freezing outside.

"It was quite nice to be indoors and warm, I think it made it better.

"Weymouth always puts on a good show for New Year's, there is something for everyone."

Tim Bailey also celebrated the New Year in Weymouth, dressed as Mario.

He said: "The costumes are all good fun, everyone is in a good mood and it's a great event for all ages to celebrate."

"It has been a tough few years for a lot of people, I just hope 2024 will be a better year for everyone."

Elsewhere, crowds still gathered at the Jubilee Clock on the seafront to see in the new year, as is a town tradition.

After midnight fireworks were set off across the town, lighting up the night sky.