COMMUNITY groups and organisations can grab their share of £3,500 to help host local events to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.

Grants of up to £350 are now available from Weymouth Town Council to support community-based events or activities - with a total of £3,500 up for grabs.

The money can be used to fund costs such as food, refreshments, decorations, entertainment, equipment, activity materials, displays, insurance, venue hire, and marketing costs.  

Jane Biscombe, Town Clerk of Weymouth said: “We are excited to offer these grants to support the incredible work being done by community groups in Weymouth. These funds will enable organisations to host events and activities to commemorate the 80th anniversary of D-Day.” 

The grants are part of a range of D-Day events planned for Weymouth on Thursday, June 6.

Events agreed by the committee include a D-Day soundscape, a big screen to televise the British national event, a WWII Aircraft Static Display and D-Day tours around Weymouth town and two early evening sessions at the Nothe Fort where access to the fort is free for the local community.

A ticketed beacon lighting event for dignitaries will also take place with 100 tickets made available to the public.  

However, Dorset Council dignitaries will not be in attendance, after they were uninvited by Weymouth Town Council following a row over funding of the event.

Dorset Council only offered to fund £1,500 of the almost £18,000 required to put on all the events to mark the occasion.

This is despite Weymouth and Portland being chosen by Dorset Council to host its D-Day commemoration on behalf of the county.

Groups or applicants for the grants which require any advice or guidance should contact Weymouth Town Council on 01305 239839 or at office@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk. 

Grants will not be available for commercial events. 

Completed forms to be returned by email or to: D-Day Grants, Weymouth Town Council, Council Offices, Commercial Road, Weymouth Dorset DT4 8NG or by email office@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk no later than Tuesday, May 21.

Applications will be assessed based on the potential impact of the proposed event or activity on the local community.