WELCOME, bienvenue, wilkommen.

Weymouth Carnival is set to take on a distinctly international feel this year as organisers search for more ways to make it appeal to a global audience.

An international food village is planned for the raised cargo landing stage on the harbourside.

Organisers feel the carnival’s global reach is especially important as the 2012 Olympics draw near.

Not everyone is welcoming the food village however. One trader believes it will have a knock-on effect on local business.

The Rotary Club carnival committee has been given permission by Weymouth and Portland Borough Council for the village, which could include up to 40 stalls.

Local produce and international cuisine will be available, rather than fast food.

A London company was due to organise the event but it has now been taken over by Paul Mills, who helps to run the popular Weymouth Seafood Festival.

Paul is hoping to put together the best food showcase he can and is first asking Dorset businesses if they want to get involved before putting out a wider appeal.

Rotary carnival chairman Robert Sedgbeer said: “We are looking to expand the variety of food on offer.”

Mr Sedgbeer said this year’s event will just be a ‘taster’ and he hopes it will be a success so it can be developed next year.

But Dennis Spurr of the Fantastic Sausage Factory in St Mary Street said the food village could affect trade on what is usually an extremely busy day.

Mr Spurr said he had ‘nothing but admiration’ for the carnival committee but feels the amount of stalls that is planned is too much.

He said: “We’re all trying to make as much money as we can in the summer so we can get through the winter.

“I think people should be talking and working together more closely.”

Mr Sedgbeer said: “We don’t want to put people off buying food in the town.

“The idea is about offering people a different experience, and it’s another way of trying to raise as much as we can for local charities.

“If the carnival didn’t happen a lot of local businesses would be upset because we bring in over 100,000 people to the town.”

For food village stall inquiries call Paul Mills on 07814 683619.