ORGANISERS are urging people to get their Weymouth Carnival float entries in as the big day approaches.

With just a week to go, plans are being put in place for a spectacular Weymouth Carnival and Air Show.

There will be more things to see and do this year, including an extended music party on the beach and fantastic aerial events.

The highlight is the grand procession which organisers are delighted to confirm will once again include motorised floats as well as walking entries and several marching bands.

But the carnival team, made up of members from the town’s Rotary Clubs is keen that people and groups who want to take part in the parade get their entries in early. Youngsters and adults from Westham are among those busy preparing their float at a special carnival club that has been established on the estate.

Westham Community Group chairman Ryan Hope secured a £1,000 grant from Synergy Housing to run free arts and crafts sessions.

The group is back to defend its title this year as it scooped the cup for the Best Charitable and Community Organisation float at the 2010 carnival.

The Rotary Club organisers brought motorised floats back to the carnival procession after taking over organising duties last year and negotiating an affordable insurance for lorries.

Carnival committee chairman Shaun Hennessy said only motorised flats conveying people needed to pay this insurance.

He said: “I’ve had quite a few calls about this and I’d like to reassure people that walking entries do not need to pay insurance, it’s only floats with people on the back.

“What I would say is however that people need to get their entries to us in plenty of time so we can get an idea of numbers.

“Motorised float entries should be with us 48 hours before carnival day. People walking can turn up on the day but it would make life easier for us if we knew who was taking part a day or two beforehand.”

People taking part in the procession can arrive at the Pavilion car park from 2pm on carnival day, Wednesday August 17.

Judging starts at 4.45pm – the same time road closures come into force – and the procession moves off at 6.30pm following the seaward side of the Esplanade, ending at Lodmoor County Park. It will not follow last year’s route and return to the Pavilion.

For more information about the big day visit weymouthcarnival.co.uk If you are taking part in the procession let the Dorset Echo newsdesk know on 01305 830999 or email: newsdesk@dorsetecho.co.uk

Bus boost

DORSET County Council is laying on an extended park and ride service for people enjoying Weymouth Carnival next Wednesday.

The service will operate as normal until the Esplanade closes at 4.45pm.

Six buses – double the usual three – will then run non-stop throughout the evening ferrying passengers to and from the events.

Between 4.30pm and 8pm, buses will pick up and drop off at the park and ride site and the Wilkinsons side of Commercial Road.

During this time, anyone leaving town to return to the Park and Ride site will need to board the bus at Wilkinsons.

After 8pm, services will return to the normal route, departing from the Pavilion, with the last bus leaving at 10.30pm.

Drivers and staff at busier stops will be on hand during the evening to provide information and advice.

For more information about park and ride services

• THE Weymouth Carnival official souvenir programme is now on sale priced £3.

The Dorset Echo-produced publication tells you all you need to know about the big day, what to see and where.

Its 46 pages are packed with useful information and is a must for anyone intending to visit Weymouth Carnival.

Pick up your copy from the Dorset Echo offices on the Granby Industrial Estate, Blondz in St Edmund Street, the Tourist Information Centre at the Pavilion, Ta Dyo Adelphia Restaurant in St Thomas Street and selected newsagents.