Weymouth Carnival organisers are hoping the summer extravaganza can go ahead on its traditional third Wednesday in August next year despite Olympic restrictions.

The organisers have met today’s deadline for applying for carnival favourites the Red Arrows and hope they will be at the event on Wednesday, August 15.

As already reported in the Echo, a temporary airspace restriction over South Dorset next summer to safeguard the Olympic sailing venue in Weymouth and Portland is playing havoc with carnival plans because it could stop the air show.

The carnival would fall between the end of the Olympic Games and before the start of the Paralympics but it was feared the event would still have to be moved forward a few days.

Now it looks as though it will stay on the third Wednesday following ‘very constructive talks’.

However Weymouth Carnival and Air Show 2012 chairman Roger Hogbin said the carnival going ahead was still dependent on fundraising to finance the events and he hopes the town will get behind it.

He also said an application had been sent off to the Red Arrows in time.

Mr Hogbin said: “Following very constructive talks with Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and Olympic organisers, the Weymouth Carnival Committee is very pleased to announce that plans are now progressing with the aim of holding the carnival next year on its traditional day of the third Wednesday in August.

“The current Carnival Committee, which was formed in 2010 by the Rotary Clubs of Weymouth, is very supportive of the Olympics and it anticipates being able to deliver its third successful carnival in 2012.

“There has been considerable and growing support to organise a traditional carnival next year in support of and alongside the Olympics.

“This would mean a lot more family events, in keeping with the wish to deliver the best of Weymouth to a world audience.”

He added: “As far as air displays are concerned, the committee has been meeting with Olympics organisers during the past few weeks to discuss how together they can deal with essential airspace security regulations.

“The carnival and Olympic organisers have together been looking at ways in which the Red Arrows, other RAF aircraft and the Red Devils parachute display team can be secured for 2012, and are currently optimistic of a successful outcome.

“Talks are also continuing in an effort to ensure that other necessary security and sponsorship regulations are negotiated and that the essential funding can subsequently be raised to produce another successful event.

“The committee is very confident that it will be given full support by local people, businesses and the council to make it the best carnival ever.”

Mr Hogbin said a final decision on the way forward will be taken in late October or early November, adding: “The committee hopes that Weymouth Carnival 2012 will be bigger and better than ever, and as much fun as it has ever been.”

The Civil Aviation Authority, which is in charge of implementing the airspace restrictions, said talks were ongoing with carnival organisers.