THE Red Arrows could be zooming in to this year's Weymouth Carnival.

The world-famous RAF aerobatic display team have been confirmed for this year's event - along with the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

It is now up to the carnival team to raise the money required to pay for the displays - almost £18,000.

Carnival is facing a crisis this year due to a lack of financial support and the organising committee has been attempting to raise the money needed.

A crowdfunding campaign has been launched so people can donate to save the carnival.

Some businesses have already got behind the event, which will take place on Wednesday, August 19 if all goes well.

Organisers booked the air displays last September and have just received confirmation.

Ryan Hope, chairman of the 2015 committee, said: "This is obviously fantastic news for the carnival committee and for the people of Weymouth.

"We had so many people ask if we could try and arrange the Battle of Britain display and we bid for them as well as the Red Arrows.

"The pressure is now really on for the committee and the businesses of Weymouth to raise much-needed cash so we can confirm the bookings with the Royal Air Force”

"The costings involved with having these two displays amounts to nearly £18,000.”

Deputy chairman Lee Armstrong said: “We hope with the confirmation of the Red Arrows which are the biggest crowd draw to the carnival more businesses will get behind carnival.

"We've had so many enquires about the Red Arrows, it just shows what a following they have."

Mr Armstrong said just over 100 people had pledged support on the Crowdfunder site with a total of £1,669 raised. This total added to the sponsor’s pledges so far equates to just over £5,000.

He said: “Now that most seafront and town centre businesses are open ready for the Easter holidays we will now ask each one of them to get behind carnival and pledge a sum."

There will be a collection day in Weymouth town centre on Saturday, April 4.

Businesses who or are interested in viewing the sponsorship packages should contact the committee via email sponsorship@weymouthcarnival.co.uk. To support the crowd funding follow the link from the carnival website weymouthcarnival.co.uk