A NEW music and entertainment festival to be held in Weymouth during the summer has been announced.

Called the “Out Loud” festival, it has been organised by the Weymouth Business Improvement District and the Lions Club of Weymouth and Portland, and will be held on June 27 and 28.

Throughout the weekend, Weymouth town centre will host a number of different acts and performers, including bands, choirs, dancers, clowns and many more at locations such as New Bond Street, St Thomas Street and St Mary Street.

The Out Loud Festival will also be a charity event and the organisers are hoping that if this year’s event is successful it will become an annual event.

Lions club president Norman Stagles, said: “Weymouth and Portland Lions Club currently organise a range of events including the annual Beach Motocross Weekend, the Christmas Day Harbour Swim and an annual free Christmas Show at the Pavilion for senior citizens.

“We are absolutely delighted to have the opportunity to organise another charity event for the town. With the financial support of the Weymouth BID we have every intention of turning the town into a place of music and fun for a whole weekend, and then make the Out Loud Festival into an annual event.

“We hope that local entertainers will give up a little of their time to perform and help us to raise some money for good causes while entertaining people in the town centre while they shop.”

Both the Weymouth BID and the Lions club are now appealing for local acts to get in touch with them to participate and perform in the event.

Steve Newstead, chairman of Weymouth BID, said “The Out Loud Festival will give businesses an opportunity to build promotions and offers around the event to encourage more visitors to spend in the town and enjoy the festival.

“One of the BID’s business objectives is to drive more visitors into the town during the shoulder season months and the Out Loud Festival ticks all the boxes.”

To contact the organisers about performing at the event, contact Ray Banham on raybanham62@gmail.com, or phone 07788 792114.

For any other information contact the Weymouth BID on 01305 779410 or email info@weymouthbid.co.uk