THE countdown is on for Weymouth Carnival 2012 which will be held a week today.

The Olympics may be over by then but the party spirit will continue for the extravaganza which has grown to become one of the top charity carnivals in the south.

Air displays, family entertainment, live music and the grand procession will help to keep the festival atmosphere going.

Events will get under way at 10am when the carnival is opened by X-Factor star Andy Abraham on the balcony of the New Vic followed by the crowning of the carnival queen.

The carnival is without the Red Arrows for the first time in years but other spectacular aerial displays have been lined up, including headline act the Aerostars, guaranteed to wow the crowds.

The carnival’s finale will see a magnificent firework display in Weymouth Bay before the winners of the draw are announced.

As usual, a new car is up for grabs as first prize – but carnival organisers from Rotary had to do a bit of extra negotiating this year.

They like to promote the draw in the run-up to the big day by showing off the car on the seafront, but there are strict regulations in place governing advertising and trading during the Olympics.

Carnival 2012 chairman Roger Hogbin said: “As BMW is one of the Olympic sponsors we negotiated a BMW-made car as first prize.

“We’ve got a Mini First worth £12,000 supplied by Westerly Dorchester at a significant discount which translates into sponsorship.

“By having a BMW it means we can promote the draw on the seafront during the Olympics.”

Draw tickets priced £1 are available at the carnival stall on the seafront opposite the King’s Statue. They will also be sold outside Debenhams today and Friday, plus at supermarkets next week.

Mr Hogbin said: “We’re steaming ahead now and there’s just one week to go.

“The Olympic Games will be over but the party continues. It’s an opportunity for the town to celebrate after welcoming the world to Weymouth and Portland .”

A big push is now on for more entries for the carnival procession.

The cost of float insurance stays the same as last year, £56, which charity entries can apply to have refunded afterwards.

Download an entry form from weymouthcarnival2012.co.uk Procession inquiries to Stuart Bainbridge on 01305 871664.