A national chain has stepped forward to sponsor Weymouth's BIG Christmas.

Asda have scooped up the 'Gold' sponsorship package for the fast approaching BID's BIG Christmas.

Darren Rideout, store manager at Asda Weymouth said: “We are very happy to support the Weymouth’s BIG Christmas, this year promises to be bigger and better than ever offering lots of things to do and encouraging people to spend more time in Weymouth enjoying the real ice rink and the entertainment which has been arranged for December 1 when the Christmas tree and Christmas lights will be switched on.

"I know my colleagues in store are really looking forward to it and we will be bringing the Asda Christmas Cabin to the heart of Weymouth town centre on December 9 and 10."

The 'Silver' sponsorship opportunity is still available plus five 'Bronze' sponsors who can take advantage of advertising around the ice rink and radio advertising.

One of the Bronze sponsors, Paul Hay of Fish 'n' Fritz said: “Each year the Big Christmas celebration in Weymouth just gets bigger and better, we have really noticed an upturn in business each December since it has started and we are really excited to be involved with it this year."

Many businesses are supporting the event by taking Bronze sponsorship and any businesses who are interested in one of the remaining packages should contact the BID office as soon as possible as sponsorship booking closes on Thursday, November 23 to allow time for business logos to go on all marketing materials.

Steve Newstead, Weymouth BID chairman, said “We have taken a lot of time and effort this Christmas to make sure that businesses have the opportunity to be involved.

"Sponsorship is an important part to delivering a successful event but there are also lots of other ways that businesses can still join in by creating competition prizes, and using the BID to promote special Christmas offers or promoting events on the weareweymouth.co.uk website."

The BIG Christmas ice rink will open on Thursday, November 30 when it will be opened by the Mayor of Weymouth and Portland for VIP skating sessions for sponsors and guests.

Special £5 Friday tickets will be available on Friday, December 1 after which bookings will be open for all ice rink tickets at £7.50 for a 45 minute ice skating session which includes skate hire.

Book your skating session at weareweymouth.co.uk/christmas and for more information about sponsorship email info@weymouthbid.co.uk or call 01305 779410.