Rising costs and lack of support have been blamed for the decline of carnival over recent years - but it could be in line for a huge revamp if the proposed partnership between the Rotary Club and the BID is successful.

Reacting to the statement released by Miss Andrew on Tuesday, Ryan Hope, who was carnival chairman for a number of years before departing due to family commitments in 2018, said: "It's a great sadness to hear the news, however carnival has been financially struggling for a number of years.

"Unfortunately, the situation is that costs are increasing. Services which were previously free now have a high cost...sponsorship is harder to get.

"It needs more support from local businesses and from those that attend to put their hand in their pocket and spend. At the end of the day, somebody has to pay for it."

Claudia Moore, chief operating officer of Weymouth BID, said: "We know that carnival is important to local businesses. We are due to have discussions on Friday about possible suggestions for next year. If anyone wanted to put forward a proposal for this year we would listen to that too.

"We are also hoping to support events like Pride and a possible Pirate Festival outside of the summer period."

Cllr Gill Taylor, Mayor of Weymouth and Portland, said: "It will be a sad loss for the town if the carnival is unable to continue."