The wheels are in motion for a major Weymouth Carnival comeback after renewed interest was sparked.

Plans are being discussed for a new community event which would 'pay homage' to carnivals of old.

It could be held over three days, move away from its traditional August date so schools can be involved, and include the wider town, not just focused on the seafront.

These ideas have come out of an initial meeting involving key people and also from a consultation event held at Littlemoor on Thursday evening.

All are in agreement that carnival needs to be resurrected – but incorporated into an up-to-date event which involves the wider community and have longevity. It could include some of the elements which made carnival so popular, such as the parade and some air displays, but involve more people and events.

People have got together to see what can be done after this summer saw the absence of Weymouth Carnival for the first time in its almost 70 year history. Previous organisers had to pull out amid financial difficulties which led to the event's collapse.

Following new discussions, it has been suggested a community interest company (CIC) is established to run a new event.

Elysia Jade Munday, a former organiser and carnival queen, is among those who have been involved in discussions.

At the Littlemoor meeting she was appointed interim chairman of a new committee with Sebastian Green as vice chairman.

They are now seeking people with various skills and backgrounds to join their committee.

The task they face will not be easy – the plan is to hold this new event in 2021, possibly in July – so there is many months of planning ahead.

Elysia said next year could see a 'mini carnival' – held on the traditional date of the third Wednesday in August – which would be a chance to say 'farewell' to the old format ahead of the new event launch. It is unlikely carnival favourites the Red Arrows will appear next year as there's just a few days left to get an application in. However they could make a big comeback in 2021.

Elysia said: "The wheels are in motion. We're in the early stages but something is going to happen.

"We are in agreement that if we brought the carnival back in its old format it would be bringing it back for its own funeral.

"We want something that has longevity. We know the carnival means so much to people and we want to take those elements which have made it such a success and run a new event involving the whole community. It would not be in competition with other events, it would be part of a big movement."

Anyone who wishes to express interest in joining the committee either as an individual or representative of a group, or to show support in any way, email ElysiaJMunday@outlook.com