ORGANISERS behind Weymouth Carnival 2021 have revealed they have approached hundreds of businesses to support the event - but only have four currently signed up.

They are now pleading for community support for the three-day extravaganza, which will be packed with traditional games, entertainment and a seafront procession. It is expected to cost around £80,000 to stage.

The event is planned to run from August 13-15 next year, following a two-year absence, and will run over three days for the first time.

But organisers say they desperately need sponsorship from businesses, and people to volunteer for the event - which will mark 100 years since the first Weymouth Carnival - to be a success.

At an information event in the town centre, John Simpson, vice chair of the new carnival committee, said: "We're hoping to get the Red Arrows back but costs have increased significantly - we need everyone to get on board and for businesses to sponsor us.

"There's been a lot of positivity but it has been a mixed reaction. Some people have said we're flogging a dead horse, which is quite negative really. The carnival is a very positive thing for the community, but unless the community believes in it, it's not going to work.

"I spent three days on the seafront trying to drum up support from businesses, and have written to around 250 more, and just four pledged their support.

"If every business in town puts in a fiver - or if 80,000 individuals donated a pound - we'll have a carnival."

The annual carnival ceased running in 2019 with the then-organisers citing a lack of funds as the reason for the cancellation.

The new organising group formed a community interest company in January this year, with the aim of becoming more self-sufficient to bring the event back next year.

A survey carried out by the committee indicated that the majority of people would prefer the event to happen over a weekend, instead of on a Wednesday as in previous years. The main procession for next year's event is planned for the Sunday evening.

Mr Simpson said: "We know people in this town want it back, it's part of the tradition of Weymouth and can be traced back to 1921.

"Let's all pull together to get it off the ground and have a jolly party next year."

Craig Oakes, president of Weymouth & Portland Chamber of Commerce urged businesses to get behind the carnival.

He said: "By helping financially or with time - or even encouraging your staff to get involved - there is no reason that a year from now we can't have an amazing celebration with a rejuvenated and revamped Carnival 2021.

"It is entirely in our hands to support the carnival and make it truly fantastic once again."

If you would like to join the committee or sponsor Weymouth Carnival 2021 email volunteer.weymouthcarnival@gmail.com or promotion.weymouthcarnival@gmail.com