ORGANISERS behind Weymouth Carnival have revealed they have already secured enough funds to cover the estimated £80,000 cost of running next year's event if every business who has verbally pledged support goes forward with their investment.

Nine businesses have agreed in principle to sponsor the carnival, however only one has provided the funds so far.

The team in charge of bringing back the historic celebration, which was last held in 2018, hosted a second promotional event over the weekend to drum up support. The event is due to return from August 13-15 next year.

The event took place next to the Jubilee Clock, on the seafront, with the aim of recruiting volunteers and committee members, along with attracting more potential sponsors to the cause. It also offered an open forum for members of the public to communicate with the organising team.

John Simpson, vice chairman of the Weymouth Carnival Group, said: “In theory we have covered the cost of the carnival, as long as all the people who have said they will sign up as sponsors actually follow through.

“The event over the weekend was absolutely fantastic, we couldn’t have asked for better. The weather was perfect and everyone enjoyed it. It felt like we made a big impact.

“Loads of people stopped by to chat to us and have a look at what we’re doing. We had a lot of people put their name down to volunteer as ambassadors as well.”

The event included a number of games alongside the information, with activities such as bowls, ball in the bucket and a tombola to keep youngsters entertained.

Mr Simpson added: “We were down there setting up from around 7am and people were coming up to chat to me as soon as we were down there setting up.

“If we can keep the momentum going we’ll be there soon enough. We’re about quarter of the way there now, just need to keep the ball rolling.”

The organising group will be holding an AGM at Pilgrim House on September 17 from 7pm. The meeting will be another opportunity for the public to share any of their feedback and potentially sign up to assist the organisers with the running of the event.