DETAILS of Christmas celebrations in Weymouth have been unveiled - including a light projection project and Victorian craft fair - after the town's traditional lights switch on was cancelled amid Covid.

The Planning and Governance committee from Weymouth Town Council will meet tomorrow to discuss the plans.

Weymouth BID, with the help of Weymouth Town Council, hopes to create a Christmas light projection project at four locations around the town to provide an attraction for residents to enjoy without the risk of creating crowds in any particular area so minimising the risk of coronavirus spreading.

The four-week project will cost almost £40,000 to run. Weymouth BID has requested a £20,000 contribution from the council to help fund the project.

The Finance and Governance Committee has recommended the council allocate £20,000 to the project by using some of the £26,450 budget that was earmarked for VE and VJ Day celebrations which did not take place. This recommendation needs to be referred to the full council for a final decision.

A spokesman for the Finance and Governance Committee said: "The BID's proposed festive lighting project is innovative, although untested, however this might be one of the few events or displays to take place in Weymouth this Christmas due to social distancing requirements."

The committee will also discuss a grant application submitted by Nothe Fort to host a Victorian Christmas market in partnership with Dorset Food and Drink. Participants at the end will be dressed in Victorian costume and the Fort will be decorated for a traditional Christmas.

The project will cost £3,455 and organisers have applied for a £1,945 grant from the council. The application includes details of safety measures that will be put in place if the event goes ahead, including hand sanitisation stations around the site, extra cleaners to clean throughout the event and enforced social distancing.

A spokesman for the Finance and Governance Committee said: "The event will offer a high level of covid-safety and will only go ahead if permitted by government regulations and advice."

The committee will recommend the council allocates the grant.