A GRANT scheme allowing groups to organise events to celebrate the 450th anniversary of Weymouth and Melcombe Regis being officially combined by Royal Charter is a huge boost for the community, the town council has said.

Weymouth Town Council has agreed to allocate £15,000 of grants to community groups to mark the special occasion.

The money was left over due to an underspend in the council’s 20/21 grants budget.

It is believed that Weymouth was established as early as the 10th century and its first charter was granted in 1252, confined to the south and west of Weymouth Harbour.

Melcombe Regis developed separately on the peninsula to the north of the harbour. In their early history Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were rivals for trade and industry, but the towns were united in an Act of Parliament in 1571.we hope we will

A spokesperson for the council said: “450 years is a huge landmark for the town. Making these grants available to the community means we can mark it in the most fitting way – festivities arranged by local people.

“As we progress towards summer and hopefully with restrictions easing, I think this will be a real boost for the community and we can get back to what we do so well – celebrating our fantastic local area, history and culture.”

This year marks 450 years from when Weymouth and Melcombe Regis were combined by way of Royal Charter. While it’s thought Weymouth was established as early as the 10th century and its first charter was granted in 1252, it was confined to the south and west of Weymouth Harbour.

The council is keen to support local people arranging celebrations in aid of the milestone and is encouraging anyone interested to get in touch with their ideas. It’s hoped the financial support will enable a number of exciting community events to take place over the year.

Grants will not be available for commercial events, but schools and not-for-profit organisations are eligible. Groups who want to apply can visit weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/weymouth-450

The council’s events team will now be working to create anniversary branded resources for organisations to use to mark the event.

A costed proposal is also being drawn up to look at the possibility of creating anniversary merchandise – such as tea towels, mugs and badges – to be sold from the council offices.