A CENTURIES-old feud between two warring sides of Weymouth harbour is to be re-ignited - but this time it is all in the name of good fun as a sporting event is to commemorate an important historical milestone for the town.

This year marks the 450th anniversary of Melcombe Regis and Weymouth being united as one town. Previously, they were separate harbourside communities that competed over which would unload cargoes and claim landing duties.

But in 1571 Queen Elizabeth put an end to all that - by Act of Parliament she combined the two sides to form what we now call Weymouth.

To commemorate the anniversary a brand new event, the 'MelWey Games' is being held on July 3 and promises to be a lively day and evening of competition and entertainment.

Dorset Echo: Teams in trainingTeams in training

Hosted by the Nothe Fort - with support from Weymouth Rowing Club; marketing firm ITSA Group, and Weyline Taxis - organisers hope to recreate the atmosphere of much-loved former events such as Trawler Race Day.

Highlights will include a gig-rowing race around the Nothe; a barrel-rolling relay, and a tug-of-war - as well as challenges for everyone to participate in - as teams from either bank of the harbour battle it out in a bid to find the winner.

Spectators will be able to watch and cheer on their side from the Nothe Fort and its ramparts, and the seafront.

James Farquharson, chairman of the Nothe Fort, said: “With so long spent under covid lockdown restrictions we think many people will welcome a reason to get out and have some fun.

"We’re keeping the first MelWey Games relatively small, just in case restrictions don’t lift on schedule. However, we hope to tap into the positive aspects of popular long-gone events such as Trawler Race day, and build the event into a warmly-anticipated fixture in the town’s calendar."

Dorset Echo: A gig rowing race around the Nothe Fort is one of the events that will be taking place on the day Picture: MelWey Games A gig rowing race around the Nothe Fort is one of the events that will be taking place on the day Picture: MelWey Games

Residents who identify with places west of the River Wey will be represented by the Weymouth team, wearing green. Those who identify with places to the east of the river are invited to cheer for Melcombe Regis, in blue.

Some of the competitions will take place during an early-evening ticketed charity gala at the Nothe Fort. Tickets will soon go on sale at www.nothefort.org.uk and all proceeds will be donated to Hangers Heroes, a Weymouth-based charity that distributes donations to smaller local causes.

For information visit www.melwey.co.uk or find MelWey Games on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.