THE countdown is on for the 'MelWey Games' event - an extravaganza of music, entertainment and contests to celebrate a historical milestone for Weymouth.
Hosted by the Nothe Fort next Saturday July 3, the MelWey Games is being organised to commemorate 450 years since Melcombe Regis and old Weymouth were joined, to form what is now Weymouth.
The event will see teams representing either side of the harbour battle it out to decide the ultimate winner in what promises to be a lively spectacle - contests include beer-barrel rolling, Dorset Knob-throwing, a tug of war, and a gig-rowing race around the Fort - as well as music from local band The Leggomen, and others.
Residents are invited to host their own contests - these could range from an arm-wrestle to a football match - the only stipulation is that teams must represent either Melcombe Regis (on the town side of the harbour) or old Weymouth - results must be sent to event organisers before 7pm on the day to be added to the score board.
The beauty of the concept is that people can join by holding their own contests from any location. However, the highlight is an evening charity gala event being held at the Nothe Fort, where guests can watch the main rowing race around from the ramparts, soak up the atmosphere and enjoy live music and entertainment.
Refreshments will be available from a cocktail truck as well as the café - and the Fort's beacon will be lit for the final prize giving ceremony.
The gala will also be the venue for the barrel-rolling relay race - and teams of four are being invited to sign up ahead of the event.
Meanwhile, a contest is being held to find the 'MelWey Crier,' who will bellow out the name of the winning side - all with the support of Britain's champion Town Crier, Alistair Chisholm from Dorchester.
Nothe Fort chairman James Farquharson said: "Power and style, that's what makes a good town crier. Men and women, boys and girls, if you're a legendary shouter in the making, Alistair will polish your natural talent to give you the best shot of attaining your ear-splitting destiny in an open competition to pick the best."
Ticket sales for the charity gala will raise funds for 'Hangers Heroes' charity, which supports other local good causes, and are available from www.melwey.co.uk or at the Nothe Fort's front desk.
Running order for the day:
2pm to 4pm – Weymouth Rowing Club intraclub rowing race
4pm to 9.30pm – Nothe Fort, Charity Gala
4pm to 7pm – Dorset Knob throwing (individual event)
4.30pm to 5.30pm – MelWey rowing race
5.30pm to 6.15pm – Tug of War
6.15 to 6.45 – Barrel Rolling relay
6.45 to 7pm – Points added and beacon lit
7pm to 7.15pm – prize giving
7pm to 8.30pm – live music
8.30pm to 9.30pm – recorded music
For more information visit www.melwey.co.uk
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