WEYMOUTH'S Christmas lights switch-on event could see a new entry in the Guinness book of records.

The lights will be officially switched on at 4pm today, and it is hoped around 2,000 elves will gather in an attempt to beat the record for the most in one place.

A variety of elf workshops and activities are being held throughout the town centre today from 10am.

At the time of writing, events were still going ahead as planned despite the weather forecast - keep up to date with the latest news at www.dorsetecho.co.uk

There will also be an elf trail at the Palm House Cafe, in Commercial Road, and a screening of Will Ferrell's 'Elf' movie at Cineworld in Weymouth.

The switch-on event will be held in New Bond Street, where there will be live entertainment and a countdown. Organisers We Are Weymouth are calling for people to gather from 3pm onwards dressed as elves with the aim of reaching a head-count of 2,000 - which would be enough to beat the current record of 1,790.

People can take their own elf outfits or children can have a go at making their own at one of the workshops on the day.

Free parking will be available in Weymouth town centre car parks including: The Pavilion and forecourt, Council Offices, North Quay, Governors Lane, Cosens Quay, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, Park Street, Royal Yard and Swannery.

For more details about free parking, the Christmas lights switch on and more, visit www.weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk/christmas-in-weymouth-2021/ or see the town council's Facebook and Twitter pages.