Weymouth carnival comeback cancelled for 2024

Weymouth's last carnival was staged in 2018

Weymouth Carnival has been cancelled for 2024, organisers have said.

The event, last held at the Dorset seaside resort in 2018, had been expected to make a comeback in August.

Organisers said they had been unable to secure the necessary approvals and funding but were working to hold an alternative summer event.

In a statement, the team said it would continue to work with the council, businesses and the community to bring back the carnival.

"All donations we have raised will be carried forward to the future events. All stall holders will be contacted soon for a full refund," the statement added.

The carnival had previously ceased trading due to a lack of money and volunteers.

A community interest company (CIC) was formed to restore the event, but in 2021 its committee stood down, saying it was "extremely unlikely" it would be revived.

Last year, a new team of organisers announced they were working to bring it back.

On Thursday, a statement on the carnival Facebook page said: "We appreciate all the support so far and we will continue to engage with the local council, local businesses and communities in Weymouth to bring back the carnival."

It added: "The organisation, including the dance and set company, will continue to operate as normal."

Organisers of nearby Swanage Carnival said they were "shocked and saddened" by the news.

Responding to the Facebook announcement, they said: "After all the effort that you put in to make Weymouth Carnival start up again. We hope you will keep your dream alive."

Other people also expressed their disappointment, with some saying they had booked their holidays to the resort to coincide with the event.

Weymouth Carnival had been held each August for most of the past 100 years, with a Red Arrows display being a regular highlight in recent decades.