Here's the schedule of events for today's Weymouth Carnival
This year’s event got underway with a loud woof with a brand-new dog show, which was held at the pavilion end of Weymouth Beach.
Crowds were treated to an extra-special performance from then the RAF police dog display team.
This marked the first-time they have performed in Weymouth and on sand.
Mayor of Weymouth and Portland Borough Council, Cllr Gill Taylor, gave the salute to start the exhilarating display.
She said: “I thought they were absolutely brilliant and the fact that they’re working dogs is incredible they are just so lovely. I would like to cuddle them, but I am not sure if that’s allowed.”
Chairman of Weymouth Carnival, Stacey Andrew, said: “They were absolutely marvellous. They did us proud, it must have been tough for them running through all that sand.”
Those attending the event in the afternoon spoke highly of the event.
This year the carnival is raising money for a single charity, The Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance.
Carole Chinn of Dorset and Somerset Air Ambulance said: “This helps to keep the aircraft up in the air. Each time the air ambulance goes on a job, it costs around £3,000, so the money raised will go a long way.”
Yesterday evening saw the return of the annual torchlight procession.
Today a fuller list of events is planned to take place. Here is the full schedule.
The morning will see the crowning of this year’s carnival royalty on the balcony of the New Vic. This will be followed by a sandcastle competition.
Throughout the morning and afternoon there will be a number of activities, including a tug of war, barrel racing and various beach sports.
The air show will get underway at 1pm.This year will mark the return of the Battle of Britain Memorial flight.
The grand procession is set to take place from 6.30pm, starting at the pavilion and a record number of floats have been promised.
For a list of all of tonight’s road closures and parking restrictions click here.
In a last-minute decision, the carnival’s committee decided not to sell programmes at this year’s event. Instead, all the information about what’s happening can be found on the carnival’s website. Announcers will also be keeping visitors up to date on what’s happening. There will also be events lists posted at selling points around the seafront.
Carnival Chairmen Stacey Andrew said: “We were thinking about going green this year and not using paper and printing. It hasn’t gone to plan and we will make sure the programmes are back next year.”
Source: Dorset Echo