6:00pm Thursday 18th March 2010
By Martin Lea
WEYMOUTH and Portland is set to sail into a summer packed with fantastic festivals and fun-filled family events.
Representatives from Weymouth and Portland Borough Council climbed aboard TS Pelican in the harbour to launch the resort’s 2010 Festival and Events Guide.
This year’s guide is packed full of 200 seasonal favourites ranging from international festivals, sport championships, markets, art events and family activities.
Each event is hosted in one of many venues across Weymouth and Portland, including the beach, historic harbours and some of the fabulous parks and open spaces throughout the area.
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council spokesman for cultural, tourism and community facilities Brendan Webster said: “The borough’s festivals and events programme is a great success for everybody involved and reflects the commitment, creativity and inspiration of the people of the borough.
“I am delighted to have the opportunity to launch this year’s programme and look forward to supporting a memorable year in the resort.”
Highlights this year include the International Beach Kite Festival in May, Veterans Awareness Week in June, International Maritime Modelling Festival in July and International Fireworks in August.
As the excitement grows for 2012 when Olympic Sailing events will be held in the borough, the third Spirit of the Sea Maritime Festival will be held in July.
People should also look out for the latest details on London 2012 Open Weekend from July 23 to 25 and the B-Side Multimedia Festival from September 17 to 26.
Sport will once again be a major feature through the year, with events including hockey and squash festivals, tag rugby, beach soccer and volleyball, the Lions Beach Motocross, and Thundercat Racing in Weymouth Bay.
The prestigious Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy with its new multi-million-pound development will be host to a number of high-profile World and National Sailing Championship events and training camps throughout the year.
It also promises to be an active year for Weymouth and Portland, with many walks, runs, swims and multi-discipline events for all standards and ambitions.
For details of all events visit www.visitweymouth. co.uk
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