IT’S time to celebrate as the big day is here.

And organisers of Weymouth Carnival 2012 are not going to let a few raindrops spoil their parade.

The forecast is for showers this morning with sunshine later but the carnival committee says grim weather early on should not discourage families from joining the fun as there will be lots to see – and it’s all for free.

Events are going on throughout the day building up to a victory parade by Team GB sailors and the carnival procession in the evening.

Weymouth Carnival 2012 chairman Roger Hogbin said: “It’s going to be a fantastic day.

“You never know with the weather in Weymouth because although it is forecast for showers we might get lucky.”

Events get underway at 10am when the winner of the carnival queen competition is announced.

There’s free live music on the beach stage all day from 11am and Fun Zone on the Esplanade will be packed with street artists and other performers. Look to the skies as some spectacular aerial events are lined up.

Charity and trade stalls will line the seafront and a food village will be on the harbourside near the Pavilion.

Mr Hogbin said: “I’d like to remind people that the live music on the beach, which we are calling Blondz on the Beach, is a free event. Last year there was some confusion with people thinking there was a charge to enter.

“As well as a range of local performers we welcome the Anglo-Maltese singer Sophie who is on a tour of the UK, and Andy Abraham who people may remember from the X-Factor. Andy has gone onto have a successful singing career and is also starring in this year’s Weymouth pantomime.”

Local good causes benefit from the carnival and Mr Hogbin urged people to give generously by dropping money in special points along the seafront and giving to collectors in the procession.

  •  A special guest will be steaming into town today. The Dorset Coast Express steam train will be arriving about 1.45pm bringing passengers on a railtour from London.

The Railway Touring Company run a number of steam trains to the resort every summer and like to coincide a trip with the carnival, one of Weymouth’s busiest days of the year. It is due to be hauled by the locomotives Tangmere and Oliver Cromwell and will return to London about 4.30pm. More steam train excursions are planned over the next few weeks.

Don’t miss out on Olympic parade

DON’T miss your chance to cheer Team GB sailors who will be travelling through Portland and Weymouth on an open top bus today to celebrate their Olympic success and thanks fans for support.

It will leave from Osprey Quay on Portland and travel through Fortuneswell , arriving at the first viewing point, Portland Heights, at 3.30pm.

At 4.15pm the bus will travel through Victoria Square onto Wyke Regis for approximately 5pm, before going along Buxton Road, Rodwell Avenue and into Hope Square.

The bus parade will culminate with a tour of Weymouth seafront from the Pavilion to Lodmoor at 6.20pm, ahead of the traditional carnival procession.

Main timetable of events for 12-hour spectacular

  • 10am: Official opening and carnival queen crowning at New Vic
  • 10.30am: Red Devils parachute display team
  • 11am-9.30pm: Music on the beach
  • 12-5pm: Fun Zone on Esplanade including stunt bikes, belly dancing, music and games
  • 1.35pm: Battle of Britain Memorial Flight
  • 2.45pm: Yak aerobatic display n 5pm: Aerostars aerobatic display
  • 5.45pm: Motorbike parade along seafront
  • 6.20pm: Olympic bus on seafront (see above)
  • 6.30pm: Procession from Pavilion to Lodmoor
  • 9.30pm: Fireworks
  • 10pm: Carnival draw winners announced