– Autumn and winter events show that Weymouth is much more than an award-winning beach! –
The summer season may have come to an end in Weymouth, but there’s no slowing down for We Are Weymouth (BID). This autumn and winter, the agenda is packed with FREE TO ATTEND events for all the family in Weymouth. From ethereal, gliding, giant opera singing dolls, to pirates running amok in the streets of the town centre there is much to captivate imaginations as we move into the final quarter of the year.
Dawn Rondeau, Chief Operations Officer at We Are Weymouth comments: “Weymouth is famous for its summer season, but for me as the nights draw in and we move into autumn, Weymouth is really something special. The events we put on over the next 4 months captivate the whole town! We had thousands of visitors flock to Weymouth for Dusk Till Dark, we will celebrate Weymouth’s seafaring history with Pirate Fest, and we show everyone how it’s done when it comes to getting into the Christmas spirit with Elves and Steampunk.
I’m incredibly proud that as a small seaside town, Weymouth showcases some extraordinary, FREE TO ATTEND, events that are perfect for the whole family. This fantastic schedule of events shows we’re much more than our award-winning beach and we’re excited to invite locals and visitors to take part in it all.”
October sees pirates take over the town once again for the Weymouth Pirate Fest, hosted by local pirates The Dolmen.
Beginning on the 6th, pirate crews will gather in their glad rags at Hardy’s Hophouse in St Thomas Street (Pirate HQ for the entire Festival), or the Pirate keep in High West Street for a good old-fashioned knees up with live music.
On Saturday 7th October the main shenanigans begin with the notorious Pirate Parade beginning at Pirate HQ. There will be pirate buskers and rascally performances from infamous rogues and henchmen. The day culminates with live music from international band THE DOLMEN on the main stage at Hardy’s Hophouse. The Belvedere will host Captain’s Beard and Dark Trix and for the late-night buccaneers, the Closet will host an adult only Pirate Party.
Sunday begins with panning for gold at the Nothe Fort, a fortifying breakfast and an afternoon of live music at Pirate HQ awaits. All pirates are welcome – young and old – pirate dress is a must!
In true Weymouth fashion Christmas begins in November with Elves Galore! This year, we are throwing Dorset’s largest Street party with a parade commencing in St Mary Street guiding Father Christmas through the Town Centre by hundreds of elves – all elves are welcome! With a marching band, local dance troupes, face painting, stilt walkers, elves big and small, We Are Weymouth is asking locals and visitors alike to don their elf outfits once again and join the parade and street party- making it the biggest the town has ever seen! This elf extravaganza will conclude in New Bond Street with live music, performances, food & drink stalls, Father Christmas’s grotto, and the fantastic Christmas tree and Christmas Elf Light Switch On with local headline band the Leggomen and BGT winner George Sampson to kick off the Christmas season.
Local businesses are being asked to join in the Christmas spirit by not only dressing up as elves but turning their shopfronts into a winter wonderland. it’s the perfect time to explore Weymouth and get a head start on Christmas shopping. For those looking to continue the party, Weymouth’s famous night club The Closet is once again holding its Elf Night – elf dress is essential!
The magical and mechanical returns to Weymouth over the weekend of the 1st – 3rd December. Bringing a touch of fantasy to Christmas celebrations. There will be Steampunk events for all the family including ghost tours, Steampunk fashion, a Market, Yule Ball and a Promenade. Visitors can join in or observe with Steampunk Fashion on display from local students from Weymouth College and Lady Elsie’s collection of original Historical Garments dating back to the early 1800’s. (The collection includes Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian apparel with some replicas also on display seen in many Historical TV shows over the last 20 years). There will be a Steampunk Christmas Market perfect for one-of-a-kind Christmas gifts, ghost tours on the Friday night, performances to entertain all ages at the Annual Yule Ball and finally a refreshing promenade along the seafront will see Steampunkers in all their finery – a great opportunity for pictures.
Weymouth’s Traditional Christmas weekend returns with the Nativity Trail, taking place in 6 churches and businesses throughout the town on Saturday 9th December. Join us to follow the Christmas story, finishing in Hope Square with carols, mulled wine and mince pies, all accompanied by the Salvation Army Band. On Sunday 10th December there are many carol services taking place including the Weldmar light a life service. Whilst you’re here pop over to the Christmas Farmers and Makers Market in New Bond Street, as well as visit our vast array of independent shops offering another fantastic opportunity to pick up unique Christmas gifts.
The last weekend of the Christmas season is the 16th and 17th December – Santa Filled Fun! Over the past 3 weeks children have been busy writing their letters to Santa and this weekend the man himself is coming to collect the letters and take them to the North Pole! Santa will be in his Grotto in Cineworld, for the whole weekend, assisted by some of his elves, and might venture out into the streets to greet the children. There will be stilt walkers. Facepainting and much more to entertain the children during the day.
On Sunday 18th December there’s the annual Pudding Run and Chase the Elf on Weymouth Beach – the perfect conclusion to the We Are Weymouth (BID) Christmas season.
