Funfairs will return to Weymouth Pavilion after all

A decision by the Town Council's been overturned

Author: Faye TryhornPublished 9th Mar 2023

Fun fairs in Weymouth have been saved!

The town council's voted to reinstate bookings at Weymouth Pavilion Forecourt and on the seafront.

The plan to scrap the fairs had come as a shock, but concerns had been raised by hoteliers over noise and anti-social behaviour.

There will now be conditions on what time they have to close by and how loud music can be played.

The fairs will have to close no later than 9.30pm on 'non-event nights', and no later than 10.30pm on 'event nights' such as Bonfire Night.

Operators will also be required not to set up or break down equipment after 10.00pm or before 8.00am.

Music and announcements will also have to be at a lower volume for the last hour of operation, with two licensed door supervisors also required on event nights.

Public toilets will have to be provided by the funfair operator too.

The decision means fairs will go ahead on the following dates:

  • 29th April to 1st May (three days)
  • 6th to 8th May (King’s coronation weekend, three days)
  • 27th May to 4th June (May half-term, nine days)
  • 1st to 31st August (Summer holidays, one operator)
  • 21st October to 29th October (October school half-term, nine days)
  • 5th November (Bonfire Night, one day)

Funfairs that were already booked at Easter and at the Jubilee Clock site remain unchanged.

Mayor Cllr Ann Weaving, and Chair of Full Council, said:

“The decision to reinstate the funfair bookings on the Pavilion forecourt, along with the additional measures we have agreed the operators must put in place, seeks to address the diverse concerns put forward from members of the public, local organisations, and local businesses. The funfairs provide activities for the benefit of both residents and visitors, and I’m grateful to everyone who has taken the time to contribute their views on this topic.”

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