The future of Weymouth Carnival is in crisis as the organisers for the 2019 event have 'stopped trading' and pulled out.

Weymouth Carnival is an immensely popular and long-running event in the town's calendar which raises money for good causes while also giving locals and visitors a fun day out.

Thousands of people attended the 2018 event, which was revamped and led to some elements being scrapped to try and make the carnival more cost-effective.

However, the organisers for this years event have tonight (January 15) announced that they were pulling out.

Stacey Andrews, former carnival chairman, said: "It is with great sadness that I announce Weymouth carnival and Weymouth carnival and events club have ceased trading.

"Although last year was a fantastic event we failed to raise enough funds to continue.

"We also have a distinct lack of volunteers I would like to respectfully remind you that Weymouth carnival is put on and managed by volunteers alone and in the end only 6 of us worked extremely hard to put it on mostly to the cost of ourselves and our families.

"That said I would like to take time to thank everyone that helped for all your efforts and hard work."

In December, The Echo learnt that organisers were facing financial difficulties due to allegations of money being owed, and that there were concerns next year's event would not go ahead.

Carnival secretary Samantha McIntosh told the Echo that money was owed to the carnival organisers, and she indicated there would not be a carnival next year unless a new group took it on.

It is unclear at this stage whether a new group of organisers will step forward to save the carnival.

The event was due to take place on August 20 and 21.