AN ANNUAL charity extravaganza is set to return to the streets of Weymouth next month - with organisers promising a fun-filled day of live entertainment.
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club’s Annual Street Busk will return on Saturday July 24 - after the event was held virtually last year due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Event organisers are now rallying up-and-coming local musicians and entertainers to join them in making next month's big day a milestone fundraising event.
Weymouth & Portland Lions Club spokesman Kevin Brookes said: "It's been a strange year and we want to raise spirits.
"This year, the Lions will be doubling the fun and entertainment by running two stages.
"The acts will alternate between the two throughout the day.
"The headline act will be Weymouth group Replay on stage one at the junction of St Mary’s Street and Bond Street, while Julie Storey with Let’s Dance will be featuring some of their performers on stage two in the square next to the White Hart pub."
The annual event has been running since the mid 1990s, and the Lions are hoping this year's event will take the fundraising total over the £20,000 mark for good causes since it started.
"The event has been running since 1994 and since then we've raised nearly £20,000 for people in need," said Mr Brookes.
"These people include disabled people so they can purchase new wheelchairs, or it could be people in temporary accommodation who may need new carpets.
"During lockdown we've been supporting foodbanks around areas including Weymouth, Littlemoor and Chickerell.
"So it's important we hold these events so we can keep supporting those less fortunate."
Many local entertainers and performers have been involved in this fantastic achievement over the years, including Ken Watkins, Brian Lincoln, BJ McCabe, Replay, Little Green Men, Anniemac, Tony Lowe and many more.
Mr Brookes added: "Our aim is to now beat the £20,000 mark since the event was established. It was difficult to do that last year with our virtual event because it didn't feel the same, plus we want to get out there and speak to the community face to face."
If you would like to join the line-up, contact club secretary Norman Stagles on: 07412 893889.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here