Everything you need to know about New Year's Eve in Weymouth

Weymouth's New Year's Eve celebrations are famous up and down the country, with people traditionally descending on the town en masse in fancy dress before gathering at the Jubilee Clock on the Esplanade to see in the start of the new year and sing the iconic Auld Lang Syne.

And with Boris Johnson giving the green light for celebrations this year, the town is preparing to party once again on December 31.

What events are taking place in Weymouth?

A mixture of Weymouth’s many pubs and bars will be hosting their own events at a time when the industry is facing several challenges as a result of the pandemic.

The Royal Oak on the harbour will be hosting a free entry event with singer Finlay offering some live music between 9-11pm. 

Across the water The Old Rooms Inn will be hosting a night of events including tunes from Finn Hogmanay who will be playing from 10pm.

A few doors down at The Kings Arms, celebrations will be taking place from 9pm. In the town centre The Duke of Cornwall will be hosting the band The Riffs from 10pm to say goodbye to 2021 and hello to 2022.

For those after a different vibe the Batida Bar will be hosting a strictly disco night on New Year’s Eve, while not too far away despite their band cancelling due to Covid, Hardys Hop House will still be open for customers to welcome in the new year.

Over at The Belvedere there will be a 70s glam rock party all night and at The Closet, DJs Matty H and Ben Hadwin will be on the decks from 8pm. The Golden Lion will also be open, but as a result of their DJ cancelling, its owners are on the lookout for a replacement act.

At The Black Dog singer Georgie Broad will be offering all the hits from 10pm until half midnight at a free-to-enter event. And if karaoke is more your style then head to The White Hart Tavern for the night to see in the new year for free.

The Gloucester will also be hosting New Year's Eve celebrations with the pub's resident DJ spinning the decks from 9pm and fancy dress encouraged.

Singer Nicki Cattell will be hosting a fun evening of events at Al Molo in Weymouth, with a variety of musical covers to get you in the party mood at the ticketed event, while The Edinburgh will be offering its party atmosphere with live music including from singer Rich Cooper between 9pm and 12.30am.

What events have been cancelled in Weymouth?
Despite no restrictions imposed, some event organisers made the decision to cancel festivities, including the Quayside Music Festival, which was originally planned to be outside Rendezvous and The Anchor.

However, organisers said they took the ‘very difficult’ decision to cancel as a result of Covid-19. The event had been planned to run outside on Custom House Quay, complete with a large marque, until 4am.

Nautico Lounge has also taken the decision to temporarily close as a result of some staff members isolating with coronavirus.

Will there be fireworks on Weymouth beach for New Year’s Eve?
Often fireworks can be seen on the seafront but Weymouth Town Council has said they have not organised their own display this year.

What are the current restrictions ahead of New Year’s Eve?
In England the rules have not changed. The guidance is that people hitting the town are urged to undergo a lateral flow or PCR test to make sure they test negative and as always to regularly wash hands.

Under rules introduced in December nightclubs are required to check for Covid passports, which can be provided using the NHS app to show two vaccine doses, a negative test or if you're medically exempt.

What will you be doing on New Year's Eve? If you're out make sure to send us your pictures on the 'submit your news' section of the website.