SPECTATORS can enjoy a new look to Weymouth Carnival which this year will take place over three days.

Groups and organisers rallied round to form a committee when previous carnival organisers Weymouth Round Table stood down after last year's 50th event.

Committee chairman Sue Follan said: "People can look forward to seeing some of their old favourites including the Red Arrows who have confirmed they are coming.

"We will also be having the London Fire Brigade parachute display team, the Guinot wing walkers, the Battle of Britain memorial Spitfire, an Air Sea Rescue display and the Blades aerial display."

Ground events for the climax of the carnival on August 20 will include a tug-of-war, a new event involving pulling a fire engine, the evening walking parade, a spectacular fireworks display and a grand draw for a new Mazda 2 car.

Sue said: "Weymouth Carnival 2008 will be different because we are holding events over three days.

"The traditional fun run, which used to be held on carnival day, will now be held on Monday, August 18 at 7pm.

"The course will be different and this year everyone will start from behind the Pavilion and be led around Alexandra Gardens by Howie the carnival bear.

"It will also not be an athletics race but a family fancy dress fun run where taking part is the main thing. We also hope that those in the fun run will take part in the walking procession on Wednesday, August 20."

Monday will also see a giant arena on the beach during the day which will be filled with events from a donkey derby and rubber ring run to a Frisbee frenzy.

On Tuesday, August 19, the same arena will host a sports day led by Weymouth FC stars.

Sue said: "There will also be a variety of displays during the day including a new one by the Major Wrecks, a spoof majorette dance team of over-60s."

All this will be preceded by the Carnival Ball at Weymouth Pavilion Ocean Room on August 9 at which the carnival queen will be crowned.

Everyone can keep up to date with carnival events and entry forms by checking out the carnival website at www.weymouthcarnival.co.uk