THE country's biggest beach volleyball event returns today but still faces an uncertain future despite being saved from being scrapped for 2024.

As previously reported, organisers of the 2024 Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic confirmed it will be going ahead following new support - though there are still fears for its long-term survival.

READ MORE: Major Weymouth event saved from the axe

Back in April, organisers said the event was in jeopardy when Weymouth Town Council withdrew funding and told them they would be charged £1,500 to use the beach.

In a major boost, Classic organisers said the council's beach fee has been withdrawn this year and new sponsors have been found, so the event is going ahead.

We Are Weymouth (BID), and Nantes Solicitors are once again sponsoring the event with Ultra Maritime and Mervyn Stewkesbury Foundation Trust also providing the additional funding the event requires.

The long-term future is still in doubt as it is understood that the town council may levy the charge next year.

The competition will take place from today (Thursday, July 25) until Sunday, July 28 on the summer courts on Weymouth Beach.

The Classic kicks off this evening with the traditional Nantes Charity Event where 32 local businesses will battle it out for the title.

This is followed on Friday afternoon with the qualifying event of 12 teams competing in the men's and women's competitions - with the final two sides going into Saturday’s main draw.

Graeme Sawyer, co-Director of the event, said: "The long-term future of the event is still questionable.

"UK Beach Tour will be taking the lead in the future, after 41 years I will be taking a bit of a back seat.

"We have sponsors for this year and we hope that they will stay with us, but that is still up in the air.

"Until we get a long term sponsor on the dotted line, the future will unfortunately be in doubt."