A CAR park in Weymouth has been closed to the public ahead of a busy weekend around Weymouth Harbour.

Weymouth Rowing Club is hosting its annual regatta this weekend with hundreds of competitors and spectators expected to attend.

READ MORE: Previewing the Weymouth Pilot Gig Regatta 2024 at the Nothe

The Spanish tall ship El Galeon is also moored in the harbour for visitors to explore.

READ MORE: Tall ship Galeón Andalucía arrives in Weymouth Harbour

Cosens Quay car parkCosens Quay car park (Image: Google Maps)

As a result, the car park at Cosens Quay has been closed to the public to allow safe parking of boats for the regatta and Dorset Council has warned that Weymouth may be busier than usual this weekend.

Taking place on Saturday and Sunday, the regatta is set to decide both a national and local championship.

Hundreds of spectators are expected to enjoy elite-level gig racing between 10am to 5pm on both days, with organisers saying that the best view of the event is from the natural amphitheatre of the Nothe Gardens.

Saturday’s festivities will see the final round of the National Summer Series take place, where the multiple World Champions Caradon and Falmouth Gig Clubs will attend and race alongside a host of other crews from the South West.

Meanwhile, the full-size replica of a 17th-century Spanish tall ship will be open to the public over the weekend, allowing visitors to explore the on-board museum.

A spokesperson for Dorset Council said: "Weymouth Rowing Club is hosting its annual regatta this weekend, and along with the arrival of El Galeon, it is likely to be busier than usual around Weymouth Harbour.

"To allow safe parking of regatta competitors' boat trailers, the car park at Cosens Quay will be closed to the public throughout the weekend.

"No other car parks are affected. Other car parks nearby include Melcombe Regis, Park Street, Swannery, North Quay, Pavilion and The Nothe car parks."