Dusk Til Dark kicks off in Weymouth with colourful drum show

The annual performing arts festival returned for its fourth year on Friday, with performers bringing pulsating beats, and glowing performances to the town.

The Whitley Bay-based drumming team Worldbeaters popped up in three locations across Weymouth, starting at Bowleaze Cove, then Hope Square before finishing at New Bond Street in the town centre. 

Dusk Til Dark at Hope Square (Image: NQ) This free to attend event comes to the town through We Are Weymouth (Weymouth Business Improvement District) in collaboration with Activate Performing Arts.

Streets were packed as crowds flocked to see the drummers. 

Steve Mapelsden from Weymouth described it as a "really fabulous experience."

He said: "It was really nice to see such a wonderful crowd and the performers did such a good job.

"This is our first time seeing the event and it's a really lovely local attraction. It's nice to have this community moment."

Glenda Llewelyn from Weymouth enjoyed the show but the forward-pushing crowds meant they struggled to see all of the performance. 

The Worldbeaters at Hope Square in Weymouth (Image: NQ) Glenda said: "It feels like if you're in the front row you're in luck but if you're anywhere behind it you're not. We've missed more than we've seen. "

Despite this Glenda was glad to see such a good turnout for a local event. 

She added: "It is nice to see it in Weymouth. The amount of people who have turned up is fantastic. The children are out and the weather is holding which is a bonus."

Hayley Vaux recently moved to the Greenhill area of Weymouth with her family.

Hayley Vaux with her family (Image: NQ) She said: "It was amazing and we need more like it in the area. These events should be held more often."

Matt Wyslocky, from Weymouth, who has attended previous Dusk Til Dark festivals and said the event always offers something "new and inventive" each time.

He said: "It's brilliant because you never know what to expect each time. I like this one because of all the percussion elements. 

Matt Wyslocky (right) with daughter Melonie and friend Carl Hunting (Image: NQ) "We're trying to get my daughter into music and she seemed to really enjoy it. It's always a treat to see what they do each year."

The festival continues on Saturday with the world premiere of Fireflies at 8pm which will be held on Weymouth Esplanade. 

Students from Weymouth College will be part of this performance to create an immersive sensory experience.