A LEGENDARY hockey tournament made a comeback for a weekend of riotous fun and friendly competition.

The Weymouth Hockey Clubs Easter Festival 2009 brought 33 teams from all over the UK to the Redlands Community Sports Hub.

Some players took to the field wearing fancy dress, while others donned their team colours.

Players clashed in the three-and-a-half day tournament while wearing tutus, pirate costumes and comedy sunglasses.

Live music and drinks were laid on during the evening in an on-site marquee.

Co-organiser Sophie Foot, of Weymouth, has been helping to run the tournament for six years, alongside Marianne Gerety.

She said: “People are still enjoying themselves in the miserable weather.

“I think people like to come here because it’s a seaside resort and it’s a nice relaxing weekend.”

The event is supported by local sponsors, St John Ambulance and Redlands’ owners Weymouth College.

Umpire David Sykes volunteered his services to oversee the outdoor and indoor and men’s and women’s tournaments.

Alice Craven, of the Weymouth Weysters, was taking part in the tournament for the eighth year.

She said: “I keep coming back because there’s such a good atmosphere.

“It’s great meeting people from different places and catching up with all the people who have moved away.”

Matt Walkden, chairman of the Weymouth men’s side, said the tournament gives the town a boost.

He said: “We have teams staying locally in bed and breakfasts, so they are spending a lot of money in town.

“From a club point of view this gives us a lot of income.”

Matt added that the tournament helps to give the game more local exposure.

“Weymouth Men’s Hockey Club is the most successful sporting club in Weymouth.

“We’ve won the national vase twice. We hope that this will encourage more people in the area to try it out,” he said.

Weymouth and Portland mayor Tim Munro was visit ing the tournament today to present each visiting team with pennants.