Let's Party

Festivals, street parties, parades, live music shows, charity fundraisers, exhibitions and markets are some of the ways people in Dorset will be marking the historic occasion.

Hoteliers and tourism leaders predict bumper visitor numbers as revellers enjoy the extended bank holiday.

Weather forecasters say it will be mainly dry and sunny, although there will be a chance of scattered showers, especially on Monday and Tuesday.

Weymouth expects more than 100,000 visitors as it hosts in excess of 50 different events during the weekend including boat racing, beach parties, the Oyster Festival, Trawler Race Day, a classic car show, a military parade and an international fireworks display. Much of the focus is on the first cross-Channel Small Ships' Race from Weymouth to St Malo organised by the Association of Sea Training Organisations (ASTO) and the International Sail Training Association (ISTA).

The crews, many of whom are youngsters, have been enjoying the resort's hospitality since their arrival earlier in the week and are getting ready for the big send-off tomorrow.

Launching the Small Ships' Race on board the French naval training ship L'Etoile moored on the quay, Weymouth's harbour services chief Martyn Gallivan said: "The event is a real scoop for Weymouth.

"We have been privileged to host three Tall Ships' Races in the past which were very successful.

"The Small Ships' Race is the first of its kind and it is hoped to make it an annual event. It is a great compliment for Weymouth to have been chosen as the first host port and we hope to see the event grow in the future."

Mr Gallivan said the race organisers had earmarked the event for last weekend but the council persuaded them to move it forward a week so it could become part of the jubilee celebrations.

Victoria Getty, wife of millionaire Paul Getty, paid a brief visit to Weymouth last night. She arrived in the resort by helicopter and visited the French ship Mutin, the oldest in the French Navy.

Mrs Getty's father, Gerry Holdsworth, who was chief of special operations in the Secret Service, served on the ship during the Second World War and she was invited to inspect the ship and crew.

Hoteliers in Weymouth say they are already enjoying good business from the jubilee celebrations.

Accommodation enquiries are up 25 per cent compared with the same period last year, according to Weymouth's Tourist Information Centre.

Weymouth Hotels and Catering Association president Keith Salmon said: "No Vacancy signs are starting to go up and hoteliers are feeling very buoyant.

"There's lots going on this weekend and the forecast is looking good. It's going to be a great few days."

Rita Coxon, who runs the Beaufort Hotel on Weymouth Esplanade, said: "I've been inundated with phone calls, it's such a busy weekend.

"Everyone I've spoken to is full as well.

"Weymouth puts on such a good show and people want to be part of it."

The three-star luxury Moonfleet Manor Hotel at Fleet near Weymouth, which has 39 rooms, is almost fully booked.

Marketing manager Fiona Adams said: "We have just one room available for Tuesday.

"Most of our guests are parents and children who are taking advantage of the extended bank holiday."

In Dorchester and in the west of the county it is a similar story and West Dorset leisure and tourism manager Nick Thornley said: "Our bookings are going very well, everything is on the up." He added: "As far as we're concerned the focus this year is on UK holidays following on from last year's foot and mouth epidemic and the events of September 11.

"There are all sorts of things going on in West Dorset for the jubilee. Not all of the events are geared towards tourists because they are organised by local communities but I'm sure the visitors will get involved and enjoy themselves as much as residents."

Dorchester Town Council and the chamber of commerce have joined forces to stage a bumper festival which runs until Tuesday.

Events include a street market today in South Street, flower festival, bonfire and fireworks plus a parade and open-air service at Maumbury Rings tomorrow.

Mayor of Dorchester Trevor Jones said: "There's an awful lot going on in Dorchester to celebrate this special occasion. Events have been organised by the chamber of commerce and the town council, while street parties have been organised by some residents."

Coun Jones added: "I'm sure there'll be something for everybody and I hope people enjoy themselves and have an experience which will stay in their memory for years to come."