ORGANISERS today decl-ared: ‘Hands off Weymouth Carnival!’ Members of Weymouth’s Rotary Clubs, who have taken over the running of the August extravaganza, spoke after hearing about plans to introduce a 2012 arts and culture carnival for the Cultural Olympiad.

It is envisaged that Weymouth will host an event showcasing all South West carnivals between the Olympic and Paralympic Games in two years.

Lottery money is being applied for to fund the Quest project.

This and other events are being co-ordinated by Dorset’s new carnival development officer who has been appointed to work with community groups and act as a link between organisers of big events.

Amy Eastwood said she was keen to work with Weymouth Carnival organisers to ‘inspire them’ and investigate opportunities for development.

But the Weymouth Carnival committee is concerned it could be swallowed up in 2012 celebrations and lose its primary focus.

The committee says Ms Eastwood has not even approached them.

Rotary carnival chairman Robert Sedgbeer said: “We run Weymouth Carnival – no one else.

“It’s run as a charity event which is the main reason why Rotary got involved.

“The artistic element is encouraged but the primary aim is about supporting local charities and we wouldn’t want to move away from that.

“If there are grants available to enhance the carnival then I think we should be getting involved to say what needs it.”

Committee member Shaun Hennessy said: “We think the carnival development officer should be talking to us if she has plans for Weymouth Carnival.”

Ms Eastwood, who has been working part-time since May, is based at the theatre and dance development agency Activate in Wimborne.

She said: “My role is about providing opportunities to community groups and carnival committees, including helping them to apply for grants.

“In fact, anyone interested in carnivals can use me as a central point of contact. I’m planning to get to one of the Weymouth Carnival meetings.

“I’m keen to work with them and see how I can support them.

“I don’t want the committee to feel I’m ignoring them but I’m just getting my feet under the table.”

Ms Eastwood added: “Weymouth Carnival will be there in 2012 as it always has. I’ll be holding discussions with the organisers on how they want to move that forward. It will be a big part of the Olympic celebrations.”

l The new-look Weymouth Carnival on Wednesday, August 18, will see the return of motorised floats after a two-year absence as well as all the usual attractions plus some new ones too.

For more information visit: www.weymouthcarnival.co.uk