MORE floats are needed to join this year’s Weymouth Carnival procession.

Organisers are surprised that following a public outcry which prompted the return of motorised floats to the August extravaganza, there hasn’t been a huge response as expected.

The door is now open for entries after the carnival committee negotiated a deal with an insurance company to keep costs relatively low.

It will cost £55 per float, although charities, schools and youth groups that take part can claim this money back later.

Weymouth Carnival this year is on Wednesday, August 18, and it promises to be bigger and better than ever with all the usual attractions plus some new events.

The carnival committee said there were over 100 inquiries from potential float entrants earlier this year.

Shaun Hennessy, who is in charge of the procession, suspects there will be a surge of late entries as the event draws near.

But he says it would be preferable if people entered sooner rather than later.

Mr Hennessy said: “There’s a high number of walking entries.

“However, considering the furore surrounding the floats and the campaign to get them back, I’m surprised we’ve not had more float entries.”

Procession entry forms can be picked up from Blondz in St Edmund Street, the Hotel Prince Regent on the Esplanade and the Dorset Echo office on the Granby. Alternatively, visit www.weymouthcarnival.co.uk For procession inquiries contact Shaun Hennessy on 07970 850068.