Summer Madness: Try Punch and Judy on the beach

The seaside tradition dates back to 1662 but puppeteer Mark Poulton said it is rare to find a Punch and Judy Show on the beach today.

Weymouth’s Punch and Judy Show, which came to the town in the 1880s, has gradually moved further along the beach from opposite the Jubilee Clock to where it stands today close to the King George statue.

The puppeteer is traditionally known as ‘the professor’ and Professor Mark Poulton said that he always gets a great response from the audience in Weymouth.

He said: “Some holidaymakers have told me that they have come here specifically to see the Punch and Judy.

He added: “It’s a show that has got to be seen to be believed.

“People think all Punch and Judy shows are the same but it all depends on who is doing the show.”

Cassie and Dave Hindley, both 31, from Wigan were enjoying a Punch and Judy show while on holiday with their daughters six-year-old Leah and two-year-old Reanna.

Mr Hindley, who was staying with his family at Littlesea Holiday Park, said: “It’s the first time we have seen one of these. Some of our friends have been here and told us about it because there aren’t many around any more.

“I thought it was very good and Reanna liked the crocodile best.”

You can watch the Punch and Judy Show every day for just 80p throughout the summer, Monday-Sunday, at the 12pm, 2pm and 3.30 showing.

There will also be an evening showing on firework nights on August 2, 9, 23 and 30 at 8.30pm.

See www.weymouthpunch.co.uk for more details.

What's on this summer

Events can be subject to change/cancellation due to weather or operational restraints and conditions. Please contact the Tourist Information Centre on 01305 785747 before travelling.

THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Punch and Judy Show: Enjoy some traditional entertainment this summer – noon, 2pm or 3.30pm showingon Weymouth beach throughout the summer holidays.

RSPB Radipole Lake and Arne: Keep the kids busy during the summer holidays, bring them along to Radipole Lake or Arne anytime during the school holidays and let them run wild. Bird bingo and wildlife explorer backpacks will be available for hire all summer. Contact Radipole Lake on 01305 778313 or Arne on 01929 553360.

Haunted Harbour Tour: Every Wednesday throughout the year, weather permitting. Discover the long forgotten haunts of history around the famous Old Weymouth and Melcombe Regis Harbour. Many of the harbourside Inns have reputed haunted happenings and sightings. Contact 01305 775506.

JULY

24-30: Optimist National Sailing Championships, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). Visit www.wpnsa.org.uk

25-30: Weymouth Lifeboat Week. Visit www.weymouthlifeboat.com

24 July-15 August: Turtle conservation weeks at Weymouth Sea Life Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit www.sealife.co.uk

28: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series, Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

30: Teddy Bears’ Picnic, Victoria Gardens on Portland, 11am to 1pm.

30 July-1 August: RAF Careers Beach Volleyball Classic – Weymouth Beach. Visit www.weymouthbeachvolleyball.co.uk

31: Gooseberry Fayre, Weston Road, Portland.

AUGUST

2, 9, 23 and 30: Fireworks and entertainment, Weymouth seafront

2, 9, 23, 30: Summertime open evenings, the Nothe Fort. Visit www.nothefort.org.uk

3: Mini beasts and dragons, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve, 10am to 1pm. Contact 01305 778313

4: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series, Bowleaze Cove at 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

7: Mad about Moths, RSPB Radipole Lake Nature Reserve, 8am to 10am. Contact 01305 778313.

7 and 8: Nothe Fort 150th Anniversary. Visit www.nothefort.org.uk

9 to 14: Weymouth Art Group Annual Art Exhibition, Weymouth Library. Contact 01305 76241811

11: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series at Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

11: Go batty, RSPB Radipole Lake nature reserve between 7.45pm and 9.45pm. Contact 01305 778313

14: Summer Fete, Easton Gardens, Portland, 10am to 4pm

15: British Heart Foundation Hearts First Swim at Weymouth Bay. Visit www.bhf.org.uk

16 August to 5 September: Shark conservation weeks, Weymouth Sealife Park. Normal entry fees apply. Visit www.sealife.co.uk

17 to 30: Matchstick Fleet – Nothe Fort. Website: www.nothefort.org.uk, normal entrance fee applies.

17 to 19: RAF Town Show at Weymouth Pavilion forecourt.

17: Nature Detectives at RSPB Radipole Lake, 10 am-1pm, 01305 778313

18: Weymouth Carnival at Weymouth Seafront

18: Weymouth Carnival Night Fireworks at 9.30pm at Weymouth Bay

20: St Martin’s Broadmayne Community Market in St Martin’s Community Hall from 2pm to 3.30pm

21: Midnight Walk on Weymouth Esplanade. Visit www.weld-hospice.org.uk

21 to 27: Dart World Sailing Championships, Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). Visit www.wpnsa.org.uk

22 to 28: Weymouth and Portland Open Bowls Tournament. Taking place in various bowls clubs throughout the borough. Visit www.weymouthbowlstourney.co.uk

25: Family Wildlife Walk at RSPB Radipole. Between 10am and noon. Contact 01305 778313

25: Bustinskin Aquathlon Series at Bowleaze Cove, 7pm to 9pm. Visit www.bustinskin.com

28 to 31: IC National Sailing Championships at Weymouth and Portland National Sailing Academy (WPNSA). Visit www.wpnsa.org.uk

29: Run 4 Your Grub at Weymouth Beach. Contact 01305 826826

29: Annual Dragon Boat Racing at Weymouth Bay between 10am to 4pm

29: Garden Party at Portland Museum. Free entry from 1.30pm