The Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival is set to return to Weymouth’s shores this year, later than usual on 11th and 12th September. The pandemic saw the majority of events cancelled or postponed in 2020, but with the vaccine programme rolling out across the UK, there is more positivity for events in 2021.
This much-loved festival has previously attracted visitors to the Weymouth harbourside to enjoy the sunshine, a glass (or bottle) of fabulous Nyetimber English Sparkling Wine and of course, amazing seafood. With some restrictions on events potentially still in place this summer, the organisers behind the Nyetimber Dorset Seafood Festival have been working closely with both Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council to secure a new festival site which will enable visitor numbers to be responsibly controlled.
The new location will be at the Weymouth peninsula, behind the Pavilion Theatre, and is just a stone’s throw from the harbourside. Offering panoramic views of Weymouth Bay, the Jurassic Coast and the Nothe Fort and Gardens, the peninsula is an ideal event arena.
Despite the recently announced roadmap to lifting restrictions, there remains too much uncertainty for the usual July dates to be viable, however the organisers are confident that by delaying until September, the event will be able to go ahead.
Brian Cooper, Festival Director commented: “After the past year we have all endured, myself and the team are so delighted to have a plan to bring the festival back for 2021. Of course, we are not out of the woods yet and as such we have made changes to ensure the safety of our staff, the stallholders, sponsors, and of course the visitors and local residents. These changes now will hopefully signal the return of the festival for good and we look forward to welcoming locals and visitors back in September.”
With demonstration chefs on stage, live music and fabulous street food, organisers are also looking at new features; such as a chill-out zone, a green seas initiative, water displays, and much more. Stands and sponsor opportunities are still available: please contact the team at stands@dorsetseafood.co.uk for more information.
The Festival is one of the most celebrated weekends in Weymouth’s event calendar, and organisers are thrilled that this move should enable the event to go ahead this year, allowing local businesses to benefit from the visitors, monies to be raised for The Fishermen’s Mission and protecting the future of the Festival.
To ensure the safety of festival-goers, entry to the Festival will be by ticket only. Tickets are limited and start at just £10 for adults; secure your place at this summer’s seafood extravaganza at www.dorsetseafood.co.uk/book/.
