Members of the Team GB sailing team will take part in a parade through Weymouth and Portland on an open top bus to celebrate their success in the London 2012 sailing events.
Members of the sailing team will travel through the borough on Weymouth Carnival Day, Wednesday 15 August, to thank fans for their tremendous support throughout the Games.
The athletes will start their celebratory open top bus parade from Osprey Quay and will travel through Fortuneswell, arriving at the first viewing point at Portland Heights for 3.30pm.
At 4.15pm they will then travel to Weymouth through Victoria Square onto Wyke Regis for approximately 5pm, before travelling along Buxton Road, Rodwell Avenue and into Hope Square.
The Team GB celebratory bus parade will culminate with a tour of Weymouth Seafront from the Pavilion to Lodmoor at 6.20pm; ahead of the traditional Weymouth Carnival procession.
Lindsey Bell of the RYA, said: “We would like to thank the residents and visitors to Weymouth and Portland for their amazing support, the likes of which we’ve never seen at an Olympic sailing event before. It was fantastic to see the crowds turning up to cheer on the athletes and their support really pushed the sailors to achieve their best and they couldn’t have done it without them.”
Weymouth and Portland Borough Council Tourism and Culture brief holder Cllr Ian Bruce said: “Huge congratulations go out to the Team GB sailors. We are delighted to have such amazing athletes in our borough. The 2012 Olympic sailing events have put Weymouth and Portland on the map. We have had fantastic local, national and global coverage of the area and we hope that everyone who has seen our wonderful borough on the TV will come to the area in the future. I know all the residents and visitors in Weymouth and Portland will want to come down to the seafront and show their support on Wednesday and make this the best Olympic celebration and Carnival ever. Team GB sailors we salute you – you are awesome.”
Lots of events will be happening throughout Weymouth Carnival Day on Wednesday 15 August. Roger Hogbin, Carnival Chairman said: “The organisers of Weymouth Carnival are delighted that members of the GB sailing team have agreed to hold a celebratory parade during the Carnival along Weymouth Esplanade. The Carnival organisers are pleased to assist with the arrangements to enable the people of Weymouth the opportunity to congratulate the team and allow us all to join in their celebrations.”
Carnival day itself will commence at 10am, with the crowning of the Carnival Queen on the balcony of the Old Vic, followed by the Red Devils parachute team dropping onto the beach at 10.30am. There will then be free entertainment throughout the day on the stage and on the beach as well as a host of performances and activities in the ‘fun zone’ on the Esplanade between 12 noon and 4pm. There will also be several air displays, including the popular Battle of Britain Memorial Flight, a single Yak aerobatic display, and then the spectacular Aerostars. The evening will finish with fireworks and the grand draw, this year’s first prize being a BMW Mini First.
For more information visit www.weymouthcarnival2012.co.uk
While there are viewing opportunities along the route, the recommended places to view are at Portland Heights and along the Esplanade in Weymouth.
All Team GB sailors have been invited to take part in the parade. However, it will be up to the athletes themselves as to whether they take part. Details of which athletes will be taking part are unlikely to be available before the event.