Event organisers invited to apply for free parking to support Weymouth events

Event organisers in Weymouth are being invited to apply for free parking to help support local events, thanks to a partnership between Dorset Council and Weymouth Town Council.

Applications can be made by completing a short online survey, which is open until 12pm on Wednesday 1 April.

The initiative allows local organisations to select up to four days when Dorset Council-operated car parks in Weymouth will be free of charge, helping to encourage more visitors to attend events and boost footfall in the town. The offer excludes the month of December.

Weymouth-based charities and local organisations can apply by providing details about their event, including its size, potential benefit to the town and which car park or car parks they would like to be included in the scheme.

Available car parks include Cosens Quay, Governors Lane, Harbourside, Melcombe Regis, North Quay, Park Street, Pavilion, Pavilion Forecourt, Royal Yard, Swannery, the Nothe and Lodmoor.

Applications will be reviewed by the Environment and Services Committee in April.

Committee Chair Cllr Matt Bell said:
“It’s great to be able to work in partnership again with Dorset Council to offer free parking dates to support popular events in our seaside town.

“This will provide a real boost for the town while supporting event organisers to draw more people to come and enjoy a day out in Weymouth. If you would like your event to be considered for free parking this year, please complete our short online survey by the deadline of 12pm on 1 April.”

Organisers are reminded that the four free parking days available through the scheme cannot take place in December. However, Small Business Saturday — which falls on 5 December this year — is automatically included, with Dorset Council town-centre car parks free for the day.

Anyone with questions about the application process can contact the town council by emailing events@weymouthtowncouncil.gov.uk.