Weymouth is gearing up to welcome nearly 1,000 young farmers next month as the South West Area Young Farmers’ Clubs return to the town for their 2026 annual weekend.
The event, taking place from Friday 6th to Sunday 8th March, will see members from across Dorset, Devon, Somerset, Cornwall, Wiltshire and Gloucestershire descend on the seaside resort for a packed programme of competitions and social events.
Now a familiar fixture in the town’s calendar, the Young Farmers Weekend brings a significant influx of visitors at what is traditionally a quieter time of year for the resort.
Organisers confirm that 877 tickets have already been sold, with numbers expected to rise to around 1,000 across the weekend.
Competitions will be held at the Pavilion and include public speaking, Member of the Year, dance, choir, sandcastle building and the popular high-quality entertainment contest. Evening celebrations are also scheduled for both Friday and Saturday at the Pavilion.
As in previous years, increased footfall is expected in Weymouth’s town centre, pubs and clubs during the daytime and evenings.
To help manage the event, organisers have put measures in place including pre-event briefings for all ticket holders outlining expected behaviour in and around the town. Official attendees will be identifiable by blue wristbands.
A dedicated “Town Team” will patrol the streets on Friday from 12pm until 3am and on Saturday from 10am until 3am. Team members will wear high-visibility clothing and will be available to assist wristband holders and respond quickly to any issues.
SWA Chairman Amy Wonnacott said organisers are looking forward to returning to Weymouth and working alongside local businesses and the Pavilion.
The annual gathering has become one of the largest Young Farmers events in the South West, combining competition, celebration and community spirit — with Weymouth once again at the centre of it.
