ORGANISERS of Swanage Regatta & Carnival 2023 have paid tribute to the “brilliant, dedicated team of volunteers” who help put on the event after being shortlisted for a prestigious award.

The eight-day event, which took place from July 29 top August 5, is a finalist at the Dorset Tourism Awards in the Tourism Event/Festival of the Year category.

Winners of the awards, recognising the best of tourist-focussed business in the county, will be announced at a glittering ceremony in Weymouth on February 1.

And chair of the event, Darren Strong, said organisers were thrilled to make the list.

“This is a fantastic achievement to be recognised and nominated as one of the best tourism events and festivals of the year in Dorset,” he said.

“It is a testament to all the hard work that goes into making our eight-day event now one of the biggest attractions in the south thanks to our brilliant, dedicated team of volunteers.”

READ MORE: Swanage Carnival hands out more than £27,000 to good causes
READ MORE: Dorset Tourism Awards 2023/24 shortlist announced

A total of 62 finalists have been announced for the Dorset Tourism Awards following five months of judging.

The suspense will be ended at the Awards Ceremony, set to be held at Weymouth Pavilion.

Fundraising efforts at the carnival saw more than 20 good causes receive donations totalling more than £27,000.

Representatives from 23 organisations were invited to a special presentation event in October, where carnival volunteers handed over donations from funds raised at this year’s event.