The 2023 Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic has been officially launched ahead of the competition, which will take place from Thursday, July 20 to Sunday, July 23.

We Are Weymouth (BID) and Weymouth Town Council are once again sponsoring the event, which was first held on Weymouth Beach in 1983. 

This fantastic show of sportsmanship is often referred to as the "Wimbledon of beach volleyball" and sees teams from across the country competing for the winning title. 

In the build up to the competition, the beach volleyball courts have been in full swing with local teams training and newcomers trying the sport for the first time.   

The first action will be on the evening of Thursday, July 20 when the traditional Nantes charity event will be held with 32 local businesses taking part.

This will be followed on Friday afternoon when teams will be competing for just two spots in the main draw of the men's and women's competition.

The main event kicks off on Saturday morning at 9am with the first round pool matches and the action continues all day. 

Sunday is finals day, starting with the quarter finals in the morning building to the women's final at 3pm followed by the men's final. The centre court has free seating for 200 people and seats are available all weekend.

Chief operations officer for We Are Weymouth, Dawn Rondeau, commented: "Once again We Are Weymouth (BID) is thrilled to be the main sponsor, alongside Weymouth Town Council, for the Weymouth Beach Volleyball Classic. 

"Not only does this event showcase our award-winning beach, it brings visitors to the town beforehand, during and after the event - all making the most of the courts. 

"We're very proud to be contributing to an event that has been held in Weymouth for the past 30-plus years, what a superb legacy for the town."       

Event co-director Pete Bennett said: "The standard of British Beach Volleyball improves every year as was clearly seen at last year's Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

"Three of the competitors from the Games will be competing in Weymouth, the Scottish pair and last year's winners Lynn Beattie and Mel Coutts and England player Jess Grimson.

"This year's strength in depth is very clear with both men's and women's qualifying events on Friday being full with a waiting list."

The Mayor of Weymouth, Cllr Kate Wheller, added: "I am looking forward to attending this event as Mayor of Weymouth and welcoming the crowds and cheering on the teams. It's great to have this prestigious event being held on our award winning beach."

After a day watching the action, why not stop for dinner in one of Weymouth's award-winning restaurants or head to one of many live music menus. Don't forget a cocktail or glass of wine on the seafront admiring the bay.

For full information on where to stay and what to do, visit www.weareweymouth.co.uk