SUMMER fun in Minehead is set to hot up this year as organisers of the town’s festival work hard to ensure it’s an event to remember.

Crowd favourites the Red Arrows will make their return in a spectacular opening in an aerial display including a Search and Rescue Sea King helicopter, the Red Devils – the Parachute Regiment’s Freefall team – and the RAF Tutor display team and even a Spitfire.

The festival has been extended to last four days promising to be the biggest and best to date.

Stalls and entertainment will line the seafront and a continental market and attractions for children will keep visitors of all ages entertained.

Local bands and musicians will have a ‘golden’ opportunity to perform thanks to The Beach Hotel and the Hobby Horse and performers can ask for donations towards their costs or for a charitable cause.

West Somerset Cllr Paul Grierson said the decision to extend the festival was aimed at maximising entertainment and providing a boost to the local economy.

He added: “I can promise we are all working extremely hard to make Minehead Summer Festival a success and we would warmly welcome volunteers who want to be involved in making the most of Minehead.

“There will be lots to do and so much to enjoy.

“We are grateful for the sponsorship we have already received and look forward to even more support.

“If people can volunteer a few hours of their time to help as marshals, we would be delighted to hear from them.”

Organisers are appealing for local people to come forward and help – either businesses offering sponsorship support or residents volunteering to act as marshals and welcomers.

The festival, organised by Minehead Events Group, is supported by Butlins, West Somerset Council, Minehead Town Council and the Minehead Vision Group.

The fun kicks off on August 13 and is immediately followed on Sunday August 17 by the annual Blue Anchor to Minehead Raft Race – one of the biggest fundraisers staged by the local RNLI.

A spectacular fireworks display will round off the day at the harbour.

The second Harbour Festival will be on July 12, with entertainment and a pig roast at the harbour.