THE sky along Minehead seafront was awash with red, white and blue as the Red Arrows wowed a crowd of around 12,000 people last week.

The breathtaking display team were the star attraction at Minehead’s Summer Festival on Wednesday, August 15, thundering in and performing an amazing series of acrobatic manoeuvres.

The crowd also enjoyed another free air show from the Red Devils who put on a precision parachuting performance.

Cllr Karen Mills, tourism and economic development portfolio holder for West Somerset Council, said: “This is the major event in Minehead and a huge amount of time and hard work has gone into organising it.

“Thanks to the Butlins Red Arrows display we have been able to organise this into a festival that brings real benefits to Minehead and West Somerset.”

Chairman of Somerset County Council Christine Lawrence, who represents the Dunster division, was delighted to visit the festival and meet local people and visitors.

“It’s a fantastic day and it’s lovely to see so many people having a relaxing time on the seafront on the beach,” she said.

Visitors to the festival provided Minehead’s shops, cafes and pubs with a boost as well as enjoying the numerous stalls, sideshows and entertainment on offer.

Mayor of Minehead, Jean Parbrook, said: “It’s been a glorious day and it was wonderful to see so many people enjoying themselves.”

Holidaymakers gave the event a resounding thumbs up as well. The Lewis family, from South Wales, said the festival of their stay. Dad Ryan said: “The kids love it – they can run about on the beach, let off some steam and watch the Red Arrows. We’ve never seen the display live before – and we will be back next year!”