Organisers of the second Somerset and Exmoor Coastal Festival are on their marks and getting set to make this year’s event even bigger and better than the first, having added trail running to the mix.
The festival, scheduled for September 21 to 29, is put together by the King Charles III England Coast Path team based at Somerset Council, which this year has teamed up with local outdoor events organisers, Channel UK Events CIC to offer new challenges.
As well as the 80 Miles in Eight Days walking challenge – starting at Brean Down and ending in Porlock via County Gate – this year’s festival will include trail running events with a Marathon and a 100km Ultra Marathon on the penultimate day, September 28, courtesy of Channel Events. Both trail running distances will finish with a lap of Brean Down, the 100km starting in Minehead and the marathon staring in Bridgwater.
According to Dan Brice of Channel Events, the initial response to the new events has been overwhelming. He said: “We hope this translates into fantastic entry numbers making these a ‘must do’ 100km ultra and marathon.”
The idea behind the festival is to showcase Somerset’s unique yet often overlooked coastline and all it has to offer residents and visitors. Organisers are working with tourism and hospitality businesses close to the coast to raise awareness of its beauty, history and heritage.
Isobel Pring, of the Somerset Trail Partnership for the King Charles III England Coast Path, said: “We are excited to introduce so many newcomers to our stretch of coast which is rich with geology, wildlife, history and spectacular scenery.
“We already have 60 events on the website and are delighted that the festival is running at the same time as the wonderful Somerset Art Weeks and the fabulous Brean Country and Western Festival, giving visitors a great range of activities to choose from while they are with us.”
Festival goers planning to walk can opt in to the whole 80-mile challenge or enjoy just sections of it, and there are numerous other walks on offer with themes including poetry, art and history. There are even night walks and a walk for toddlers.
Among the many highlights of this year’s event are a Fuse Fire and Light Trail in Bridgwater at the start on September 21 and an evening of shanty songs with the Barnacle Buoys, at Sparkhayes Campsite in Porlock on September 29, followed by a free Fire and Light night walk on Porlock Marshes to finish.
Visit www.somersetcoastfestival.co.uk for more information and to plan your visit.
