THE Royal Air Force Battle of Britain Memorial Flight and a Sea King helicopter will be headlining this year's Minehead Summer Festival alongside the renowned Red Arrows and Red Devils.

The spectacular display on Wednesday August 10 is being brought to Minehead by Butlins with support from the Minehead Events Group (MEG), which is organising street entertainment and a market for a day that promises fun for all the family.

Local businesses including the West Somerset Free Press have stepped in to support the spectacular summer day out, with visitors expected to throng to the resort to watch the Spitfire, Hurricane and Lancaster bomber of the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

Attractions on the ground will include flight simulators, bouncy castles, a display by the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, a marching band, morris men and stalls include arts, craft and food producers.

The line up for the day so far includes:

l 11am market stalls open

l 12 noon Sea King helicopter lands on the seafront at Warren Road upper car park

l 12.15pm Battle of Britain Memorial Flight

l 1pm Red Arrows

l 2pm Red Devils

Julian Highfield, Butlins resort director, said: "Last year's event was a resounding success and we are making it even bigger and better this year.

"We are delighted that the Battle of Britain air show will be joining last year's favourites.

"The Sea King crew have confirmed they'll not only be flying but also landing on the seafront so that people have a chance to see around the helicopter and chat to the pilots.

"This event benefits the whole community and we hope that everyone has a great day out in Minehead."

While the main beach will be closed at the request of the flying display teams, the northern end of the beach opposite the West Somerset Railway and around to Culvercliff will remain open.

However, the extra entertainments and stalls mean road closures will be extended this year.

The road from the Seaward Way roundabout near Butlins will be closed to the junction of Glenmore Road at the lower end of The Avenue, while Quay Street will be closed to the junction of Blenheim Road.

Marcus Kravis, a member of MEG and Minehead deputy mayor, said: "We have been working hard to ensure that there is even more going on in the town this year so that everyone has a great time.

"In the current economic climate it is hard to find an event of this nature which is free to attend, so we hope it will be well supported."

West Somerset Railway is running an enhanced service, with visitors having a chance to park at Bishop's Lydeard station and let trains from the country's longest heritage railway take the strain to Minehead.

More information about the railway's services is available online at http://www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk">www.west-somerset-railway.co.uk

A park and walk will be operating from Seaward Way and drivers are being encouraged to use either that or the train to ease congestion due to the road closures.

There is also still time for businesses to take part in the festival and anyone interested in having a stall can contact Jill Homewood via email at [email protected]">[email protected].

The fee for charity pitches will be £35, for local producers, arts and crafts, £45, and commercial traders's fees start at £50. There is a 15 per cent discount for members of Minehead Chamber of Trade.

Marshals are also needed and volunteers can register their interest with Jenny Genge on 07920 834067.

As well as the West Somerset Free Press, the festival is also sponsored by Eagle Plant Hire and First Transport.

The Minehead Events Group includes representatives from West Somerset Council, Minehead Chamber of Trade, Minehead Town Council, the West Somerset Railway, SuperAct, Minehead EYE and Minehead Hoteliers Association.