Watchet will be heaving with visitors today and across the weekend as the town’s music festival makes its much anticipated return.

Tickets sold out fast for the event, cancelled last year because of the Covid-19 pandemic.

Although it is at Parsonage Farm, overlooking the town, it is expected that many will wander down to the shops and businesses in and around Swain Street and The Esplanade.

They can get there from the site aboard a minibus sponsored by Pebbles Inn in Market Street.

Another of Watchet’s businesses, Richard Little Family Butchers, is opening on Sunday and bringing in extra supplies of sausages, bacon and the like.

The Esplanade Club, a music venue in its own right, supports the festival, too. Roy and Helen Chave provide entertainment for their customers who are unable to go into the site – and some festival-goers who want to sample music off the field.

Shed Seven, Sister Sledge, The Feeling, Gabrielle and The Aces are the headline acts at Parsonage Farm but ‘quieter’ attractions – like the Prayer Tent, open all weekend, and a silent disco each night from 8pm to midnight, are also on offer.

The silent disco is hosted by Elliot’s Touch, one of the charities supported by Watchet Live Music Festival. Visitors wear headphones to hear local DJs on the decks and all proceeds go to the charity which supports Mitochondrial Disease and Cardiomyopathy research.

The Freddie Pring Memorial Fund is also supported by the festival. Set up in memory of the Watchet-born rugby player who died in an accident aged 20, it provides funding for sports development and coaching across West Somerset.

Another of the four charities helped by the festival is Mind in Somerset which will have staff and volunteers on site to answer questions about mental health, and about workshops and demonstrations taking place over the weekend.

Festival-goers are also being encouraged to support the Quantock Foodbank by placing unwanted food in special containers before leaving. Information about this is in the Prayer Tent.

Behind the festival is not-for-profit Watchet Live CIC – recipients of the Queen’s Award for Voluntary Service.

Everything that should be done will be done to ensure the festival is Covid-secure.

All tented stages will be open-sided to significantly improve airflow. Hand sanitiser and face masks, while voluntary, will be available free of charge on arrival and at locations throughout the site.

All visitors who are not double vaccinated are being strongly advised to undertake a lateral flow test before arrival.

Enhanced cleaning will be in place, including backstage, where all staff will be wearing face coverings throughout the event.

Reusable cups have been replaced by fully compostable single-use ones.