LANDLUBBERS, seafarers and those who fancy a taste of life on the ocean wave are being the opportunity to live aboard and sail a tall ship as part of Minehead's inaugural harbour festival celebrations.

Organisers have arranged for the tall ship the Irene of Bridgwater to take part in the festivities, including a symbolic trading exchange of goods between Minehead and Barry in South Wales.

But the highlight for many will be the chance to hop aboard the historic vessel and sail her across the Bristol Channel, staying overnight and returning the following morning.

There are just 12 places available for the trip at a cost of £100 each.

Minehead's visioning manager Stephen Hooper, who is organising the festival on July 20, said anyone could apply to be part of the crew as no previous experience was necessary.

"She will be quite a spectacle as she sails in and out of Minehead during the harbour festival," he said.

The West Country trading ketch was built in 1907 and now earns her keep as a sail training vessel and festival-goer following a six-year-old rebuild.

Places for the tall ship experience on July 19-20 can be booked through Mr Hooper either by emailing him at [email protected]">[email protected] or by telephoning him on 07989 676798.

The Minehead Harbour Festival takes place on Saturday, July 20, with activities between 11am and 4pm and again from 7pm until late.

The event will have a pirate theme and include live bands, arts and crafts, a produce market and book signings.

Local boats will be offering trips around the bay and the RNLI is planning an open day, including a lifeboat launch.

A barbecue, sea shanties and storytelling will also be part of the programme.