THE Watchet Summertime celebrations return to the town on Monday (August 17) for a week-long bonanza of free events and entertainment for all the family which organisers believe is all set to be one of the best in the event’s 12-year history.

The Esplanade will be filled with harbourside stalls catering for a wide variety of interests, with music and entertainment providing a constant backdrop to what has become a major tourist event.

Organisers said there will be something everybody to enjoy, from market stalls to a children’s fun day, to craft workshops, boat rides, Punch and Judy, and a retro disco, topped on Saturday by the now-legendary firework display.

Monday will kick-off with a grand opening and events include an Esplanade market, a giant Lego competition, and a performance by Watchet Community Choir, while Tuesday will be a craft day with a seaside theme.

Wednesday is Watchet Town Council market day, with day-long entertainment, followed on Thursday by a charity stall market and Don’s Showtime featuring local musicians.

A literal highlight of Thursday’s entertainment will be the ‘Night of Lights’ parade along the Esplanade by children and adults dressed in lights or carrying battery-powered lanterns.

Friday will be the day of the Watchet Boat Show with a boat jumble and demonstrations by the 1st Watchet Sea Scouts and the RNLI.

On Saturday, the grand finale will have a wide variety of stalls and attractions from a hog roast to a samba band.

The celebrations will go out with a bang on Saturday night with a spectacular firework display expected to bring more than 1,000 visitors to the town and which can be seen from Wales.

It will be the climax of an action-packed week of events and free entertainment, with a host of new attractions bringing capacity crowds to the town.