THEY looped the loop and wrote a love heart in the sky as more than 20,000 spellbound people watched the Red Arrows demonstrate their aerobatic wizardry above Minehead on Wednesday.

The renowned RAF team was the headline act of the towns first summer festival and the nine daredevil pilots did not disappoint in giving it a flying start.

Crowds packed Mineheads seafront and surrounding areas for the 25-minute display and welcomed the imminent arrival of the aerial acrobats with a Mexican wave that stretched from Butlins to Quay Street.

Despite the rain of the previous day, the festival basked in glorious sunshine, with organisers declaring it had gone without a hitch.

Julian Highfield, resort director at Butlins which organised the event with support from West Somerset Council and Minehead Town Council, said it had completely exceeded expectations.

Organisers had been left holding their breath after the RAFs entire fleet of Hawk jets - used by the Red Arrows - was grounded after a fault was discovered in a plane based at RAF Valley on Anglesey.

But they were cleared to fly again in time for the Minehead display.

It shows what we can achieve when all partners, the business community and local people work together, said Mr Highfield.

The aerial displays were excellent and it was good to see so many families enjoying the day.

Red was definitely the festival theme, with the entertainment being given a kickstart by the appearance of the Red Devils, the display team of the Parachute Regiment and the British Army, who dropped in to the delight of the crowds.

On the ground, the Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service demonstrated how its crews cut free trapped road traffic accident victims, and there was a wealth of street entertainment and stalls to keep visitors amused.

Minehead Chamber of Trade chairman Marcus Kravis said the event seemed to have gone like clockwork.

Obviously traders had a bumper day, not just on the seafront but also in The Avenue, The Parade and on the harbour, he said.

Lots of people have always thought bringing the Red Arrows to Minehead would be great and Wednesday proved that the town is ideal for such an event.

There was praise for Butlins for pulling off the double aerial coup from Mr Kravis and district council lead member for economic regeneration Cllr David Sanders.

Cllr Sanders said all the organisations and individuals involved should be thanked for their efforts in making the day such a success, in particular police event planner Adrian Gridley and local businessman Checo Lynch for opening up his land off Seaward Way free of charge for parking.

The festival showcased fantastic displays and brought thousands of people to the town who may not have otherwise come to experience what Minehead has to offer, said Cllr Sanders.

It is an excellent family resort and events like this can only boost its popularity with visitors.

This is good news for our economy which relies heavily on the tourism industry.

Despite the number of people turning out for the event, the police faced few problems.

Minehead-based Sergeant Tom Mayberry said the success of the day had been due to the efforts of all the partners working together to bring an event of this scale to the town for the first time.

It was a very friendly and trouble-free event and it was nice to see so many families enjoying a great day out, he said.

Photos: Steve Guscott