UP to £10,000 of new funding is needed to secure the future of West Somerset’s largest free, one-day festival, councillors were told this week.

Minehead Coast and Development Trust (MCDT) has organised the Minehead Bay Festival on the sea front and beach for the past four years with funding support from the Hinkley Point C community impact mitigation fund and the National Lottery Community Fund.

But, festival director Zara Aitken told Minehead town councillors on Tuesday (February 24) the lottery funding was gradually reducing and the 2026 event scheduled for August 29 would need about 50 per cent match funding, equating to about £10,000.

She said an estimated 5,000 people had attended each festival, even in 2025 when the event was hit by heavy rainfall, with about 70 per cent of them being local to West Somerset.

Councillors, who last year gave £2,500 of sponsorship to help put on the festival, were told its focus was on arts and music with an aim to promote local artists and musicians while also attracting higher quality performers to enhance cultural activity in Minehead, offering something for all ages.

Ms Aitken said any support the town council could provide would not only help secure the festival’s future but also strengthen further grant applications by demonstrating strong local backing.

She said MCDT was exploring additional fund-raising and sponsorship opportunities to ensure the festival’s ongoing viability.

Ms Aitken said the festival was delivered by a team of more than 40 volunteers, contributing significantly to its community spirit.

Several local businesses said they had noted increased trade on the day and some visitors now planned their stay in Minehead around the festival dates.

Ms Aitken said with increased support, MCDT aimed to expand the event further across the town, celebrating Minehead’s heritage and culture and encouraging wider community involvement.