A HUGE, free community annual event in Minehead until the Covid pandemic lockdown is being brought back to Blenheim Gardens next week by the local Rotary.

‘Party in the Park’ will be held on Saturday, May 9, with a dynamic mix of music, amusements, dance, crafts, trade stands, and family and children’s activities which, the organisers expect, will bring residents and visitors to pack the gardens in their thousands.

Minehead Rotary Club is organising it in partnership with Minehead Town Council and it will also be an opportunity to celebrate Somerset Day.

A spokesperson said: “Why not bring a picnic and relax on the grass while you enjoy the entertainment?

“Blenheim Gardens cafe will be open for lunches and refreshments and will have some prepared picnic boxes.

“You can browse, shop, and chat with the community organisations and traders.

“The party will run from noon until 5 pm and we look forward to welcoming everybody to what we hope will be the first of many ‘Parties in the Park’.”

A wide range of entertainment centred on the bandstand and compered by Paul Yates will include the Rivertones, an all-male acappella harmony chorus, Minehead Ukulele Group, Impakt Dance and Mini MADS children’s dance group, which is for children aged four to 14 years, Watchet Town Band, and Tico, a six-piece band playing Latin, Bossa, and gypsy swing.

Also performing will be Washford-based South Coast Waves cheerleaders.

Butlin’s Redcoats will entertain younger partygoers alongside pygmy goats from Tiny Hooves, and Minehead Eye.

Trade exhibitors include Exmoor Engraving, James Penney Plants, Freya Smith Photography, and Occasions By Porsche.

Among the community group Stands will be Minehead National Coastwatch, Minehead RNLI, Minehead Women's Institute, Minehead Museum, Minehead and District Lions Club, Minehead Shed, Minehead Dementia Action Group, Minehead Repair Café, and West Somerset Food Cupboard.