IT was eyes skywards for a feast of aerobatic entertainment at the launch of Minehead's Summer Festival on Wednesday. With the weather holding fair, the renowned Red Arrows display team made their third visit to the town as the crowd-pulling star attraction of the event. And after last year's disappointing wash-out in which a lonely Sea King helicopter was the only aircraft to fly, organisers were almost looping the loop themselves at the spectacle on offer. In addition to a full display from the Red Arrows, the estimated 10,000-strong crowd was entertained with a display from the Red Devils parachute team, who dropped from the sky, as well as fly-bys from a Battle of Britain Spitfire, a Dakota and a Tucano, used by the RAF for basic fast-jet training. Cllr Richard Lillis, chairman of the Minehead Events Group, which organises the festival with the financial backing and support of holiday giant Butlins, along with West Somerset Council, Minehead Town Council and the Minehead Vision Group, said the day had been brilliant: "It was absolutely superb - the teams were able to do all the displays they had planned and the crowds loved it." A continental market, live music and a range of other attractions helped keep a festival atmosphere on the ground. And Cllr Lillis said the local traders had given their overwhelming support for the event by putting their hands in their pockets to help fund marketing costs. Minehead Vision Group chairman Cllr Mandy Chilcott said so many people had worked so hard to make the event happen. "The district and Minehead town councils, Butlins, Minehead Chamber of Trade, as well as local businesses, the volunteers who helped marshal, local shops and many charities all helped to make it a success," she said. "It was a fantastic day with a wonderful, friendly atmosphere. "The feedback we have had so far has been 100 per cent positive. "This is a great way of promoting Minehead." The festival continues today (Friday) and over the weekend, with the continental market and live music and will finish with a flourish on Sunday when the RNLI stages its annual Blue Anchor to Minehead raft race. Photos: Somerset Photo News.