with nautical novices for a bank holiday weekend event with a reputation that has spread nationwide. The renowned Blue Anchor to Minehead Raft Race celebrated its 26th anniversary last Sunday, with organisers dubbing the record breaking challenge "the best ever". At least 10,000 people lined the streets around Minehead Harbour to watch the 50 competitors cross the finishing line and to enjoy an extravaganza of live music followed by a spectacular firework finale. And bucket collections for the event, which is organised by the Minehead lifeboat crew in aid of the RNLI, brought in a record £6,000 alone. Derek Williams, one of the organisers, said: "It was excellent, fabulous and I don't think it could have been better. "The weather was fantastic and there were more people around the harbour than I think we have ever seen. "Even the crowds at Blue Anchor for the start of the race were greater than usual. "Last year we raised £10,000 after all the sponsorship was in and the costs taken out - the most ever - and we're convinced that we'll at least match that." Organisers built on the tradition of staging live music - introduced in the last few years - with the Blackdown Samba Band making its first appearance at the event and local musicians the Gloria Lawrence Band performing during the evening. Music, quizzes and games throughout the afternoon in the Courtyard bar of the Old Ship Aground helped get the crowds in party mood and there was also an all-day barbecue from the same venue..... MORE IN THIS WEEK'S FREE PRESS