DESPITE the damp start to the day, the Minehead Summer Festival on Wednesday got underway in spectacular fashion with crowds lining the seafront.

Although the wet weather caused the timetable to be slightly delayed, the sun did eventually come out and the waiting onlookers were treated to a range of stunning acrobatic displays.

These included the ever popular Red Devils parachute team, a Tucano, a Lancaster Bomber, Breitling wing walker, the RV8tors stunt duo, Red Bull Matador and a Hunter jet.

The event was organised by Minehead's Butlin's resort with support from the Minehead Events Group.

Julian Highfield, resort director of Butlins, said: "In true British fashion, the weather wasn't allowed to spoil the day and the crowds were rewarded with sunshine for all the displays.

"I love the summer festival as it's Butlin's way of giving something back to Minehead for all the support the townspeople give to us."

The festival included street entertainment and a local exhibitors fair, including food, crafts and charity stalls.

The West Somerset Railway also ran extra trains between Bishops Lydeard and Minehead, while a park and ride operated from the car boot site on the outskirts of the town.

"As the event has grown we have tried to secure more spectacular displays.

"It was great to welcome some civilian displays this year, which added an extra dimension and really allowed us to build an air show," Mr Highfield said.

l Our pictures show, from the top, a member of the Red Devils coming in to land; the Red Bull Matador, an RAF Tocano, and a Lancaster bomber, veteran of the Second World War

Photos: Steve Guscott