A DYNAMIC mix of music, entertainment, dance, crafts, and family and children’s entertainment brought the crowds to Minehead’s Blenheim Gardens on Saturday (May 9) for the first ‘Party in the Park’ since the Covid lockdown.

Organised by Minehead Rotary Club and the town council, the parties had been a regular annual event since 2013 and became popular free community get-togethers.

A spokesman for the organisers said: “The weather on Saturday was perfect and contributed significantly to what turned out to be a great celebration with Blenheim Gardens really looking wonderful.”

It was the first time Somerset Day had been celebrated in Minehead and the day’s programme featured a variety of entertainment on and around the bandstand, as well as stands showcasing a number of local community groups, charities and retailers.

Members of Impakt Dance Group entertain the 'Party in the Park' Minehead crowd. PHOTO: Richard Robbins.
Members of Impakt Dance Group entertain the 'Party in the Park' Minehead crowd. PHOTO: Richard Robbins. (Richard Robbins)

There were fun and games for youngsters in the form of games provided by Butlin’s Redcoats and youth workers from the Minehead Eye, alongside an enclosure of miniature goats brought along by Tiny Hooves Party Co.

Three iconic traditional Hobby Horses also joined in the celebrations during the afternoon, giving visitors the opportunity to get up close and find out all about them.

Compere on the bandstand for the afternoon was Paul Yates, who was joined by his sister Michelle to sing a number of songs in between the acts.

The entertainment was a mixture of established acts and local groups.

Music was provided by Watchet Town Band, the Rivertones, a capella choir from Taunton, and Tico, a West Somerset-based group playing Latin, Bossa, and Gypsy swing songs.

Minehead’s own popular ukulele group also gave a performance.

The party gave the rotary club an opportunity to feature and promote a number youth groups the club has helped recently with grants, as supporting and empowering young people is one of the club’s key activities.

A popular attraction was the South Coast Waves, a cheerleading group based in Washford, which has won many national competitions and qualified to send two teams to world championships in Florida next year.

A number of its performers gave impressive demonstrations on the grass in front of the band stage.

Minehead Rotary Cub with one of the town's three iconic Hobby Horses at the 'Party in the Park'. PHOTO: Richard Robbins.
Minehead Rotary Cub with one of the town's three iconic Hobby Horses at the 'Party in the Park'. PHOTO: Richard Robbins. (Richard Robbins)

There were also performances by the Impakt and Phoenix dance groups and Mini MADS (Minehead Amateur Drama School).

Retail opportunities were provided by Exmoor Engraving, Occasions by Porsche, Freya Smith Photography, Jewellery Vixen, and a large array of plants from James Penny.

The spokesman said: “The gardens were busy from the start at noon and there was a vibrant atmosphere throughout the afternoon with visitors enjoying picnics and lunches and refreshments from the Blenheim Gardens Café.

“The afternoon was a great success and Minehead Rotary Club and Minehead Town Council hope to make it an annual event once more.”

Community and charity stands at the event included Minehead Rotary Club, Minehead Town Council, Minehead Coast Watch, Minehead RNLI Station, Minehead WInspirations (WI), Minehead Museum, Minehead and District Lions Club, The Minehead Shed, Minehead Dementia Action Group, West Somerset Food Cupboard, and Minehead Repair Café.