THE third annual Words in Watchet literary festival held in the town proved another huge success and the organising committee is already planning an even more glittering event for 2027.

The air was buzzing with ideas, from one end of Swain Street to the other, and there was a packed weekend of events for all tastes with talks covering everything from wildlife and the spice trade to photography and Dungeons and Dragons.

Friday’s fun programme for children and families in Watchet’s Boat Museum varied from sea monsters, treasure, and puppets, to messages in bottles.

The brave could seek Watchet’s unique ‘Mud Monster’ lurking near the marina.

The results of the children’s competition, Weird Words, were announced and prizes awarded.

All weekend, ‘Xanadu’ hosted an anthology of poets from local groups including the Quantock Poets and Fire River Poets, plus some outstanding individual performances.

MC Graeme Ryan made sure every poet’s words could shine.

On Saturday evening, Hazel Prior’s harp sounded though the Methodist church, plus a reading by award-winning poet Fiona Benson.

Prize winners of the yearly open poetry competition were announced, plus the results of the flash fictioncompetition.

Visitors enjoyed a fascinating talk about the birth of photography, illustrated with Victorian photographs, by Terrence Sackett, while celebrated storyteller Hugh Lupton held his audience spellbound in the Backyard Theatre, telling a Russian fairytale and true-life tales of Arthur Ransome.

Ghostly tales, in Chives, on Saturday evening, were served together with a goulash supper.

Fantasy writers, gamers, and fans were entertained on Saturday by Josh Ogilvie, whose just-published first novel is called ‘FurKnight’, and Jonathan Green, who writes popular fantasy games books, and Chris Crockford, who ran a Dungeons and Dragons adventure game.

Booker shortlisted writer Andrew Miller, author of ‘The Land in Winter,’ was interviewed by festival chair Anne Lovejoy at an East Quay kitchen supper.

Also feeding the body as well as the mind, local travel and food journalist Martin Hesp hosted a Saturday lunch in the Spice Merchant, and fan-favourite detective novelist Damien Boyd discussed his novels in the West Somerset Hotel, over a Sunday lunch.

Dr Lucy Pollock gave some perceptive ‘lessons in living from a doctor of ageing’ and Chris Ewan discussed his tense and nail-biting thrillers to a fascinated audience.

Nick Nugent, retired BBC World Service broadcaster, presented an interesting talk about the history of the spice trade with a beautiful accompanying book, and Nigel Phillips talked about wildlife which can be seen in the area, introducing his latest book, ‘The Nature of The Quantocks’.

A spokesperson for the festival said: “Local authors spoke about their work and there was something for everybody, whatever their interests.

“Indeed, if you were not in Watchet for the weekend you really missed out.

“If you are interested in being a part of next year’s festival, as an author, a volunteer, or an attendee, do get in touch with us or just keep an eye on our website for the latest news.”