A WEEK of Summertime celebrations, which ended in Watchet on Saturday (August 22), was hailed as one of the best yet by residents, visitors, and in social media posts, despite the traditional firework display being postponed for fire safety reasons.

The action-filled week of events, bathed in dazzling sunny weather, brought packed crowds to the town.

A major highlight was Thursday’s Parade of Lights along the Esplanade led by town crier David Milton.

Summertime chairman Roger Ham said: “Everybody seemed to have a really good time throughout the week.

“Watchet’s wonderful community spirit is the reason why the event is always such a success.

Summertime chairman Roger Ham and Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor present 12-year-old Aiden Perkins with his prize in the Lego competition. The other winners were Paige Ewings, aged eight, and Marley Gamblin, aged seven. PHOTO: Peter Mather.Watchet Summertime's lantern parade. PHOTO: Peter Mather.Market stalls at Watchet Summertime were busy on the Esplanade. PHOTO: George Ody.Yankee Jack with harbourside crowds enjoying Watchet Summertime festivities. PHOTO: George Ody.A youngster tries his hand at rope making during Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: Peter Mather.No, not a hen party, it's all part of the Watchet Summertime fun. PHOTO: Peter Mather.Barry Kool entertains the crowds at Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: George Ody.Watchet Summertime crowds enjoy the music finale as daylight fades. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

Summertime chairman Roger Ham and Watchet Mayor Cllr Loretta Whetlor present 12-year-old Aiden Perkins with his prize in the Lego competition. The other winners were Paige Ewings, aged eight, and Marley Gamblin, aged seven. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

Watchet Summertime's lantern parade. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

Market stalls at Watchet Summertime were busy on the Esplanade. PHOTO: George Ody.

Yankee Jack with harbourside crowds enjoying Watchet Summertime festivities. PHOTO: George Ody.

A youngster tries his hand at rope making during Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

No, not a hen party, it's all part of the Watchet Summertime fun. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

Barry Kool entertains the crowds at Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: George Ody.

Watchet Summertime crowds enjoy the music finale as daylight fades. PHOTO: Peter Mather.

“Everybody rallies round and works really hard.

“They all deserve our thanks.”

Western Marinas, which is revitalising the town’s marina, put on a range of nautical events and welcomed a near-record number of visiting boats.

The Esplanade was filled with harbourside stalls catering for a wide variety of interests, with music and entertainment providing a constant backdrop to what has become a major tourist event.

Organisers claimed there was something for everybody to enjoy, from market stalls to a children’s fun day, to craft workshops, and Punch and Judy.

Monday kicked off with a grand opening and events include an Esplanade market, a giant Lego competition, and a performance by Watchet Community Choir, while Tuesday was a craft day with a seaside theme.

Minehead Samba Band performing at Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: George Ody.
Minehead Samba Band performing at Watchet Summertime. PHOTO: George Ody. (George Ody)

Wednesday was the town council’s market day, with day-long entertainment, followed on Thursday by a charity stall market and Don’s Showtime featuring local musicians.

Friday was the day of the Watchet Boat Show, with a boat jumble and demonstrations by Watchet Sea Scouts and the RNLI.

Saturday’s grand finale saw a wide variety of attractions from a hog roast to a drumming samba band, with free entertainment and a host of new events bringing near-capacity crowds to the town.